Yann LeCun, one of the pioneers of modern AI, has launched a new startup called Advanced Machine Intelligence Labs (AMI Labs), marking his next big move after leaving Meta.
AMI Labs: The New Venture
Yann LeCun has founded AMI Labs, short for Advanced Machine Intelligence, after stepping down as Chief AI Scientist at Meta following more than a decade at the company. He will serve as Executive Chairman of the startup, focusing on turning his long-running “Advanced Machine Intelligence” research program into a standalone company.
Focus on World Model AI
AMI Labs is building AI systems based on “world models,” which aim to understand the physical world rather than just predict the next word like traditional large language models. These systems are designed to reason, maintain persistent memory and plan complex action sequences, with potential applications in areas such as robotics, transportation and healthcare.
Leadership And Team
While LeCun will not act as CEO, he has recruited Alex (Alexandre) LeBrun, co-founder and former CEO of health-tech AI startup Nabla, to lead AMI Labs as chief executive. LeBrun’s move was confirmed through Nabla’s announcements and LeCun’s own public posts, and the two previously worked together at Meta’s AI research lab in Paris.
Funding And Valuation
The startup is in talks with investors to raise about €500 million (roughly $586 million) at a valuation of around €3 billion (approximately $3.5 billion) even before a formal launch. If completed on those terms, AMI Labs would rank among the most highly valued AI startups at such an early stage, reflecting strong investor appetite for LeCun’s alternative vision to mainstream generative AI.
Why He Left Meta
LeCun has argued that scaling today’s large language models will not deliver human-level intelligence, criticizing Silicon Valley’s fixation on current generative AI approaches. He has said that pushing forward his vision for advanced world models required moving outside that environment, with AMI Labs expected to be headquartered in Paris, France.
