AI training startup Mercor is reportedly in talks to raise a round at a $20 billion valuation, signaling a significant leap from its previous Series C funding at just $10 billion in October. The conversations are still at an early stage, with the company already receiving a term sheet at the new valuation.

Adding fuel to the hype, Mercor's CEO Brendan Foody announced on X that the company’s annualized revenue run rate has reached $2 billion, up 100% from just four months ago. This achievement comes alongside the acquisition of Deeptune, a company specializing in training AI agents, which further bolsters Mercor’s capabilities and market presence.

However, the road to success hasn’t always been smooth for Mercor. Earlier this year, the company faced a data breach and legal issues from contract workers filing lawsuits, Business Insider reported. Despite these setbacks, it seems that Mercor is now on an upward trajectory, putting its troubles firmly in the past.

The rapid growth and valuation of AI startups like Mercor raise questions about the future of technology and its impact on both business and society. As AI continues to integrate more deeply into our lives, the stakes get higher for companies looking to capitalize on these advancements.