Google introduced its new AI Futures Fund on May 12, 2025, aimed at investing in and collaborating with promising AI startups. Legal AI platform Harvey is among the inaugural participants, joining an exclusive group that receives special access to cutting-edge resources.
While Harvey previously secured millions in funding, including a $100 million Series C round led by GV (Google Ventures) last year, this new fund represents a separate initiative headed by John Silber, who recently joined Google from YouTube.
The program offers participants several key benefits:
- Early access to Google DeepMind's latest AI models
- Direct support from Google's researchers, engineers, product managers, and designers
- Equity funding to accelerate growth
- Google Cloud credits and technical support
Other early participants include Viggle, a meme-creation platform, and Rooms, an interactive 3D space sharing platform.
Unlike traditional accelerator programs, the AI Futures Fund doesn't operate on a fixed cohort model or application deadline. Instead, Google evaluates opportunities continuously, looking for "ambitious teams across all stages" developing transformative products built on Google's latest AI technologies, particularly Gemini models.
Interesting addition: This launch comes amid growing competition in AI investment, with Microsoft's recent expansion of its AI startup fund to $1.5 billion and OpenAI's Startup Fund doubling its investments in early-stage AI companies. Google's approach differs by offering direct access to DeepMind's research capabilities—an asset that could prove more valuable than pure financial investment for startups solving complex AI challenges.
