Collaborative Robotics today announced that it has raised $30 million in Series A funding. The San Francisco startup said it will use the funds to begin scaling early field deployments and manufacturing its novel cobots.
“Our vision for a future where robots seamlessly integrate into our surroundings to enhance operational efficiency and human potential is now closer than ever,” stated Brad Porter, founder and CEO of Collaborative Robotics, in a release. “This funding will accelerate our mission to bring the world's first truly practical cobots to market.”
Porter, a former vice president at Amazon Robotics, founded Collaborative Robotics in 2022 to “redefine the future of human-robot interaction.”
Cobot Flywheel Program to transform industries
In addition to its development of a practical cobot, Collaborative Robotics’ team has launched the Cobot Flywheel Program. The company said its intention is “to help the world’s most innovative companies in biotech, healthcare, and logistics drive ambitious operational transformation with advanced robotics solutions.”
As part of its collaboration with Collaborative Robotics, Mayo Clinic has adopted the Cobot Flywheel Program to accelerate robotics initiatives. Mayo Clinic, which was among the company's investors, said it will use any revenue it receives to support its not-for-profit mission in patient care, education, and research.
Sequoia Capital leads round
New anchor investor Sequoia Capital led Collaborative Robotics' Series A round, bringing its total funding to more than $40 million. Khosla Ventures and Mayo Clinic, as well as Calibrate Ventures, Neo Ventures, and 1984.vc also participated, expanding their existing investments.
“The need for automated solutions is at an all-time high as consumer demand for e-commerce surges and turnover rates in warehouse and storage industries continue to rise,” said Alfred Lin, a partner at Sequoia Capital who is joining Collaborative Robotics' board.
“Collaborative Robotics is ushering in a new frontier of human-robot interaction rooted in collaboration, which is evident in their early commercial traction,” he added. “We’re thrilled to partner with the team and Brad, whose comprehensive understanding of the robotics landscape and extensive experience deploying robotics at scale is unparalleled.”
Jeff Wilke, former CEO of Amazon Consumer, Fuel Capital, and MVP Ventures, also added to the funding pool.