Samsung is spending big bucks on startups tackling cutting-edge technologies. The technology giant's startup investment arm, Samsung NEXT, said Wednesday that it created a $150 million fund that it would use to finance early-stage startups specializing in trendy tech like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and Internet-connected devices. Some of the companies that have already received money from the new fund include Dashbot, which built user analytics tools for so-called software bots that automate tasks; Entry Point VR, a startup that makes tools for companies to more easily distribute virtual reality media across multiple devices; and LiquidSky, which makes video game streaming technology. "We see software and services becoming a core part of Samsung Electronics' DNA, and startups are key to achieving this vision," Samsung NEXT President David Eun said in a statement. The new fund comes after Samsung (ssnlf) changed the name of its startup investment arm from the Samsung Global Innovation Center, and opened a Tel Aviv office in September.