Ashton Kutcher’s VC firm, Sound Ventures, along with general partners Guy Oseary and Effie Epstein, is making a bold move in the field of AI. They have recently invested in Fei-Fei Li’s World Labs, as revealed at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024.
The AI Revolution
Fei-Fei Li, known as the “Godmother of AI,” has garnered significant support for her startup, which aims to create “large world models” capable of engaging with the 3D world. With backing from investors like a16z, NEA, and Radical Ventures, the company has already reached a valuation of over $1 billion. Their target customers include game companies and movie studios, where insights from a Hollywood actor-turned-investor like Kutcher could prove valuable.
Sound Ventures’ AI Fund
Sound Ventures’ $265 million AI fund has also invested in major AI companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Hugging Face, Stability AI, and Magic.dev. Kutcher mentioned their confidence in OpenAI’s growth, as they have yet to sell any of their shares.
Embracing AI Innovation
The team at Sound Ventures is keen on exploring startups that are revolutionizing AI technology, whether through new hardware forms or operating systems. Oseary highlighted their interest in Humane and Rabbit, two companies pushing the boundaries of AI hardware.
In a rapidly evolving landscape, where AI and hardware intersect, Sound Ventures sees endless possibilities. They are excited about the potential of new AI devices, including the collaboration between Jony Ive and Sam Altman at OpenAI. The future holds promise for groundbreaking advancements that could reshape the tech industry.
Watch the full discussion on sound investments in 2024 with Ashton Kutcher at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024.
