Meta's AI Investment & Metaverse

Meta Focuses on AI to Bolster Metaverse

Meta Platforms, Inc. is increasing its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its metaverse ambitions. The company, formerly known as Facebook, Inc., has reportedly agreed to acquire a 49% stake in Scale AI, a Canadian-based AI platform. This strategic move aims to strengthen Meta’s AI capabilities and support its ongoing metaverse development.

Scale AI, backed by investors like Accel, Index Ventures, Founders Fund, and Greenoaks, is expected to benefit significantly from Meta’s involvement. The AI platform, which received $284 million from the Canadian Government and $53 million from the Government of Quebec, provides extensive training data crucial for developing advanced AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Scale AI and Meta's Superintelligence Lab

Scale AI’s training data could play a pivotal role in Meta’s planned 'superintelligence' lab. This lab is part of Meta’s broader strategy to push the boundaries of AI technology. Earlier this year, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew 'Boz' Bosworth, highlighted 2025 as a critical year for the metaverse division, Reality Labs, to demonstrate its value.

However, Meta’s Form 10-K filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission revealed that metaverse investments led to a $17.73 billion reduction in overall operating profit. Critics have raised concerns that the superintelligence project could face similar challenges, given the significant financial risks involved.

Partnership with Anduril Industries

Meta has also partnered with Anduril Industries, a technology provider for the US military. This collaboration aims to integrate Meta’s AI and metaverse technology into military training programs. The partnership is expected to enhance information gathering and detection on the battlefield, leveraging private funding to maintain US technological superiority.

Scale AI’s solutions are anticipated to be integral to Meta’s involvement in the USA’s $320 billion military-industrial complex. This strategic alliance underscores Meta’s commitment to advancing AI technology across various sectors, including defense.