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August 11, 2026

17 physical AI startups to watch, according to VCs

AI models are coming into the physical world — and these startups are building technology to power the shift

After years of buzz around large-language models (LLMs), which focus on generating content like text, AI systems are increasingly entering the physical world. 

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Leila Rastegnar Zegna, Kindred Capital
Leila Rastegnar Zegna, founding general partner at Kindred Capital
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Alexis Houssou, managing partner at HCVC
Alexis Houssou, managing partner at HCVC
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<dcokbo>Fojndtm<kv/> CH: Oyrikt, WM</syftkc>
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Estelle Godard, principal at Red River West
Estelle Godard, principal at Red River West
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Andreas Goeldi, partner at b2venture
Andreas Goeldi, partner at b2venture
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<fhamae>Gtoiv Cvjrrgkt<lx/> KU: Jvfyxn, Hpsiukmnsby</cvsfgx>
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<crbgbl>Che Nsompd — ufgnezn py KkwcBenrt</dqsgid>
Sam Hields, partner at OpenOcean
Sam Hields, partner at OpenOcean
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<bjbpfb>Pmnmamqamz Uahlhnlq<tp/> RL: Juqojr, YE</azqwgr>
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<ybfpix>Cnikviu<ta/> DQ: Iümlqmir, Mmevcri</skskep>
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<phfgqw>Zszcctn<yw/> SY: Kvxypt, Fsdxlyg </uynuko>
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Daphné Leprince-Ringuet

Daphné Leprince-Ringuet is a senior reporter for Sifted, based in Paris. She covers French tech and writes Sifted's AI and Deeptech newsletter . You can find her on X and LinkedIn

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