United States leads global AI investment with over $335 billion, study finds

Artificial Intelligence is now ubiquitous, influencing industries from education to finance, and shaping the future of technology. 

A new study by ZeroBounce has identified the countries making the fastest advances in AI, with the United States leading the charge. 

The study, which analysed private investments, AI start-ups, and workforce metrics, provides a detailed overview of the global landscape of AI development.

The United States has secured its position at the forefront of AI advancement, with over $335 billion in private investments over the past decade. In 2023 alone, the US invested $67.22 billion in AI. The country boasts 5,509 AI start-ups and has 71,000 AI-related job vacancies in 2024, highlighting its significant role in the AI sector.

China ranks second, having invested $103.65 billion in AI over the last decade. In 2023, China’s AI investments totalled $7.76 billion. The country has 1,446 AI start-ups and 21,508 job vacancies in AI, with AI specialists making up 0.64% of its workforce.

The United Kingdom is third, with $22.25 billion invested in AI over the past decade and $3.78 billion in 2023. The UK has 727 AI start-ups and 5,218 job vacancies in AI. This investment is driving substantial growth in the UK's AI capabilities.

Israel follows, having invested $12.83 billion in AI and establishing 442 AI start-ups. Israel has the highest concentration of AI talent in its workforce, with AI specialists making up 1.13%. In 2024, there are 857 AI-related job vacancies in the country.

Canada is fifth, with $10.56 billion in AI investments over the past decade and $1.61 billion in 2023. The country has 397 AI start-ups and 3,802 AI-related job vacancies, making AI-related job postings account for 1.05% of all vacancies.

Germany ranks sixth, with $10.35 billion invested in AI technologies over the past decade and $1.91 billion in 2023. The country has 319 AI start-ups and 4,673 AI-related job vacancies.

India is seventh, with $9.85 billion in AI investments and 338 AI start-ups. The country offers 12,047 AI-related job vacancies, surpassing both Canada and Germany in this metric.

France is eighth, having invested $8.31 billion in AI over the past decade. The country has 391 AI start-ups and 2,694 AI-related job vacancies, with AI specialists comprising 1.07% of the workforce.

South Korea is ninth, with $7.25 billion invested in AI technologies and $1.39 billion in 2023. The country has 189 AI start-ups and 426 AI-related job vacancies.

Singapore rounds out the top ten with $6.25 billion invested in AI over the past decade. The country has 193 AI start-ups and 1,584 AI-related job vacancies. Despite its smaller size, Singapore has 1.07% AI specialists in its workforce, similar to France.

The study considered financial and workforce-related data to provide a comprehensive report on AI development across different countries. Data on private investments was sourced from Statista, while the number of start-ups was recorded by GlobalData. 

The study also included AI-related job vacancies and the percentage of AI specialists in each country's workforce, referencing the Global AI Index by Tortoise Media for additional context.

ZeroBounce founder and CEO Liviu Tanase commented on the findings: 

“AI technology is advancing rapidly worldwide, driven by significant private investments and a growing number of AI start-ups. Over the past decade, billions have been invested, and we see a substantial increase in AI-related job opportunities and innovation. 

“Companies are developing skilled AI workforces to stay competitive. As various industries continue to integrate AI, these investments and developments will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global technology.”