Figure AI CEO Skips Live Demo, Dodges BMW Deal Questions at Tech Conference
Figure AI’s CEO Breaks the Mold at Bloomberg Tech
Brett Adcock, the high‑flying co‑founder and CEO of the humanoid‑robotics nerd‑hive Figure AI, surprised everyone by stepping out of his robotic‑lounge and into the spotlight at the Bloomberg Tech conference. He’s been busy defending his company’s relationship with BMW, even threatening legal action against a flakey media outlet that dared to question the partnership.
“We’re Not Just Robots, We’re Factory Floor Marvels”
When the mic passed to Adcock, he opened up on how robots add real‑world muscle to a production line. “Every day we’re learning how well they perform, tracking all the metrics,” he explained, sounding as proud as a kid who just built a Lego spaceship.
Two months ago, Figure AI dropped a YouTube video showing its robots giving the BMW factory a taste of their coordinated dance. But when asked whether the partnership is just a pilot or has real commercial heft, Adcock brushed away the details, focusing instead on the fun of watching these machines hit their targets.
“We Got a New Client—Eyes on UPS”
Adcock did, however, drop a little intrigue: the company has a contract with a second, unnamed client that Bloomberg has linked to UPS. We’re left guessing whether our gods of logistics are the next big fan.
Why No Live Demo? A Philosophical Pause
While robotics champions Agility Robotics and Boston Dynamics showcased their talent live, Figure AI stayed off the stage. “It’s a giant waste of time,” admitted Adcock, hot on the idea that bringing robots to a conference can be cheaper if you just reveal them in a slick video.
He also highlighted that Figure AI aims to produce and roll out approximately 100,000 units in the next four years—an ambitious figure that might make the world’s next generation of factories feel like they’re living in a sci‑fi epic.
Techcrunch Q&A Highlights
- Adcock’s friendly dismissal of press skepticism.
- The emphasis on real data over hype.
- Figure AI’s future plans and customer pipeline.
All in all, the CEO’s takeaways suggest a company that’s as comfortable with numbers as it is with breaking robotic sound barriers—ready to turn factory floors into a stage for the future, one precise movement at a time.
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Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
Figure’s Funding Hype: A $1.5 B Tale of “Wow” and “Who Care?”
San Francisco | October 27‑29, 2025
It’s a dripping‑in‑your‑coffee‑cup moment: Figure’s team is trying to rake in a $1.5 billion raise at a jaw‑dropping $39.5 billion valuation. The jump? Roughly 15‑fold from the $2.6 billion figure it hit just last February. The big question? Why are outsiders skeptical about how Figure is selling its stock?
What’s the Buzz About?
- High‑flying Valuation: From 2.6 bn to 39.5 bn—that’s like going from a house‑boat to a luxury yacht in a single morning.
- Market Party Crashers: Meanwhile, secondary‑market brokers are springing the gates, telling everyone that messing with the shares is illegal smartphone clipping.
- Cease‑and‑Desist Squad: In early April, TechCrunch reported that Figure sent letters to these brokers, stating, “Stop advertising our shares. We aren’t giving the green light.”
- Public‑Crazed Confidence: Despite this, people seem to throw their hats in the ring, hoping for a slice of the futuristic pie.
Why All the Drama?
Picture this: you’ve got a flashy new product that can change the way we do tech, but whenever anyone tries to share stock, it’s like grabbing a souvenir without a sticker. Both the company & the brokers are worried that post‑promotion hype could blow up the valuation and miss the mark. That’s why they’re playing it safe.
The Cheat Sheet for Investors
1. The $39.5 billion price tag? That’s the goal, but it’s not a guarantee.
Bottom Line
Figure’s fundraising saga is a roller coaster: packed with enthusiasm, high expectations, and a dash of “hold your breath” drama. If you’re curious about future moves, keep your fingers on this Silicon Valley beat.
