New Initiative Aims to Back AI Innovation Across All Stages

On Monday, Google officially launched the AI Futures Fund, a strategic investment initiative designed to empower startups that are building with advanced AI technologies developed by Google DeepMind. The fund is open to companies across all stages—from seed to late stage—and offers flexible support models tailored to the needs of each venture.

Startups chosen for the fund will receive access to cutting-edge AI models from DeepMind, mentorship from experts at both DeepMind and Google Labs, and cloud credits via Google Cloud. In select cases, Google will also provide direct financial investment to support the startup’s growth trajectory.

How the AI Futures Fund Works?

Unlike traditional accelerator programs, the AI Futures Fund operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. This allows Google to engage with promising startups as opportunities arise. The fund does not operate within defined batches or cohorts, offering more flexible engagement tailored to each company’s development phase.

Support offered by the fund includes.

• Early access to proprietary AI models from DeepMind.
• Technical collaboration with AI experts at Google.
• Cloud infrastructure support via Google Cloud credits.
• Direct investment opportunities based on startup alignment and stage.

So far, startups like Viggle (a meme-creation platform) and Toonsutra (a webtoon app) have already benefited from participation in the program.

Google’s Expanding AI Commitments

The AI Futures Fund complements Google’s broader efforts to lead in AI development and education. Last November, Google.org announced a $20 million fund for researchers focused on AI innovation. Earlier in September, the company also committed $120 million through the Global AI Opportunity Fund to enhance AI education and accessibility worldwide. Additionally, Google.org launched a generative AI accelerator program for nonprofits, offering financial support to mission-driven organizations using AI.

Google’s existing Google for Startups Founders Fund is also expanding to include AI-focused investments within the U.S., further reinforcing the company’s long-term vision of inclusive, impactful AI growth.

Applications for the AI Futures Fund are now open, with interested startups able to apply beginning May 12.