SafeWorld, a Palo Alto-based startup developing safety testing and simulation software for physical AI and robotics, has raised $12.2 million in seed funding. The round was co-led by Shine Capital and a16z Speedrun, with participation from BoxGroup, Carnegie Mellon University Endowment, Innovation Endeavors, SV Angel, Ovo Fund, Valkyrie, Zelda Ventures, Alpha Square Group, Founders Future and Brave Capital.
Founded by Dr. Ding Zhao, Kyle Wong and Simo Rachidi, SafeWorld is building testing infrastructure for companies developing and deploying robots that operate around people. The platform is designed to evaluate AI-driven machines in simulated environments before real-world deployment, including unusual and safety-critical human-robot interactions.
SafeWorld describes its product as a safety testing and evaluation platform for companies deploying robots around people. Its technology combines generative 3D simulation, natural-language scenario generation and reactive human-motion models, allowing teams to test robotic systems across large numbers of edge-case scenarios.
The company plans to use the financing to continue developing its simulation platform and support deployments with enterprises testing autonomous robots in human environments. SafeWorld emerged from stealth alongside the funding announcement on October 5, 2026.
