1984 Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that seeks to invest in fintech, healthcare, SaaS, e-commerce, and consumer sectors.

1984 Ventures

Harvard Business School educates leaders who make a difference in the world. HBS offers MBA Program, an intensive, two-year residential program leading to an MBA degree; Doctoral Programs with nine full-time programs leading to a Ph.D. or DBA degree; and Executive Education with more than 80 programs preparing talented professionals from all over the world for new levels of leadership in their careers and within their organizations. Some of the notable graduates of Harvard Business School are former US president George W. Bush, Ratan Tata, and James Dimon. Harvard Business School is an ivy league school.

Harvard Business School

The Harvard Innovation Labs are a vibrant, cross-disciplinary ecosystem for the Harvard community to explore innovation and entrepreneurship while building deeper connections.  It is an excellent example of the One Harvard vision and a leading catalyst for the Allston Science and Enterprise District.    The Harvard Innovation Labs began in 2011 with the opening of the i-lab, expanded in 2014 when the Launch Lab opened its doors, and will continue to grow in both breadth and depth with future resources, including the Life Lab which comes online in 2016 (projected).

Harvard Innovation Labs

Gradient is a seed fund that focuses on supporting founders in the artificial intelligence sector. The firm collaborates closely with innovators to integrate AI into various business processes and drive technological advancements. Gradient aims to foster disruptive ideas that can redefine industries and enhance operational capabilities.

Gradient

Flybridge is a seed-stage VC investing with entrepreneurs to leverage the power of the community. It prefers to invest in computer hardware, software, SaaS, and big data sectors. Founded in 2002, the company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Flybridge

Firstminute Capital is a European seed fund based in London. Moreover, Firstminute invests in European early-stage tech companies. The firm was founded in 2017 by Brent Hoberman and Spencer Crawley.

Firstminute Capital

2.12 Angels' goal is to be the highest value-add to Founders per dollar invested. We invest pre-seed / seed companies in the Enterprise space. We do 2 zoom meetings. Founders get our decision the day after the second zoom. At noon.

2 | Twelve

We’re an early-stage venture capital fund that backs data founders, regardless of sector or geography.

Rackhouse Venture Capital

Accel is an early and growth-stage venture capital firm that powers a global community of entrepreneurs. Accel backs entrepreneurs who have what it takes to build a business.  Accel’s vision for entrepreneurship and business enables it to identify and invest in the companies that will be responsible for the growth of next-generation industries. Accel-backed companies include Atlassian, Braintree, Cloudera, DJI, Dropbox, Dropcam, Etsy, Facebook, Flipkart, Lookout Security, MoPub, Qualtrics, Slack, Spotify, Supercell, Vox Media, and others.

Accel

Atacama Ventures is an early-stage venture fund supporting big ideas, future brands, and the next generation of fund managers

Atacama Ventures

Syrup Tech

Syrup Tech is a machine-learning decision-support engine for inventory in commerce. The company uses advanced demand forecasting and stochastic optimizations. Syrup Tech's software empowers brands and retailers to significantly increase full-priced inventory sell-through by (1) preventing stock-outs and end-of-season markdowns, (2) decrease unnecessary excess inventory and reduce overproduction, and (3) reduce the time spent on manual tasks for stretched merchandising and planning teams.

<div>​​Syrup Tech develops an AI and machine learning-powered platform for inventory planning and optimization. Syrup Tech&rsquo;s platform uses advanced demand forecasting and stochastic optimizations to generate inventory insights to minimize excess inventory as well as increase productivity and gross margins by avoiding stockouts and unnecessary markdowns. The company offers its platform on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis.</div>

AI, robotics, and IoT to streamline the flow of goods and information

Logistics Tech

Flieber, Syrup Tech, and SupChains Launch AI Supply Chain Forecasting Competition | StreetInsider.com

