SparkLabs, a renowned early-stage venture capital firm, has gained recognition for its investments in groundbreaking AI startups like OpenAI, Vectara, and Kneron. The firm recently announced the closure of a new $50 million fund, AIM AI Fund, aimed at supporting AI startups from its AIM-X accelerator in Saudi Arabia and around the world. This move highlights the growing interest in artificial intelligence and the increasing number of startups entering the AI space.
The surge of interest in generative AI has fueled the growth of startups in the AI sector. Investors are actively seeking the next big player in AI, with hopes of finding the next OpenAI or a startup that could be acquired by a larger company to enhance its AI capabilities. SparkLabs’ new fund not only reflects this trend but also signifies the expanding opportunities in AI beyond traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley.
AIM-X, an AI-focused accelerator launched by SparkLabs in Saudi Arabia, is part of the firm’s broader AI Mission to advance AI technology over the next five years. The global landscape of AI startups has evolved significantly in recent years, with over 210 AI unicorns emerging worldwide by March 2024. Despite this global growth, the United States remains a dominant player in founding AI startups, with over 4,600 startups established between 2013 and 2022.
SparkLabs’ new fund will allocate 35% of its capital to support accelerator participants, while the remaining 65% will be dedicated to making Series A and Series B investments outside of Saudi Arabia. Bernard Moon, co-founder and CEO of SparkLabs, revealed that the fund aims to invest in 50 to 70 AI startups, with a focus on the best opportunities regardless of location. The average check size for accelerator participants will be $200,000, with potential for up to $500,000 in unique cases, while Series A and Series B investments will range from $1 million to $5 million.
Although SparkLabs did not disclose its limited partners, Moon mentioned that a government fund of funds is among its investors. The firm’s first batch of investments from the new fund will be unveiled at the upcoming GAIN Summit (Global AI Summit) in Riyadh. With a track record of investing in over 550 startups globally, SparkLabs aims to leverage its industry partnerships to propel the growth of AI startups and contribute to the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
SparkLabs’ $50 million fund signifies a new wave of investment in AI startups, reflecting the growing interest and opportunities in the AI sector. By expanding its reach beyond Silicon Valley and establishing partnerships with global stakeholders, SparkLabs is poised to support the next generation of AI innovators and drive the advancement of artificial intelligence on a global scale.