In a groundbreaking development, Databricks has reached a staggering $62 billion valuation after raising $10 billion in a historic venture capital round. This achievement underscores the surging interest in AI-driven companies, making it one of the largest VC investments ever recorded.
The funding round was spearheaded by Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, and saw participation from renowned investors like Andreessen Horowitz, DST Global, GIC, Insight Partners, and WCM Investment Management. Additionally, longtime backer Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan joined forces with new entrants such as ICONIQ Growth, MGX, Sands Capital, and Wellington Management to fuel Databricks’ ambitious journey.
This round surpasses the $6.6 billion raised by OpenAI last October, highlighting a growing trend of massive investments in firms making AI integration more accessible. Companies like OpenAI, Elon Musk's xAI, and Databricks are driving a surge in valuations, reflecting the critical role of artificial intelligence in reshaping industries.
Ali Ghodsi, co-founder and CEO of Databricks, expressed enthusiasm about the funding, describing it as "substantially oversubscribed." He emphasized that the AI landscape is still in its infancy, and the new funding will help Databricks pioneer advancements in AI products, facilitate strategic acquisitions, and support employees by allowing stock cash-outs.
Databricks has also solidified its position as a key competitor to Snowflake, a rival in data management with a $57 billion market cap. By January, Databricks anticipates hitting a $3 billion revenue run rate and achieving positive free cash flow for the first time.
George Mathew, managing director at Insight Partners, praised Databricks for its transformative role in enterprise-grade data management and analytics. With exponential demand for AI-powered solutions, Databricks has become a pivotal partner for organizations aiming to maximize their data’s potential.
The San Francisco-based company serves over 10,000 clients, including major names like Block, Comcast, Rivian, and Shell. By enabling these enterprises to analyze and leverage data efficiently, Databricks continues to empower industries worldwide.
The funding marks a significant milestone in the AI industry, setting new benchmarks for innovation and investment. As businesses increasingly adopt AI to drive growth, Databricks’ success exemplifies the potential of data-focused technologies to revolutionize how organizations operate.