TechCrunch reports Mecka AI is close to a Sequoia-led round at about a $500 million valuation.
Why it matters: If the reported deal is real, it suggests capital is still flowing into companies building the data infrastructure behind humanoid robots and other physical AI systems. For investors and founders, that points to continued appetite for the picks-and-shovels layer of robotics.
- TechCrunch reported Sept. 11 that Mecka AI is nearing a new round led by Sequoia Capital at about a $500 million valuation.
- Fortune reported on June 1 that Mecka disclosed $60 million in funding, including a $25 million Series A closed in November and a $35 million follow-on investment.
- Mecka was founded in 2024 by Josh Gao, Mogen Cheng, Jason Chong and Duy Nguyen.
- The company says it collects human motion data with body sensors and smartphones to train humanoid robots and other robotics systems.
TechCrunch reports that Mecka AI is close to a new financing led by Sequoia Capital at roughly a $500 million valuation, but the reported deal has not been confirmed by the company.
If accurate, the round would mark a steep jump from the funding Mecka disclosed earlier this year. Fortune reported on June 1 that the New York City startup had raised $60 million in total, including a $25 million Series A that closed in November and a $35 million follow-on investment. That timing means the company announced the earlier capital in June, even though part of the round had closed months before.
Mecka says its business centers on collecting human motion data using body sensors and smartphones, then using that data to train humanoid robots and other robotics systems. According to TechCrunch, the company pays people to record everyday tasks such as making coffee and fixing cars.
The reported valuation matters because it would show investors are still willing to pay up for infrastructure tied to physical AI, not just model builders. For founders and backers, that suggests data collection and training pipelines for robotics remain a funded category.
Mecka was founded in 2024 by Josh Gao, Mogen Cheng, Jason Chong and Duy Nguyen. Gao told Fortune in early June that Mecka was projecting a $100 million annual run rate by the end of 2026.
By the numbers
- $500 million - reported valuation in the new Sequoia-led round
- $60 million - total funding Mecka disclosed in June
- $100 million - annual run rate Mecka projected by the end of 2026
Yes, but: The financing remains a single reported deal, so the valuation and round size should be treated as unconfirmed until Mecka or Sequoia comments.
What's next: Any company or investor confirmation of the reported round would clarify the size, valuation and timing.