Although the initial frenzy of AI investing may have somewhat subsided, investor enthusiasm for this transformative technology remains high. Scale AI, a company that provides high-quality data and full-stack technology, offers its Scale GenAI platform to help customers develop customized generative AI applications using their own data based on large language models (LLMs). In short, Scale helps customers build better AI tools.
For most investors, Scale AI came into the public spotlight in June 2025—when the company announced that Meta Platforms was investing $14.3 billion in it. Meta’s investment, totaling over $29 billion, provided Scale with the capital to “accelerate innovation and strengthen strategic partnerships with customers.” As a result, Meta acquired a 49% stake in the AI startup, though without voting rights.
As of May 2026, Scale is not yet a public company, and Scale has not indicated any plans for an IPO. Generative AI and large language models are rapidly becoming everyday tools for both individuals and businesses. Being at the forefront of AI technology, Scale AI naturally attracts strong investor interest. However, for most investors, Scale is currently unavailable for investment, and they must wait for it to go public. Although Scale stock is not available, investors still have various AI investment options, including Palantir, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, and AI-related ETFs.
Because Scale is not subject to the regulatory standards of public companies, its financial data is not accessible to the outside world. Although the company does generate revenue—with new business revenue exceeding $1 billion in 2025—it is impossible to determine whether it is profitable. If Scale pursues an IPO in the future, it will be required to file regulatory documents, at which point investors will gain a clearer understanding of its profitability.
For most investors, Scale stock is not available for purchase. Accredited investors may be able to access pre-IPO investment opportunities through platforms such as Forge Global (FRGE).
Here are several alternatives worth considering:
1. Palantir (PLTR): Similar to Scale, Palantir Technologies provides leading enterprise AI solutions. A major commonality between the two companies is that both conduct substantial business with the U.S. government. In the first quarter of 2026, Palantir’s U.S. government business grew to $687 million. Palantir expects to be profitable in every quarter of 2026 and forecasts adjusted free cash flow of $4.2 billion to $4.4 billion.
2. Meta Platforms (META): With its multibillion-dollar investment in Scale (holding a 49% stake), Meta is an obvious choice for indirect investment in Scale. Meta owns social media apps such as Instagram and WhatsApp, all of which integrate its large language model, Llama.
3. Nvidia (NVDA): Nvidia not only provides indirect exposure through its participation in Scale’s Series F funding round but is also highly favored for the critical role its graphics processing units (GPUs) play in training AI models.
Since Scale is not public, no exchange-traded fund (ETF) currently offers exposure to its stock. However, the following AI ETFs are worth noting:
