Nous Research: Open-Source AI Models and Agents
Nous Research is an AI research lab focused on open models and user-controlled AI systems. Its Hermes Agent project is designed to retain context across sessions, use tools, create reusable skills and let users choose where the agent runs and which models it uses.
Visit Nous Research ↗Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Nous Research |
| Category | Artificial Intelligence / AI Research |
| Focus | Open models, AI agents and enterprise AI infrastructure |
| Founded | 2023 |
| Core Agent | Hermes Agent |
| Latest Funding | $90 million reported in October 2026 |
| Investors | NVIDIA, Microsoft M12, Samsung, Robot Ventures, Union Square Ventures, Y Combinator and Menlo Ventures, among others |
| Website | nousresearch.com |
What Nous Research Does
Nous Research develops AI models and agent software with an emphasis on openness, user control and extensibility. Hermes Agent can retain context, use tools and work with models selected by the user.
Key Capabilities
- Open-source agent software
- Persistent memory and reusable skills
- Tool use and multi-step task execution
- Choice of model and deployment environment
- Business-focused agent development
Why It Matters
Businesses are exploring agents that can act across workflows without locking their data and operations into a single proprietary AI stack. Nous Research emphasizes model choice and user control.
Nous Research at a Glance
Hermes Clones
A usage estimate attributed to the company.
Estimated Token Usage
A company-reported estimate, not an independently audited measure.
New Funding
Reported in October 2026.
Enterprise Momentum
Open-Source Foundation
Hermes Agent is positioned as an extensible agent that developers can inspect and adapt.
Business Applications
Nous Research is exploring business-focused agent deployments and more flexible AI infrastructure.
Investor Group
The company has named technology investors and venture firms among its backers.
Funding Journey
January 2024
Seed
$20M
Reported funding figure. Verify before publication.
April 2025
Series A
$50M reported
Reported figure requiring confirmation.
October 2026
Fundraise
$90M
Reported company announcement.