Fei-Fei Li's World Labs has secured a $200 million investment from Autodesk to integrate AI world models into 3D design workflows. The partnership will explore how World Labs' technology, which generates and reasons about immersive 3D environments, can complement Autodesk's design software, starting with entertainment applications.

The deal comes as World Labs, which emerged from stealth in 2024 with $230 million at a $1 billion valuation, reportedly seeks funding at a $5 billion valuation. The startup's first product, Marble, launched in November, allows users to create editable, downloadable 3D environments. For Autodesk, this investment represents a natural extension of its core business in architectural, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and entertainment software.

Autodesk plans to serve as an advisor to World Labs while collaborating on research and model development. The companies will initially focus on media and entertainment use cases, with potential applications ranging from office layout design to character animation. This partnership supports Autodesk's broader push toward integrating AI features across its portfolio, including its development of "neural CAD" technology that can generate working 3D models with real-world functionality.