Bezos's secret Project Prometheus emerges, raising $12 billion for 'artificial engineer'

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is backing Project Prometheus, a secretive startup that has rapidly emerged as a major player in venture capital. The company recently closed a Series B funding round, securing an astonishing $12 billion and achieving a valuation of $41 billion. This funding round, which began with an initial $6.2 billion in November, marks an unprecedented event in the history of venture capital, given the startup's short existence.

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We have nothing to do with robotics.

Bezos, along with his partner Lauren Sanchez, is investing heavily in Prometheus. Other significant investors include major financial institutions such as JPMorgan, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs. The company is co-led by Vik Bajaj, a distinguished scientist formerly with Google X and an adjunct professor at Stanford. Despite early speculation about a focus on robotics, Bezos has clarified that Prometheus is dedicated to "artificial intelligence for the physical economy," aiming to digitize traditional heavy industries.

The core of Prometheus's ambition is the development of a "general-purpose artificial engineer." This AI system is designed to dramatically accelerate and optimize engineering processes, particularly in the design and manufacturing of complex objects like jet engines and advanced medical equipment. Bezos likened the technology to a highly advanced CAD software, capable of independently solving difficult structural and material problems. This innovation promises to simplify the work of designers and significantly reduce the lengthy prototyping phases that involve physical models.

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artificial intelligence for the physical economy

Prometheus has already attracted around 120 top AI and engineering specialists from companies like OpenAI, DeepMind, and Meta. The startup operates offices in San Francisco, London, and Zurich. Furthermore, Bezos is reportedly in discussions with Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian investors to establish a separate fund potentially reaching $100 billion. This fund would be used for acquiring traditional companies, signaling a broader strategy to integrate AI into established industrial sectors.

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tools like a very modern version of CAD software