Summary:
Laurene Powell Jobs is investing heavily in AI startups through Emerson Collective.
Since 2022, Emerson has participated in funding rounds totaling over $1 billion.
Investments include companies in health tech, image analysis, and language models.
78% of family offices plan to invest in AI over the next few years, the highest for any category.
Laurene Powell Jobs and Her AI Investments
Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, is making waves in the world of artificial intelligence (AI) with significant investments through her family office, Emerson Collective. Recent data reveals that Emerson has participated in funding rounds totaling over $1 billion for AI startups since 2022.
A Global Focus on AI Startups
Emerson Collective's investments are diverse, spanning various industries and locations:
- New York-based AI medical company
- San Jose-based image analyzer
- French developer of large language models
- Norwegian creator of AI presentations for teachers
While the specific amounts for these investments remain undisclosed, their impact is clear, showcasing Powell Jobs' growing interest in the AI sector.
Emerson Collective's Broader Investment Strategy
Emerson Collective primarily focuses on education, the environment, and health care. With over 130 investments in total, more than half are in technology, followed by health care and life sciences. Notably, Raffi Krikorian, a former executive at Uber and Twitter, serves as the chief technology officer at Emerson.
Notable Investments and Trends
Powell Jobs’ foray into AI began ahead of the ChatGPT boom, with key investments including:
- $80 million in health tech company Proximie
- $14 million in Atropos Health
- $4.6 million in Norwegian startup Curipod
- $415 million in French company Mistral
In June, Emerson invested $372 million in Formation Bio, an AI pharma company, and $33 million in a follow-on round for Atropos.
The Rise of AI Investments
According to the UBS Global Family Office Report, AI has emerged as the top investment theme for family offices in 2024, with 78% planning to invest in this sector in the coming years. This trend indicates a significant shift towards technology-driven solutions across various industries.
Laurene Powell Jobs speaks onstage during TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2017.
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