Startup Bringing Brains to AI Aims for $2.5 Billion Valuation

Thomas Reardon, who led the work on Meta Platforms Inc.’s Neural Band, is raising funds for a new startup called Flourish to develop energy-efficient artificial intelligence, according to people familiar with the matter.

The company is in discussions with investors to raise capital at a $2.5 billion valuation, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly. The terms may change as the talks are not yet finalized.

Lux Capital, where Reardon works as a venture partner, and Google Ventures have agreed to be major investors in the company, ...