Nvidia Hits Record Startup Investments Amid Questions on Huangs Successor
Before it was thrust into crisis this week, Nvidia was steadily continuing its pace as one of the busiest startup investors around, including backing many of the biggest venture deals of 2026. We take a fresh look at where Nvidia and its venture arm NVentures have been investing and what the future could hold.
Before facing a sudden crisis this week, Nvidia maintained its steady momentum as one of the most active startup investors in the industry, which included supporting numerous major venture deals in 2026.
Crunchbase data reveals that the chipmaker and its NVentures branch have engaged in upwards of 120 startup funding rounds this year. This already surpasses last year’s record-breaking tempo, establishing it as the firm’s most active period yet for private-company investments.
Following co-founder Jensen Huang’s abrupt exit this week—prompted by reports of multiple extramarital relationships, including with employees and a woman whom U.S. intelligence specialists suspect of espionage for China—we re-examined Nvidia and NVentures’ recent investment targets and what lies ahead.
A widening investment footprint
Based on Crunchbase data analysis, Nvidia stands as the most active corporate investor of 2026. Combined, Nvidia and NVentures also rank among the top 20 overall startup investors for the year.
Thus far, Nvidia has made 121 startup investments encompassing artificial intelligence model developers, robotics startups, healthcare firms, and data center operators. This builds on the diverse strategy observed last year, when the enterprise and its venture division engaged in 91 documented startup financings, increasing from 54 the previous year.
Prominent Nvidia-supported transactions in 2026 feature OpenAI’s Series G—which wrapped up at $122 billion in March—alongside Anthropic’s $30 billion Series G secured in February. Note that these metrics cover the entire funding rounds, inclusive of participation from other backers, rather than singular contributions from Nvidia.
Furthermore, the organization took part in a $3.9 billion Series F in September for AI infrastructure supplier Crusoe, plus a roughly $3.5 billion Series D in September for model creator Mistral AI.
Despite their substantial scale, these startup investments constitute only a minor portion of Nvidia’s massive market capitalization. Even with the decline in share price this week triggered by Huang’s departure and associated reports, Nvidia’s valuation stays near the $4 trillion mark.
Beyond the biggest AI labs
The scope of NVentures’ activity illustrates how far its investment reach extends past prominent model creators.
Major investments by the venture arm this year feature a $1.4 billion Series C in January for robot intelligence creator Skild AI, alongside a $750 million Series C that same month for autonomous vehicle startup Waabi. It also contributed to two funding rounds for Bedrock Robotics—which builds construction equipment automation technology—consisting of a $270 million Series B in February and a $600 million Series C in October. Healthcare deployments included an April Series E valued at $150 million for medical imaging AI enterprise Aidoc.
As seen previously, Nvidia and NVentures generally invest alongside other backers. Crunchbase numbers indicate that the corporation or its venture division act as lead or co-lead investors in roughly 20% of their transactions this year.
Beyond capital, Nvidia provides startups with additional value through NVentures, which highlights offerings like technical team access, technology integrations, and assistance with customer acquisition.
The question of what comes next
Alternative risk strategies may emerge under Nvidia’s incoming leadership. Reuters reported this week, citing two sources familiar with the situation, that prior to the current developments, CFO and newly appointed interim CEO Collette Kress had already challenged Huang’s escalating AI investments.
Nvidia’s board announced expectations for uninterrupted operations, customer commitments, and product roadmaps. Consequently, the future trajectory of investments remains uncertain. With an earnings report slated for November 17, founders and investors will monitor the situation closely to determine whether Kress or future leaders will sustain Huang’s investment strategy.
Related Crunchbase query:
- Nvidia’s Startup Investments In 2026
Related reading:
- Nvidia Sustains High Startup Investment Pace
Illustration: Dom Guzman
Frequently Asked Questions
How many startup funding deals has Nvidia participated in during 2026?
According to Crunchbase data, Nvidia and its NVentures arm have participated in more than 120 startup funding deals so far in 2026.
What are some of the largest Nvidia-backed deals in 2026?
Some of the largest deals include OpenAI’s $122 billion Series G, Anthropic’s $30 billion Series G, Crusoe’s $3.9 billion Series F, and Mistral AI’s $3.5 billion Series D.
Who is the interim CEO of Nvidia following Jensen Huang’s departure?
CFO Collette Kress was named interim CEO following Jensen Huang’s sudden departure.
When is Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report?
Nvidia’s earnings are scheduled for November 17.
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