San Francisco-based startup Sentient, specializing in blockchain-based AI solutions, has successfully secured $85 million in its latest seed funding round. The funding was co-led by prominent investors including Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, Pantera Capital, and Framework Ventures, alongside contributions from Ethereal Ventures, Robot Ventures, Symbolic Capital, Delphi Ventures, Republic, Arrington Capital, and others in the venture capital community.
Founded by Sandeep Nailwal, known for his role in Polygon, a leading blockchain platform, Sentient aims to revolutionize AI development by integrating blockchain technology. This initiative seeks to establish decentralized solutions that incentivize developers, researchers, and businesses through an open-source platform.
Key figures in Sentient include co-founders Sandeep Nailwal, Pramod Viswanath, Forrest G Hamrick, a distinguished professor from Princeton University’s School of Engineering. The team also includes Himanshu Tyagi, an associate professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and AI venture studio Sensys, bringing extensive expertise in blockchain technology and AI research.
Sentient’s strategic direction involves leveraging the Polygon Aggregator Layer for its platform development. Sandeep Nailwal expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact, emphasizing its innovative approach to longstanding AI challenges. The company has already attracted top AI talents from global tech giants such as Google and Deepmind, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in AI research and development.
The company envisions a future where AI development aligns with societal interests, promoting responsible and inclusive technological progress. Sentient’s latest funding round underscores growing investor confidence in its pioneering efforts to reshape the AI landscape through decentralized innovation.