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Sakana AI, a Tokyo-based startup, has secured $100 million in Series A funding, marking a significant milestone in its mission to advance artificial intelligence in Japan. This funding round was led by New Enterprise Associates, Khosla Ventures, and Lux Capital, with additional participation from Nvidia. The financial support will be directed towards expanding the company’s talent pool and infrastructure to foster the development of sustainable, nature-inspired AI technologies.
The startup has also formed a strategic partnership with Nvidia, which includes access to advanced research facilities, data centers, and collaborative efforts to enhance foundation model development. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, highlighted that Sakana AI’s work is pivotal in democratizing AI in Japan by utilizing Nvidia’s accelerated computing platform to accelerate scientific discovery.
Sakana AI, which was founded by researchers from Google, focuses on creating foundation models inspired by nature. The collaboration with Nvidia aims to elevate Japan’s AI capabilities, which are currently perceived as less advanced compared to leading AI hubs in China and the United States. This partnership is expected to stimulate growth within Japan’s AI sector, including hosting events, hackathons, and increasing university engagement.
Earlier this year, on January 16, Sakana AI raised $30 million in a seed funding round led by Lux Capital and supported by Khosla Ventures. Additional {Crypto} backing came from 500 Global, Miyako Capital, Basis Set Ventures, JAFCO, July Fund, Geodesic Capital, and Learn Capital. The company also has a research partnership with NTT and investments from KDDI CVC and Sony Group.
This recent funding and strategic collaboration signal a robust commitment to enhancing Japan’s AI ecosystem and integrating advanced technologies into the country’s growing digital infrastructure.
