Salesforce AI fund invests $850 million in 35 enterprises
Salesforce Ventures has announced that it has deployed over $850 million of its $1 billion artificial intelligence fund to invest in enterprise AI companies and expects to fully invest the fund by the end of 2025.
According to Salesforce Ventures, the fund has so far been allocated across 35 AI-first companies, whose combined valuations now exceed $270 billion. The firm highlighted this as a significant step in supporting early-stage businesses developing enterprise technologies based on artificial intelligence.
The portfolio includes companies such as Anthropic, Cohere, ElevenLabs, Protect AI (acquired by Palo Alto Networks), Together AI, Runway, and more recent investments in fal AI, World Labs, and Writer. These companies operate across various domains within the artificial intelligence sector, from generative AI to specialised software solutions for enterprise customers.
Commitment to AI
Paul Drews, Managing Partner at Salesforce Ventures, commented on the scale and intent of the fund's activity and the anticipated impact on enterprise technology.
"After 15 years of investing in enterprise technology, we've seen how monumental platform shifts create new market leaders," said Drews. "We believe AI is the most profound platform shift of our time, and its ripple effects will transform industries we care deeply about. Our focus is on founders who are building secure, trustworthy AI that will deliver ROI and shape the kind of future we want to be a part of."
In its statement, Salesforce Ventures emphasised the need for a new type of investment partnership to match the changing nature of AI innovation, suggesting that its focus is not only on capital but also on providing startups with access to a global business network and go-to-market insights.
The venture fund has also increased its exposure by providing follow-on investment in more than 25% of its existing AI portfolio companies, signalling a long-term approach towards supporting its holdings beyond initial funding rounds.
Portfolio company feedback
Anthropic, a company in the Salesforce Ventures portfolio, provided feedback on its experience with the investor.
"Salesforce Ventures has been an important partner, and we appreciate their incredibly collaborative approach," said Krishna Rao, Chief Financial Officer of Anthropic. "They have provided valuable customer insights and have helped Anthropic scale faster."
The fund's investments are not limited to software or core AI infrastructure. In the last year, Salesforce Ventures has also backed companies developing solutions for robotics and a range of horizontal and vertical applications, including Covecta, Dyna, OneVest, and PointFive.
Industry shift
John Somorjai, President of Salesforce Ventures, described how enterprise customers are adjusting their technology strategies in the light of recent AI developments.
"Enterprises are moving beyond experimentation to full-scale production with AI - especially in agents, search, and integrated workflows," said Somorjai. "The companies that will win aren't just building better models; they're building more resilient businesses around transformative AI capabilities. Salesforce Ventures is committed to being the long-term partner for this next generation of AI innovators, supporting them every step of the way on the road from enterprising startup to enduring market leader."
Salesforce Ventures stated that it would continue to seek out founders working to develop the next era of enterprise AI. The firm reiterated its focus on trust and responsibility in AI, and on providing patient capital, industry expertise, and a business network for companies that are working through the technological and operational complexities of artificial intelligence.