<div>
 
 ​​Syrup Tech develops an AI and machine learning-powered platform for inventory planning and optimization. Syrup Tech&rsquo;s platform uses advanced demand forecasting and stochastic optimizations to generate inventory insights to minimize excess inventory as well as increase productivity and gross margins by avoiding stockouts and unnecessary markdowns. The company offers its platform on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis.
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 Syrup Tech's customers include fashion and apparel brands such as Desigual, Reformation, Faherty, Barry&rsquo;s, MAS Holdings, Holy Fashion Group, HIRMER, Windsor, Fox River, and PKZ.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Syrup Tech&rsquo;s platform can also be integrated with ERPs or other sources to get historical and real-time internal data. The platform&rsquo;s integrations include SAP, Shopify, Salesforce, NewStore, Oracle Netsuite, and Microsoft Dynamics 365.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24548">
 In December 2023,
 </a>
 Syrup Tech raised USD 17.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Accel at a valuation closer to USD 100 million. The company intended to utilize the funds to expand its platform and engineering, product, and sales teams.
 
 
 
</div>

<div>
 
 Boxbot develops automated sorting and storage solutions for warehouses. The company, which previously focused on developing autonomous delivery vehicles (ADVs) for 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/industry/1">
 last-mile delivery automation,
 </a>
 announced the shift in focus to develop warehouse robots 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22292">
 in September 2023.
 </a>
 It offers intelligent 3D parcel handling conveyor systems, specifically designed to increase storage density within a smaller footprint. Its platform can store, sort, and sequence high-throughput payloads while requiring minimal physical space. The company claims the system can handle up to 4,000 parcels per hour. The system is powered by &ldquo;Boxbot OS,&rdquo; which provides advanced analytics, systems controls, and predictive maintenance features.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 Boxbot was in discussions with partners and had identified several sites for testing its warehouse automation technology as of September 2023. The company has conducted pilot tests in various use cases and notes the technology can be deployed at last-mile delivery centers, bonded storage warehouses, and customer pickup locations.
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22292">
 In September 2023,
 </a>
 Boxbot raised USD 12 million in a Series A funding round led by Playground Global to strengthen its engineering and business operations and accelerate its go-to-market approach.
 
</div>

Boxbot

Based in France, Exotec Solutions (Exotec) develops warehouse automation solutions. Its main offering “Skypod,” is an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) with the ability to prioritize orders by automating the movement of goods from bin storage to workstations. Skypod units are powered by autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology and have the ability to travel at high speeds and move in 3D environments.Skypod system is supported by Exotec’s end-to-end warehouse software, “Deepsky,” which uses technologies such as Webservices, RESTful API, and nodeRed to control elements of the Skypod system. Exotec can be integrated with warehouse management and warehouse control systems and enables Skypod to be integrated with third-party automation equipment. It also collects real-time data for performance visibility.Exotec’s other warehouse solutions include “Skypicker, ” an automated picking arm that uses machine learning-based vision to pick items from the Skypod robots and place them into fulfillment containers, and “Skypath,” an API-based modular plug-and-play conveyor system. It also builds stations made up of a ramp, a screen, and scanners for smaller warehouse spaces that use Skypod robots.The company offers its products on a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) basis and has a presence in multiple countries in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.Key customers and partnershipsAs of February 2022, Exotec served over 50 companies. Its customers include Decathlon, Carrefour, Cdiscount, Uniqlo, Gap, Monoprix, Logilec,&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26080">Lane Automotive,</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35243">Auchan Retail Luxembourg.</a>The company also has partnerships with system integrators such as 1) <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24045">Bastian Solutions </a>and Advanced Handling Systems (AHS) to deploy Skypod systems in North America for retailers such as Gap, Ariat International, and GEODIS; 2) Korea-based engineering and IT service provider POSCO DX to expand its presence in South Korea. Its other integrator partnerships include Hy-Tek Intralogistics, Bastian Solutions, Klinkhammer Intralogistics, Unitechnik Systems GmbH, A1Sorter, LAC Conveyors &amp; Automation, Dexter Intralogistics, POSCO DX, Okura Yusoki, and IHI.&nbsp;

