Nvidia Expands Influence By Funding AI Startups

Nvidia has poured billions into the AI startup ecosystem, participating in 177 funding rounds over two decades and making most investments since 2023, Crunchbase data shows. In early 2026 alone it joined 11 rounds, including stakes in Wayve ($1.5B), World Labs ($1B) and a $30B contribution to OpenAI’s reported $110B raise. The trend deepens Nvidia’s supplier-customer finance ties and expands its industry influence.