Nvidia and its investment arm, NVentures, continued their intense pace of funding startups during 2026, participating in more than 120 funding deals so far, thereby surpassing the records set in the previous year. This activity comes at a time when the company is witnessing a sudden leadership transition following the departure of founder and CEO Jensen Huang.
Diverse Investment Expansion
Nvidia is considered the most active corporate investor in 2026, with its investment portfolio including AI model developers, data center operators, robotics companies, and medical technologies. Among the most prominent deals the company participated in this year are massive funding rounds for companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic, in addition to investments in AI infrastructure like Crusoe and Mistral AI.
The company's investments are not limited to AI giants but extend to include intelligent robotics technologies like Skild AI, autonomous driving like Waabi, and construction equipment automation technologies through Bedrock Robotics, reflecting Nvidia's strategy of building an integrated technical ecosystem around its hardware.
What Changes Practically?
Huang's departure raises fundamental questions about the future of the company's investment strategy. Media reports have indicated a divergence of views within senior management, as the CFO and current interim CEO, Colette Kress, had expressed reservations about the pace of large investments in AI that Huang had adopted.
While Nvidia's board of directors confirmed that operations, commitments to customers, and the product roadmap will continue without interruption, the size and scope of future investments in startups remain subject to the direction that the new leadership will adopt. Investors and founders are awaiting the upcoming earnings results on November 17, 2026, to obtain clearer indicators regarding whether the company will continue its expansionist investment approach or move toward a more cautious policy.
Added Value Beyond Funding
Nvidia's investment strategy relies on providing more than just financial support; it provides startups with access to its technical teams, facilitates technology integration processes, and assists in reaching customers. Nvidia or its investment arm participates as a lead or co-lead in funding rounds in about 20% of the deals it enters, which strengthens its technical influence in the market.