137 Ventures Raises $700M for AI, Robotics, and Space Bets, Eyes $1T SpaceX IPO

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137 Ventures reloads with $700m to chase AI agents and space

137 Ventures has secured over $700 million in funding through two new funds, bringing its total assets under management (AUM) to over $15 billion. The firm is particularly focused on investing in areas like AI agents, robotics, and advanced industries, and it also holds a significant stake—worth over $10 billion—in SpaceX.

Summary

  • SpaceX backer 137 Ventures has closed more than $700 million across two new funds, lifting its assets under management above $15 billion.
  • The growth-stage firm says the fresh capital will target high‑impact technology bets in AI agents, robotics, advanced industrial systems, and aerospace propulsion.
  • 137 Ventures now owns more than 1% of SpaceX, a stake its founder values at over $10 billion ahead of a potential IPO that could see the rocket company valued above $1 trillion.

137 Ventures, a San Francisco investment firm, has secured over $700 million across two new funds, as reported by TechFundingNews and a recent press announcement.

New funds push 137 Ventures past $15b AUM

These recent investments increase the firm’s total managed assets to over $15 billion as of March 2026, solidifying its position as a leading growth fund focused on established technology companies.

As a researcher tracking venture capital firms, I’ve been looking into 137 Ventures. Founded in 2010 by Justin Fishner‑Wolfson and S. Alexander Jacobson – both formerly at Founders Fund – they concentrate on investing in companies they believe will be truly transformative. What’s interesting is they don’t just provide funding; they also often help founders and early team members access liquidity, essentially allowing them to realize some value from their equity while the company continues to grow.

Betting on AI agents, robotics, and propulsion

I saw 137 Ventures announced a new fund, and it sounds like they’re really doubling down on the future. They’re planning to invest in companies pushing the boundaries of AI, defense tech, and advanced manufacturing. Specifically, they’re looking at things like AI assistants, robotics, and even new kinds of rocket engines – pretty exciting stuff, if you ask me!

The company recently invested in several promising startups: Cognition and Impulse Space are focused on AI assistants and space logistics, while Hadrian and Physical Intelligence are developing automated manufacturing and advanced robotics, respectively.

In the last year, the company invested over $1.7 billion, focusing on a select group of promising companies instead of spreading investments thinly across many smaller startups.

This approach aligns with a growing trend in venture capital: investing in fewer companies with larger funding rounds, specifically those building essential infrastructure for artificial intelligence and space exploration. This is happening even though overall investment in crypto and technology has decreased recently.

A $10b‑plus SpaceX stake ahead of a trillion‑dollar IPO

137 Ventures’ most significant investment is still SpaceX. They’ve been investing in SpaceX through about two dozen funding rounds since 2010.

According to firm founder Justin Fishner-Wolfson, they currently hold over $10 billion worth of SpaceX shares, which represents more than 1% ownership of the company, as he told Bloomberg.

As a researcher following SpaceX, I’m seeing increasing signs that an IPO could be incredibly lucrative for early investors. If the company goes public at a valuation exceeding $1 trillion – and some financial professionals believe it will – it could represent one of the most significant single-investment successes in venture capital history.

In addition to its investment in SpaceX, 137 Ventures has invested in companies like Anduril, Gusto, and Ramp. This shows their belief that artificial intelligence will significantly boost returns in areas like defense, financial technology, and business infrastructure, as automation and self-operating systems change how we work in both the digital and physical worlds.

This new funding allows 137 Ventures to invest even more in later-stage companies building AI, robotics, or space technologies. They’re particularly interested in supporting teams that need investors willing to fund expensive, long-term projects.

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2026-05-01 22:57