PhysicsX, a London-based AI engineering startup founded by ex–Formula 1 engineers, has just closed a $135 million Series B funding round—nearly hitting unicorn status. Why should this matter to you? Because it marks a leap forward in how AI is being used to revolutionize real-world engineering, with implications from wind turbines to aerospace.
– PhysicsX empowers engineers with AI-supercharged simulation and design tools.
– Founded by ex–F1 experts, deep simulation engineers are transforming industries.
– New funding brings valuation close to $1 B and signals strong investor confidence.
Key Takeaways
- $135M Series B positions PhysicsX just shy of unicorn valuation
- Founded by ex–Formula 1 engineers, blending deep domain and AI expertise
- Offers simulation speeds 10,000×–1,000,000× faster than legacy methods
- Applies to aerospace, EVs, renewable energy, semiconductors
- Real-world impact: cuts weeks off R&D, supports sustainable tech fast-tracks
What is PhysicsX?
PhysicsX is a UK-based startup founded by former Formula 1 simulation engineers. Its AI platform enables engineers to run physics-based simulations 10,000–1,000,000 times faster. With $135 M in Series B funding, it’s near a $1 B valuation, aiming to transform engineering in aerospace, renewables, automotive, and more.
Engineering Reinvented – PhysicsX’s Unique Value
From F1 to Foundation Models
Robin Tuluie and Jacomo Corbo, both with Formula 1 heavyweights like Renault and Mercedes and top-tier physics backgrounds, built PhysicsX to apply deep learning to real engineering problems. They saw firsthand how slow traditional simulations hampered innovation—and decided to change it.
AI-Powered Simulation at Industrial Scale
PhysicsX leverages “Large Physics Models” to run fluid dynamics, structural analysis, and material simulations in seconds rather than days on clusters. Imagine optimising wind blade designs overnight or simulating aircraft components at lightning speed—well beyond what human-led optimisation could ever reach.
Inside the $135M Deal
PhysicsX’s Series B round was led by General Catalyst, one of the biggest names in venture capital. Also joining the round were Standard Investments, NGP, Radius Capital—and private equity titan Henry Kravis.
Their investment signals a major vote of confidence—not just in PhysicsX, but in the broader trend of using AI to solve complex engineering problems.
And it’s paying off: the company is now reportedly nearing a $1 billion valuation, putting it within unicorn territory.
Real-World Use Cases
- Wind Energy: Full turbine modeling across millions of configurations, cutting weeks from optimization cycles
- EV & Aerospace: Helps design battery casings or avionics with unprecedented accuracy—real time data, less guesswork
- Semiconductors & Renewables: Enables exploration of novel materials by simulating entire physics chains
Expert Insight
Larry Bohn, Managing Director at General Catalyst:
“PhysicsX expands engineering boundaries in crucial sectors… poised to transform engineering in complex industries.”
Robin Tuluie, Founder
“The move from numerical simulation to deep learning… will unlock new levels of product performance.”
Expertise
AI Experience: Founded by veteran simulation engineers from F1, Bentley, Volkswagen, Quantum Black/McKinsey
Expertise: Strong platform architecture; LPMs & AI frameworks designed for enterprise adoption
Authority: Validated by CB Insights recognition and major AI-industry partnerships
Trust: Secure enterprise deployments; robust board with industry and AI veterans
What’s Next
- Roll-out partnerships with defense, energy firms, manufacturers
- Expanded research into next-gen foundation models for physics built on 25M meshes
- Scaling the platform: onboarding new engineering teams globally, from London to New York