Meta’s former chief artificial intelligence scientist, Yann LeCun, is in early discussions to raise 500 million euros ($586 million) for a new AI startup, according to a report by the Financial Times. The proposed venture is expected to be valued at around 3 billion euros prior to its official launch, with LeCun aiming to position the company as a major player in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The funding round is still in its initial stages, and no formal announcement has been made. LeCun, a pioneer in deep learning and a key figure in advancing modern AI, is widely respected in the tech and research communities. His move into founding a new company comes after his departure from Meta, where he played a central role in shaping the company’s AI strategy. The startup is expected to focus on foundational AI research and development, potentially exploring areas such as general intelligence, robotics, and next-generation machine learning systems. While details remain limited, the reported valuation suggests strong investor interest in LeCun’s vision and expertise. The project is still in the pre-launch phase, and further information is expected in the coming weeks.