The NumbersJuly 13, 2026via TechCrunch Startups
Hermes agent maker Nous Research in talks for new funding at $1.5B valuation
Why it matters
Nous Research, the open-source AI agent specialist behind Hermes models, is securing significant capital at a unicorn+ valuation. This signals investor confidence in agent-first AI companies and open model infrastructure as a defensible business.
Key signals
- Nous Research raising at least $75M
- $1.5B post-money valuation
- Robot Ventures leading round
- Union Square Ventures (USV) significant participant
- Hermes agent framework is core product
- Open-source model positioning
The hook
$1.5B. That's Nous Research's new valuation as the Hermes agent maker closes $75M+ in fresh funding.
The company is raising at least $75 million, led by Robot Ventures, with significant participation from USV and other prominent investors.