Former DeepMind world-model researchers’ startup Emulate in talks to raise $700M

Emulate, a UK AI startup founded by former DeepMind world-model researchers, is negotiating a $700 million seed funding round led by Index Ventures and Lightspeed Venture Partners, with a valuation between $3 billion and $3.7 billion. The company focuses on AI world models, a niche area distinct from large language models, and follows a trend of large early investments in startups founded by ex-DeepMind scientists.