Top AI startups have gained 393% in valuation, attracting investor interest

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-07-03 08:07:00

Investors are flocking to AI startups, not just established giants like Nvidia. Breakout AI startups are driving valuation growth, with some raising capital at high prices. The US VC secondary market hit $60 billion in 2025, up from $50 billion in 2024, fueled by intense demand for a select few startups.

Top private-market gainers have seen their share prices surge by 393% this year, adding over $68 billion in estimated valuation. Humanoid robots and AI-powered search engines like Figure AI and Perplexity are attracting investor interest. Ripple, a blockchain payments platform, dropped its cross-appeals with the SEC.

Figure AI raised $1.5 billion in funding, Ripple sees renewed investor interest, and Perplexity aims to challenge Google with real-time answers. xAI, founded by Elon Musk, seeks to build AGI, while Nuro focuses on autonomous delivery vehicles. Nuro partners with Kroger and Domino’s for driverless pod pilots in US suburbs.

Investor enthusiasm is high for AI startups like xAI and Nuro, with a focus on AGI and autonomous delivery vehicles. Nuro partners with major brands for pilot programs, positioning itself in the growing commercial AV delivery market. The excitement around AI and robotics continues to drive investment in innovative technologies.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: The 5 hottest startups, from robotics to AI, have gained 393% on private market value in 2025