Era raises $11 million to develop software platform for AI-powered gadgets

Startup Era has raised $11 million to develop a software platform tailored for the emerging wave of AI-powered gadgets, anticipating diverse hardware like glasses, rings, and pendants. According to TechCrunch, this funding positions Era to support the proliferation of AI devices beyond traditional screens, addressing a key need in the rapidly evolving hardware ecosystem.

The raise comes amid a surge in AI investments, highlighted by massive funding rounds for high-profile ventures. Bloomberg reports that Jeff Bezos's physical AI lab, Project Prometheus—co-led with Google veteran Vik Bajaj—has closed a $10 billion round valuing the company at roughly $38 billion. This follows an initial $6.2 billion raise at its November 2025 launch, bringing total funding over $16 billion, with backers including heavyweights like BlackRock and JPMorgan, as noted in Tech Funding News and other outlets.

Project Prometheus focuses on "physical AI," training models on real-world data from robotics, engineering workflows, and interactions in sectors such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, drug discovery, and logistics. Business Insider and ERP Today emphasize its aim to enable AI that understands physics and operates in industrial environments, distinguishing it from text-based systems like chatbots. This approach could transform operations in ERP-heavy industries, improving efficiency in warehousing, packaging, and beyond.

Meanwhile, AI coding firm Cognition is in early talks for a new funding round that could more than double its valuation to $25 billion, tapping demand for tools that integrate AI into software development, per Bloomberg. These developments signal escalating competition in AI, with Big Tech and founders like Bezos pouring billions into specialized applications.

For Era, the $11 million infusion matters as it builds infrastructure for consumer-facing AI wearables, potentially lowering barriers for hardware makers to embed intelligent features. Investors see promise in fragmented AI gadget markets, where unified software could standardize experiences across form factors.

Those affected span hardware startups, developers, and end-users seeking seamless AI integration in daily wearables. Manufacturers in Prometheus's target industries stand to gain from AI-driven optimizations, while the broader funding frenzy underscores investor confidence despite high valuations.

Looking ahead, Era plans to roll out its platform to enable rapid AI gadget innovation, though specifics on timeline remain undisclosed. Project Prometheus's round, expected to finalize soon, may fuel aggressive expansion in physical AI applications, with Bezos reportedly eyeing a $100 billion fund for related acquisitions, according to the New York Times via Business Insider. Cognition's talks could further heat up the AI-for-coding space, pointing to sustained momentum in 2026.