Renowned AI researcher Yann LeCun has officially unveiled his new venture, Advanced Machine Intelligence (AMI), positioning it as a significant player in the world of artificial intelligence, although he will not assume the role of CEO. Instead, Alex LeBrun—previously the co-founder and CEO of the AI medical transcription firm Nabla—steps into the leadership role at AMI.
LeCun, who serves as the Executive Chairman, announced the news via a LinkedIn post, stating, “Yes, AMI Labs is my new startup. I’m the Executive Chairman. And Alex LeBrun is transitioning from CEO of Nabla to CEO of AMI Labs!” AMI Labs aims to secure €500 million (approximately $586 million) at a staggering €3 billion valuation (around $3.5 billion) right at its inception, drawing interest from venture capitalists who are increasingly investing in projects helmed by prominent AI figures.
Notably, LeCun’s credentials include a professorship at New York University and recognition as a former VP and Chief AI Scientist at Meta. His accolades include the prestigious A.M. Turing Award for groundbreaking work in reinforcement learning, which further enhances his reputation in this competitive field.
AMI Labs is focused on the development of world model AI, a novel approach distinct from traditional large language models (LLMs). This technology aims to enable AI to understand its environment, facilitating the simulation of cause-and-effect scenarios to predict future outcomes. Proponents of world models argue that they address the unpredictable nature of LLMs, which can generate misleading or “hallucinated” information.
Other industry leaders, such as Google DeepMind and Fei-Fei Li’s World Labs, are also exploring world model technologies, making AMI’s ambitious funding goals stand out. For context, Li managed to raise $230 million at a $1 billion valuation for World Labs soon after its establishment, marking a significant moment in the evolution of AI startups.
In light of LeBrun’s departure, Nabla is now seeking a new CEO while being temporarily overseen by co-founder and COO Delphine Groll. The company has already partnered with AMI to utilize its innovative models as they are developed. Nabla, known for its exceptional growth, has raised a total of $120 million to date, including a $70 million Series C funding round last June.
As LeBrun steps into his new role at AMI, he remains committed to Nabla, where he will serve as chairman and Chief AI Scientist. In his farewell announcement, he noted significant growth at Nabla, stating, “We have more than tripled our live ARR this year. Up next to $1B!”
The launch of AMI Labs by LeCun signifies a pivotal moment in the AI landscape, highlighting the increasing competition and innovation within the sector.
