Robotics Startup Genesis AI Raises $105M from US and China VCs

Genesis AI, a startup focused on developing software for robots, has raised a substantial $105 million in a funding round that includes both US and Chinese investors. This rare cross-border collaboration is a significant move in an industry often divided by geopolitical tensions.

The company, headquartered in Paris and Palo Alto, California, announced the investment on Tuesday. The funding round was led by venture capital firms Khosla Ventures and Eclipse Capital, with additional participation from French public bank Bpifrance, tech billionaires Eric Schmidt and Xavier Niel, and HongShan, formerly known as Sequoia China.

The influx of capital into robotics is driven by the potential of generative AI to create dexterous autonomous machines capable of performing a wide range of manual tasks, from battlefield operations to household chores. China has made significant strides in humanoid robot production, while Europe has lagged behind, raising concerns among analysts and policymakers.

Founded last December by robotics researcher Zhou Xian and French scientist Theophile Gervet, Genesis AI aims to develop robotics systems that can automate all manual tasks. This ambitious goal is supported by a strong team with expertise in AI and robotics.

In recent years, Chinese tech companies and investors have largely avoided European markets due to geopolitical tensions. The 2023 split of venture capital powerhouse Sequoia Capital into three regional entities underscores the challenges of Chinese investments in the West.

Despite these challenges, Genesis AI's success highlights the potential for international collaboration in the tech sector. The company declined to disclose its valuation following the deal, according to Bloomberg.

This investment not only bolsters Genesis AI's position in the robotics market but also signals a potential shift in the global tech landscape, where cross-border partnerships can lead to groundbreaking innovations.