Manifold AI Secures Funding for AI 'World Models'

Key facts

• Manifold AI, a Chinese startup, has raised several hundred million yuan in new funding.
• The funding round was supported by new investors CRHC Fund, InnoVen Capital, BAIC Capital, and KHK Fund.
• Existing shareholders also participated by increasing their stakes.
• The company has raised approximately 1 billion yuan ($148 million) in total since its founding over a year ago.
• The investment underscores growing investor interest in "world models" within artificial intelligence.

Chinese startup Manifold AI has secured several hundred million yuan in fresh funding, signaling strong investor confidence in the emerging field of "world models" in artificial intelligence. These models aim to equip machines with a better understanding of and interaction capabilities with the physical world.

The Beijing-based company announced on Thursday that the latest funding round saw participation from new investors including the state-backed CRHC Fund, Temasek-backed InnoVen Capital, BAIC Capital, and KHK Fund. Additionally, existing shareholders also increased their investments in the startup.

Founded just over a year ago, Manifold AI has rapidly completed six funding rounds, accumulating close to 1 billion yuan (approximately $148 million) in total capital raised. This significant backing highlights the growing market appetite for AI technologies that can bridge the gap between digital intelligence and physical reality.