Meta has been actively pursuing acquisitions in the artificial intelligence sector, approaching multiple startups this year, including Runway, Perplexity AI, and Safe Superintelligence. These attempts are separate from Meta’s massive $14.3 billion bet on Scale AI in June. The conglomerate demonstrated particular interest in Runway, known for its hit AI video-generation technologies. They even floated a possible hostile takeover bid, but that deal chatter never really went anywhere.

Runway’s rapid growth has helped it to recent top spots on CNBC’s Disruptor 50 list. This AI tech startup has gained a lot of attention for its structural transformational AI Video-Generation tool. Meta's interest in acquiring Runway underscores the tech giant's broader strategy to bolster its AI capabilities through strategic acquisitions.

Aside from Runway, Meta reportedly pursued Perplexity AI and Safe Superintelligence in acquisition discussions. Meta’s quest for Safe Superintelligence even extended to the hiring of CEO Daniel Gross. Together, these moves are a demonstration of Meta’s commitment to absorbing the most advanced AI technologies and talent into its products.

Meta’s investment in Scale AI, a $14 billion deal, shows just how committed the company – and every tech competitor – is to AI. The AI firm’s founder, Scale AI’s CJ Wang, heralded exit for Meta as the juicy part of the deal. These tactical acquisitions are indicative of Meta’s larger strategy to bolster their stake in the fast moving AI space.