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Just seven years post-establishment, AI-focused mining company KoBold Metals has achieved a valuation of nearly $3 billion, attracting investments from notable figures like Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
If you are interested in investing in KoBold, there are a couple of pathways available — provided you have substantial wealth.
What Is KoBold Metals?
KoBold develops artificial intelligence technologies to assist mineral exploration companies in the discovery of deposits of cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium, as noted in a profile on the Forge website. Founded in 2018, the company operates from Berkeley, California.
Much of its expansion potential is linked to the electric vehicle sector — particularly the batteries, which require minerals like lithium, copper, nickel, and cobalt for optimal functionality.
Mining exploration demands “significant upfront investments,” and the returns on such investments may take a decade or longer, as noted by Access IPOs. KoBold’s AI-driven strategy aims to expedite and enhance the efficiency of this process.
The demand for KoBold’s technology has propelled it to unicorn status, buoyed by early support from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, an investment firm established by Gates, which also boasts Bezos as an investor. Other distinguished backers of KoBold include Andreessen Horowitz, Bond Capital, Mitsubishi, and T. Rowe Price.
How to Invest in KoBold Metals
As of early January 2025, KoBold was valued at approximately $2.96 billion, as reported by Fortune. Currently, the company is not publicly traded and does not have immediate plans for an IPO, although it may consider a public offering “in the next few years,” according to Benzinga.
This means that the primary means to invest in KoBold at present is as an accredited investor — which entails significant financial capacity. Here are some of the requirements to qualify as an accredited investor per Forge:
- Must have earned income exceeding $200,000 (or $300,000 with a spouse or partner) over the past two years.
- Expected to maintain that income level in the current year.
- Alternatively, must have a minimum net worth of $1 million, excluding the primary residence.
- Or, must hold a valid FINRA Series 7, 65, or 82 license.
Access IPOs suggests keeping an eye on pre-IPO investing platforms to learn about when investment opportunities in KoBold may become available. If such opportunities arise, a minimum investment of “at least $10,000” is likely required. Notable platforms mentioned by Access IPOs include Hiive, Equitybee, EquityZen, Forge Global, and Linqto.
Alternatively, you can gain indirect exposure to KoBold by investing in investment and venture capital firms that have equity in the company. In this scenario, you will need to do research on which firms hold shares of KoBold and whether you can invest in those firms.
