Nvidia has transformed from a graphics chip manufacturer into an artificial intelligence powerhouse, strategically deploying billions across the startup ecosystem. The company’s aggressive Nvidia AI investments strategy has positioned it at the center of the AI revolution, backing over 50 ventures in 2025 alone. This comprehensive approach demonstrates how Nvidia is building an entire ecosystem around its technology.
Nvidia’s Explosive Investment Strategy
Nvidia’s corporate investment arm has dramatically accelerated its pace. According to PitchBook data, the company participated in 50 venture capital deals in 2025, surpassing the 48 deals completed throughout 2024. Additionally, NVentures, Nvidia’s formal corporate VC fund, engaged in 21 deals this year compared to just one in 2022. This massive expansion reflects Nvidia’s commitment to expanding the AI ecosystem by backing what it calls “game changers and market makers.”
Billion-Dollar Nvidia AI Investments
The chipmaker has placed significant bets on several AI giants. Notably, Nvidia backed OpenAI for the first time in October 2024, investing $100 million as part of a $6.6 billion round. Furthermore, the company announced plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI over time through a strategic partnership. Similarly, Nvidia participated in Elon Musk’s xAI $6 billion round and committed to investing up to $2 billion in xAI’s planned $20 billion funding round.
Key billion-dollar investments include:
- Mistral AI: €1.7 billion Series C at €11.7 billion valuation
- Reflection AI: $2 billion funding round at $8 billion valuation
- Thinking Machines Lab: $2 billion seed round at $12 billion valuation
- Wayve: $1.05 billion autonomous driving round with additional $500 million commitment
- Figure AI: Over $1 billion Series C at $39 billion valuation
Strategic Nvidia AI Investments Across Industries
Nvidia’s investment strategy extends beyond pure AI companies. The chipmaker has diversified its portfolio across multiple sectors. For instance, it backed Commonwealth Fusion’s $863 million nuclear energy round and participated in Scale AI’s $1 billion funding. Additionally, Nvidia invested in CoreWeave when it was still a startup, demonstrating early recognition of promising infrastructure companies.
The company has also shown interest in healthcare AI, participating in Hippocratic AI’s $141 million Series B. Similarly, Nvidia backed autonomous vehicle companies like Nuro and Waabi, showing its commitment to AI applications beyond traditional computing.
Emerging Companies in Nvidia’s Portfolio
Several promising startups have benefited from Nvidia AI investments. Perplexity AI raised $500 million with Nvidia’s participation, reaching an $18 billion valuation. Poolside secured $500 million for its AI coding assistant, while Lambda raised $480 million for AI cloud services. Together AI received $305 million in Series B funding with Nvidia’s backing, highlighting the chipmaker’s focus on AI infrastructure.
Notable emerging companies:
- Reka AI: $110 million round tripling valuation to over $1 billion
- Sakana AI: $214 million Series A at $1.5 billion valuation
- Firmus Technologies: $215 million for AI factory development
- Runway: $308 million for generative AI media tools
The Impact of Nvidia AI Investments
Nvidia’s investment strategy creates a powerful flywheel effect. The company provides funding to startups that then purchase Nvidia hardware, driving revenue growth. This approach has helped Nvidia become a $4.5 trillion market cap company. Moreover, these strategic Nvidia AI investments ensure the company remains at the forefront of AI innovation across multiple domains.
The investments also create strategic partnerships. For example, Nscale is building data centers for OpenAI’s Stargate project after raising $1.1 billion. Similarly, Lambda’s business involves renting servers powered by Nvidia GPUs, creating a symbiotic relationship between investor and portfolio company.
Future Outlook for Nvidia’s Investment Strategy
Nvidia shows no signs of slowing its investment pace. The company continues to identify promising AI startups across various sectors. Furthermore, its willingness to invest in competing companies demonstrates a broad ecosystem approach. This strategy ensures Nvidia remains central to AI development regardless of which specific companies succeed.
The chipmaker’s focus on infrastructure companies like CoreWeave and Lambda suggests continued emphasis on building the foundational layer of AI computation. Meanwhile, investments in application companies like Perplexity and Hippocratic AI show commitment to end-user AI solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many startups has Nvidia invested in?
Nvidia participated in 50 venture capital deals in 2025 alone, surpassing the 48 deals completed in all of 2024. This excludes investments made through its formal corporate VC fund, NVentures.
What is Nvidia’s largest AI investment?
Nvidia announced plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI over time through a strategic partnership. The company also committed to investing up to $2 billion in xAI’s equity portion of its planned $20 billion funding round.
Why does Nvidia invest in AI startups?
Nvidia states that its corporate investing aims to expand the AI ecosystem by backing startups it considers “game changers and market makers.” These investments also create customers for Nvidia’s hardware products.
Does Nvidia invest in competing AI companies?
Yes, Nvidia invests across the AI landscape, including competing companies. The company backed both OpenAI and xAI, demonstrating its ecosystem-wide approach rather than picking single winners.
How have Nvidia’s investments performed?
Many Nvidia-backed startups have achieved significant valuations. Figure AI reached $39 billion, Scale AI hit $14 billion, and Thinking Machines Lab secured a $12 billion valuation shortly after founding.
What sectors does Nvidia focus on for investments?
While primarily focused on AI companies, Nvidia invests across multiple sectors including autonomous vehicles, robotics, healthcare AI, nuclear fusion, and AI infrastructure companies.
