KoBold Metals vs Neara
Which Energy AI tool is better in 2026?
KoBold Metals
AI-powered exploration for critical minerals
Neara
AI-powered 3D digital twins for grids and critical infrastructure
Side-by-side
KoBold Metals leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($1.2B) and a lower entry price than Neara.
| Metric | KoBold Metals | Neara |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | AI-powered exploration for critical minerals | AI-powered 3D digital twins for grids and critical infrastructure |
| Foundedi | 2018 | 2016🏆 |
| HQi | Berkeley, US | Sydney, AU |
| Employeesi | 201-500 | 201-500 |
| Neuron scorei | 84🏆 | 71 |
| Total fundingi | $1.2B🏆 | $165M |
| Latest roundi | Series C Extension · Oct 2025 | Series D |
| Valuationi | $4.4B🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed🏆 | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Enterprise · Contact sales | Free |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for KoBold Metals and Neara.
| Capability | KoBold Metals | Neara |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of KoBold Metals
- Has raised more capital ($1.2B vs $165M)
- Higher Neuron score (84 vs 71)
- Newer company (2018)
🔵 Strengths of Neara
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2016)
Which should you choose?
Choose KoBold Metals if price matters most — it starts at Enterprise · Contact sales, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Energy tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose KoBold Metals if you want the most established option — it has raised $1.2B, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
KoBold Metals vs Neara — which is better?
It depends on your priority. KoBold Metals has raised more capital and is the more established option; Neara has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is KoBold Metals cheaper than Neara?
Yes — KoBold Metals's cheapest paid plan is Enterprise · Contact sales, while Neara's is Free.
Do KoBold Metals and Neara offer free plans?
KoBold Metals: Paid only. Neara: Yes, has a free plan.
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