Ex-OpenAI Researcher’s Empirical Machines Eyes $15M From Peak XV, Bessemer

13 Oct 2026, 9:42 am · 4d ago · 1 min read · Moneycontrol.com

Amount

$15M

Stage

Seed

Lead

Peak XV

Empirical Machines, an artificial intelligence startup founded by a former OpenAI researcher, is in discussions to secure $15 million in its maiden institutional funding round. Venture capital firms Peak XV Partners and Bessemer Venture Partners are in talks to co-lead the financing round, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposed investment is expected to value the early-stage AI company at approximately $80 million. The fresh capital will likely be utilized to build core foundational infrastructure and accelerate research as venture investors continue backing technical founders emerging from major AI labs.