CoreWeave shares jumped 27 this week after unveiling CoreWeave Ventures, a new venture capital arm designed to invest in AI-focused startups, according to Benzinga. The program provides funding, infrastructure, and technical expertise to help entrepreneurs turn early AI concepts into real-world applications. Startups in the program gain access to CoreWeave's AI-optimized cloud and production-grade testing environments. They also receive commercial guidance shaped by the company's enterprise network. Participation options include direct investment, compute-for-equity deals, or collaboration within a wider AI developer community. Chief Development Officer Brannin McBee said the program creates a “bidirectional pipeline” for partnerships and potential acquisitions, adding that CoreWeave Ventures could write nine-figure checks for the right opportunities. The company has already backed nine startups this year. CoreWeave stock is up nearly 200 since its April IPO.