Google has announced the launch of its AI Futures Fund, a new investment programme that aims to support startups that are developing innovative artificial intelligence technologies using tools from Google DeepMind, the company’s leading AI research division.
The fund is designed to assist startups at various stages, from seed funding through to later rounds, offering a range of benefits. These include early access to Google’s latest AI models, such as the advanced Gemini suite, as well as opportunities to collaborate directly with experts from DeepMind and Google Labs. Participating startups will also receive Google Cloud credits to help scale their AI-driven products and services. In certain cases, Google may provide direct equity investments to accelerate growth.
Unlike traditional accelerator programmes, the AI Futures Fund operates on a rolling basis with no fixed application deadlines or cohorts. This flexible approach allows Google to invest opportunistically in startups that align with its vision for AI innovation. The company has not disclosed the total size of the fund or fixed investment amounts, explaining that funding will vary depending on the startup’s stage and specific requirements, with a focus on early to mid-stage ventures while remaining open to later-stage opportunities.
Several startups have already taken part in the programme, demonstrating its early impact. For example, Toonsutra, an Indian digital comics and webtoon platform, is utilising Gemini’s AI translation capabilities to expand accessibility across India’s diverse languages. Another participant, Viggle, is developing AI-driven video meme creation tools using Google’s generative models such as Imagen and Veo. Rooms, a platform for interactive 3D spaces, is also collaborating with Google to improve immersive content experiences.
Earlier this year, Google significantly increased its investment in Anthropic, a leading generative AI company, with combined funding exceeding $3 billion alongside a substantial cloud services partnership.
Google’s charitable division, Google.org, has complemented these efforts by pledging $20 million to AI research and launching a $20 million generative AI accelerator to support nonprofits developing AI technologies. The company also established a $120 million Global AI Opportunity Fund that aims to expand AI education and training worldwide.
Furthermore, Google emphasises its mission to “work closely with ambitious startups across all stages to quickly enable groundbreaking 0-to-1 products and features, providing early access to Google’s advanced AI models, expertise, and potential funding to bring audacious AI ideas to life.”
Applications for the AI Futures Fund opened on May 12, inviting startups globally—where Gemini models are available—to apply and join Google in shaping the future of AI.