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Google Launches New Initiative To Back Startups Building AI

(Monday May 12, 2025 @11:30PM (BeauHD) from the AI-innovation dept.)


Google has [1]launched the AI Futures Fund, [2]a new initiative to invest in AI startups that are building with the latest tools from Google DeepMind. TechCrunch reports:

> The fund will back startups from seed to late stage and will offer varying degrees of support, including allowing founders to have early access to Google AI models from DeepMind, the ability to work with Google experts from DeepMind and Google Labs, and Google Cloud credits. Some startups will also have the opportunity to receive direct investment from Google.

>

> "The AI Futures Fund doesn't follow a batch or cohort model," a Google spokesperson told TechCrunch. "Instead, we consider opportunities on a rolling basis -- there's no fixed application window or deadline. When we come across companies that align with the fund's thesis, we may choose to invest. We're not announcing a specific fund size at this time, and check sizes vary based on the company's stage and needs -- typically early to mid-stage, with flexibility for later-stage opportunities as well."

Startups can apply [3]here .



[1] https://blog.google/technology/google-labs/ai-futures-fund/

[2] https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/12/google-launches-new-initiative-to-back-startups-building-ai/

[3] https://labs.google/aifuturesfund



Several years ago, some smart businessmen had an idea: Why not build a big
store where a do-it-yourselfer could get everything he needed at reasonable
prices? Then they decided, nah, the hell with that, let's build a home
center. And before long home centers were springing up like crabgrass all
over the United States.
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