A Cambridge-based artificial intelligence start-up, founded just over a year ago, is on the verge of becoming Britain's latest technology 'unicorn'. CuspAI, which specialises in materials science, is nearing a significant new funding round that could push its valuation to at least $1 billion.
Major Investors Back AI-Powered Materials Search
Sky News has learned that the company is close to securing tens of millions of pounds in fresh investment. This comes less than four months after it announced a $100 million fundraising in September 2025. The new capital is expected to come from a syndicate of existing high-profile backers.
City sources indicate that Singapore's state investment fund, Temasek Holdings, and the major US venture capital firm NEA, are among those poised to commit additional funds. CuspAI's investor roster already includes powerful names such as NVentures (Nvidia's venture arm), Samsung, Hyundai Motor Group, Giant Ventures, LocalGlobe, and Northzone.
An insider suggested this latest injection represents an extension of the company's Series A round and firmly sets the stage for a full funding round next year, where the coveted unicorn status is likely to be officially achieved.
Using AI to Eradicate Harmful 'Forever Chemicals'
CuspAI was founded in 2024 by former chemist Dr Chad Edwards and AI specialist Professor Max Welling. The company's core mission is to tackle global challenges by accelerating the discovery of new materials.
It has developed what it calls an AI 'search engine for the material world'. This technology allows clients to specify the exact properties they need, with the AI then generating new, synthesizable material candidates. The firm claims this process is up to ten times faster than traditional discovery methods.
A key application is the fight against persistent 'forever chemicals' that are harmful to human health. In a statement last September, Dr Edwards outlined the vision: 'Next-generation AI compute, clean air and water and sustainable energy - these multi-billion-dollar global challenges share a common barrier: materials.' He added that within a year, the company had moved from concept to partnerships with world leaders in automotive, semiconductor, energy, and climate sectors.
Path to a Landmark Valuation
The rapid ascent of CuspAI highlights the intense investor appetite for companies at the intersection of AI and hard science. Based in the UK's tech heartland of Cambridge, its progress from foundation to a near-unicorn valuation in roughly a year is exceptionally fast.
This new funding round underscores confidence in its proprietary technology and its potential to disrupt multiple massive industries, from manufacturing to environmental remediation. A person close to the company confirmed the funding details, while CuspAI itself declined to comment.
