Jeff Bezos Makes Waves in AI Robotics: The Startups He Backed Last Year

Jeff Bezos' Bold New Investments in AI Robotics

The billionaire Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, is making headlines once again as he shifts his investment focus towards artificial intelligence and robotics. In an exciting turn of events, he recently co-led a $22 million funding round for Swiss-Mile, an innovative AI robotics startup based in Zurich that is developing robots resembling headless dogs with wheels, designed for efficient item delivery.

Swiss-Mile, a startup that spun out of ETH Zurich in 2023, focuses on autonomous robots capable of navigating complex environments.

This funding round was part of a larger strategy, as Bezos invested in nine startups in 2024, with seven being AI-focused. Notably, Figure AI and Swiss-Mile are at the forefront of AI robotics, a sector Bezos had not previously explored as a venture investor.

During a pivotal conversation with Swiss-Mile’s co-founder Marko Bjelonic, Bezos demonstrated his deep understanding of technology, discussing topics like reinforcement learning and the physics necessary for robotics. This in-depth knowledge has made him a sought-after investor, providing startups with both capital and credibility.

Furthermore, Bezos’ investments align with his previous ventures in robotics, having backed various companies during his time as Amazon’s CEO. His current interest in autonomous robotics signifies a potential shift in the market, as experts believe it could lead to significant commercial breakthroughs.

From practical applications in dangerous industries like mining to collaboration in semi-structured environments such as hospitals, the future of robotics appears promising. Bezos’ involvement in these startups not only offers financial backing but also strategic insights that could propel them to success.

In addition to robotics, Bezos has also shown interest in other sectors, investing in companies like Perplexity AI and Tenstorrent, a chip designer aiming to rival Nvidia. With a portfolio that spans 108 startups since 1998, Bezos continues to leverage his wealth—over $241 billion—to influence the tech landscape. His approach combines astute business acumen with a focus on emerging technologies, ensuring he remains a key player in the investment world.

As the autonomous robotics industry evolves, the success of these investments remains to be seen. However, with Bezos at the helm, the odds seem favorable for groundbreaking advancements in AI and robotics.