Jeff Bezos backs Thomas Reardon's Flourish in a $500 million neuro AI bet

Jeff Bezos, Lux Capital, and Google Ventures have invested $500 million into Flourish, a New York neuro AI startup founded by Thomas Reardon and Rob Williams, betting that the next AI breakthrough will come from studying neurons rather than adding more chips. Williams, who left Amazon last fall after overseeing software products including Alexa on Bezos' S team, is co-founding the venture with neuroscientist and repeat founder Reardon.

Thomas Reardon and Rob Williams have assembled $500 million for Flourish, a New York neuro AI startup backed by Jeff Bezos @JeffBezos , Lux Capital and Google Ventures, according to Wired, in a wager that the next AI leap will come from studying neurons rather than simply adding chips. The bet is personal to both men. Williams left Amazon last fall after serving on Jeff Bezos' S team and overseeing software products including Alexa, Wired reported. Reardon, a neuroscientist and repeat founde...