Figure AI's CEO just raised $700 million for his next big bet (www.businessinsider.com)

Brett Adcock, CEO of Figure AI, has launched a new startup called Hark, which raised $700 million at a $6 billion valuation to develop personalized AI systems and hardware devices. The funding, led by Parkway Venture Capital with participation from major players like Nvidia and Salesforce Ventures, positions Hark to compete in a crowded market against giants like OpenAI, Apple, Google, and Meta. Adcock envisions creating AI that genuinely understands and communicates with users on a personal level, a departure from traditional, chat-based AI interactions. Hark plans to roll out its AI models later this summer, aiming to provide early access to its personal AI platform, although details about its hardware launch remain under wraps. The team includes significant talent from Apple and other tech firms, which could bolster Hark's development capabilities. Adcock’s previous experience with Figure AI's humanoid robots suggests that the technology being developed at Hark could enhance robot functionality and improve scalability, making it a noteworthy development in the AI/ML landscape. Adcock's substantial backing and ambitious vision signal a potential shift toward more natural and personalized AI interactions in consumer technology.