The future of artificial intelligence could go beyond language models. French scientist Yann LeCun, one of the pioneers in the field, has raised $1.03 billion for his new startup, Advanced Machine Intelligence (AMI). According to Il Sole 24 Ore, the goal is to develop technologies capable of understanding and navigating the real world more effectively than large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT. Founded less than three months ago and based in Paris, the company has already reached a valuation of $3.5 billion.
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Record Funding for a European Startup
Advanced Machine Intelligence has secured one of the largest seed funding rounds ever recorded in Europe. Investors include some of the world’s leading technology companies, including Nvidia and Samsung, as well as Cathay Innovation, Bezos Expeditions, Greycroft, Hiro Capital, and HV Capital. The capital raised will allow the startup to launch an initial phase focused on research and development, aiming to build a new generation of artificial intelligence systems.
LeCun’s Vision in Detail
LeCun is considered a key figure in the development of artificial intelligence, thanks to his contributions to algorithms that enabled the rise of modern chatbots and image recognition systems. After leading AI development at Meta for several years, he left the tech giant in 2025 and became one of the main critics of LLMs. According to the researcher, focusing exclusively on LLMs is not the best path to advance the field. The new startup aims to develop a “universal model” capable of understanding the physical world beyond written text, allowing integration with technologies like home robots and self-driving cars. AMI does not plan to launch consumer products in the short term: the first year will be primarily dedicated to research and development before potential collaborations with major companies. Among future prospects, a partnership with Meta is not excluded, with the goal of integrating AMI-developed technologies into the company’s wearable devices.
