Can You Invest in Figure AI Pre-IPO? Details & Alternatives

With investors showing genuine interest in artificial intelligence (AI) businesses, it's unsurprising that Figure AI stock is on their radars. Founded in 2022, Figure strives to develop humanlike robots embedded with AI technology. The company doesn't mince words about its ambitions, stating, "Our product and our mission are one and the same: to bring a commercially viable humanoid to market."

The humanoid robot market is in its nascent stage of development, but analysts expect the market to grow considerably in the coming years. Goldman Sachs (GS -0.87%), for example, projects that the total addressable market will soar to $38 billion by 2035.

Figure's founder and CEO, Brett Adcock, recognizes numerous applications for its humanoid robots. From serving in corporate capacities, such as warehouses, to assisting with the elderly and even participating in space activities, Adcock -- who also founded Archer Aviation (ACHR -1.83%) -- imagines Figure can address labor demands that are currently unmet.

Investors may initially find the company's story appealing. However, they also need to know when it will hold its potential initial public offering (IPO) and whether any other investment opportunities exist.

1. Nvidia

Nvidia, one of the most recognizable AI stocks on the market today, is an obvious choice for investors seeking an alternative to Figure. Since Nvidia participated in Figure's Series B funding round, providing a $50 million investment, investors can gain indirect exposure to Figure by buying Nvidia stock.

Nvidia is also exploring its own solutions for facilitating the development of humanoid robots. In March 2024, Nvidia announced Groot, which it characterizes as a "general-purpose foundation model that promises to transform humanoid robot learning in simulation and the real world."

Broadly speaking, Nvidia announced several solutions -- an upgraded Isaac platform, for example -- that are helping leading companies, like Boston Dynamics, Agility Robotics, and Figure, with model training in the pursuit of advancing humanoid robotics.

2. Symbotic

The company may not make robots in human form, but Symbotic (SYM -1.37%) is a leader in manufacturing AI-enabled robots that provide an autonomous solution to keep the supply chain moving. The value the company offers customers is hardly trivial.

According to Symbotic, its platform fulfills orders with 99.9999% accuracy, helping customers reduce operating costs. And we're not talking about small-time customers. In addition to Walmart (NYSE:WMT), Symbotic's customers include retail leaders like Target (TGT +1.64%) and Albertsons (ACI -0.24%).

In January 2025, Symbotic announced its plan to acquire Walmart's Advanced Systems and Robotics business. With the acquisition, Symbotic estimates more than $5 billion will be added to its backlog.

Investors interested in the growth opportunity Figure represents may find Symbotic especially appealing. Over the next 15 years, Symbotic predicts a $144 billion available market.

3. Intuitive Surgical

Patients won't call these robots "Doctor." However, Intuitive Surgical (ISRG -0.41%) manufactures robot systems, like its da Vinci surgical system, which assist surgeons in performing minimally invasive procedures in the operating room.

Since doctors were first able to enlist the help of the da Vinci system, it has been utilized in over 14.2 million urology, gynecology, and general surgery procedures conducted in more than 9,100 hospitals worldwide.

In March 2024, Intuitive announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted clearance to its fifth-generation surgical system platform, da Vinci 5. This platform has 150 improvements over previous models, including greater computing power and force-sense technology.

Management expects continued adoption of its systems, with da Vinci procedures expected to increase by approximately 13% to 16% in 2025 compared to 2024. This number is expected to grow in 2026 as more sugeons train and adopt the system.

While Figure has started collecting revenue, it's still unclear whether the company is generating a profit.

The bottom line on Figure AI

Considering the substantial growth that lies ahead for the humanoid robots market, it's no wonder investors are keenly interested in Figure. At this point, though, most investors will have to wait until the company holds an IPO before they can add the stock to their portfolios.

There are still several compelling options -- Nvidia, Symbotic, and Intuitive Surgical, as well as AI and robotics ETFs -- investors can pursue while they wait for Figure to become publicly traded. While they wait, they can certainly follow the company's progress with its BMW deal and any others that become public.