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seattletimes.com2026-05-18

Notable researchers join $4 billion effort to build self-improving AI - The Seattle Times

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The company is valued at over $4 billion and is focused on achieving "recursive self-improvement" in AI systems. The venture was reported by The Seattle Times.

According to the article, the company aims to build software systems that can "run for days or months in pursuit of goals" while autonomously improving their own performance. The term "recursive self-improvement" describes AI systems that can enhance their capabilities without human intervention, a milestone often linked to artificial general intelligence (AGI). The $4 billion valuation reflects investor confidence in the team's approach and credentials. The seven additional researchers are described as "notable" but are not named in the report.

The article positions this company within a broader trend of ventures targeting advanced autonomous AI. It notes that the company's explicit goal of recursive self-improvement distinguishes it from many other AI labs. The report does not detail specific safety measures or oversight mechanisms the company may employ. Industry observers have noted varying levels of transparency among AI companies regarding their safety practices. The company's valuation and focus on recursive self-improvement have drawn attention from both investors and researchers.

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● REC · 2026