Jeff Bezos’ ultra-secretive AI venture, Project Prometheus, quietly acquired agentic computing startup General Agents—creator of the ultra-fast Ace computer pilot—as part of a multibillion-dollar push to build next-generation AI systems for manufacturing and automation. (Source: Image by RR)

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Jeff Bezos–backed Project Prometheus has quietly acquired General Agents, a small but influential agentic-computing startup known for its ultra-fast “Ace” computer automation tool. According to corporate filings reviewed by WIRED, the acquisition took place in June—just days after a private AI-focused dinner in San Francisco hosted by biotech entrepreneur Vik Bajaj, who is serving as co-CEO of Prometheus alongside Bezos. The deal, as noted in wired.com, marks one of Prometheus’ first confirmed strategic moves as it builds toward ambitious AI systems designed to support advanced manufacturing, from computers to cars to spacecraft.

Project Prometheus, which has raised more than $6.2 billion and assembled over 100 employees, has been operating in extreme secrecy, with few public details about its mission, structure, or headquarters. Several hires have quietly transitioned from General Agents and Bajaj’s biotech incubator, Foresite Labs, while notable AI figures—including former DeepMind, Tesla, and Nvidia researchers—have recently updated their LinkedIn profiles to reflect new roles within Prometheus. The acquisition was not disclosed in the initial New York Times exposé that revealed the startup’s existence last week.

General Agents, founded last year by Sherjil Ozair and William Guss, created “Ace,” a real-time agent capable of autonomously controlling a user’s computer to execute multistep tasks across apps in seconds. Industry peers have praised Ace’s unprecedented speed, which appears to be the core asset Prometheus sought—particularly as Bezos aims to build AI systems that can radically accelerate industrial workflows. Despite the acquisition, General Agents’ public website, job postings and product releases remain active, suggesting either continued transition or strategic ambiguity.

The acquisition signals Prometheus’ intent to compete aggressively in next-generation agentic computing, an emerging AI category focused on autonomous digital labor. While investors and rivals speculate about Prometheus’ long-term plans, concerns are already surfacing about competing with a Bezos-backed venture that is scooping up top talent and foundational technologies. Industry founders note that Ace’s performance represents a significant breakthrough, heightening expectations that Prometheus may integrate agentic AI as a core component of its broader ambitions across manufacturing and automation.

read more at wired.com