Exotec 

Berkshire Grey provides AI-powered robotic solutions for ecommerce fulfillment automaton, smart store replenishment, package sortation, and micro-fulfillment solutions, targeting retail, ecommerce, and third-party logistics (3PL). Its product portfolio includes robotic pick-and-pack solutions, robotic induction stations, robotic pick-and-sort solutions, and mobile robotic fulfillment solutions. Berkshire Grey specializes in configuring, installing, commissioning, and servicing these solutions for customers. It also provides additional professional services, such as system maintenance, system operation, and cloud-based monitoring and analytics.The company offers its product with a variety of purchase options, including outright sale and robotics-as-a-service (RaaS), which allows customers to use the offerings without incurring large, up-front capital expenses.Berkshire Grey generated revenue of US 65.9 million in 2022; however, it was yet to turn profitable, as its operating loss amounted to USD 113.8 million. The company has been listed on the Nasdaq since August 2021 via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), which valued the combined entity at USD 2.7 billion (February 2021). However, the company entered a definitive merger agreement with its investor SoftBank Group in March 2023, which also took the company private (transaction closed in July 2023).Key customers and partnershipsBerkshire Grey’s customers include Global 100 retailers and logistics service providers, such as Walmart, FedEx, Ceva Logistics, Target, Maersk, and Bealls.The company also has partnerships with system integrator of fulfillment and distribution solutions AHS (September 2021), technology service provider Atos (October 2021), data-driven robotic solutions provider Swisslog (March 2022), autonomous mobile robot developer Locus Robotics (January 2023), and intralogistics solution company Kardex <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33225">(September 2024)</a> to expand markets by combining technologies.

Berkshire Grey

ShipBob is a cloud-based third-party logistics (3PL) platform that offers a fulfillment order platform for small and medium-sized ecommerce businesses. ShipBob's proprietary technology covers the entire fulfillment process, including order and inventory management, warehouse management, predictive data and analytics, and optimized shipping (package delivery within 1–2 business days) for ecommerce companies. The company operates as a B2B software-as-a-service (SaaS) company.ShipBob operated a network of 50+ fulfillment centers across the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Australia (as of April 2024). These centers serve as storage and distribution hubs for ShipBob's customers. ShipBob also <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32676">facilitates Section 321-compliant order fulfillment</a> from Canada and Mexico, which allows merchants to reduce paperwork, speed up delivery times, and save on transportation and duties for high-tariff goods shipped to US consumers.The company also provides a merchant application that enables users to monitor inventory levels and facilitates communication with the warehouses for selecting items to fulfill orders and arrange their shipment. ShipBob then integrates with various shipping companies to ensure the delivery of orders to customers.Key customers and partnershipsThe company had 7,000+ customers as of April 2024. Its customers include PetLab, Bloom Nutrition, Storelli, zBiotics, Semaine Health, Postal, Bruce Bolt, Baby Doppler, Earthley, Spikeball, Pit Viper, Oxford Healthspan, RIFRUF, Food Huggers, NutriPaw, FlutterHabit, Quadrant, Juspy, and SuperSpeed Golf.The company has integrations with multiple platforms to ensure a smooth fulfillment process. Such integrations include the following:1) Ecommerce platforms and marketplaces such as Shopify, Amazon, BigCommerce, eBay, Magneto, Squarespace, Walmart, Wix, WooCommerce, Netsuite, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22208">TikTok Shop,</a> and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30330">Adobe Commerce</a> integrations2) Ecommerce operations, inventory, and order management platforms such as Brightpearl, Birj, Cogsy, PackageBee, SPS Commerce, Zentail, Shipyard, Logicbroker, Order Desk, Fulfil.io, and Cin73) Returns management platforms such as HappyReturns, Loop returns, ReturnLogic, and Returnly4) Freight and shipping solutions such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, Flexport, Freightos, Route, Rush, Shippo, ShipStation, Anvyl, AfterShip, and Echo Global LogisticsIts other integrations include ecommerce marketing and customer support providers; custom packaging and design solutions providers; branding, marketing, and web development agencies; and accounting, tax, and financing service providers.

ShipBob

Locus Robotics develops autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for warehousing and manufacturing operations. It offers three main AMR solutions: 1) “Locus Origin,” an AMR designed for collaborative, high-volume order fulfillment; 2) “Locus Vector,” designed to handle small to medium payloads; and 3) “Locus Max,” designed for larger payloads. The AMR solutions are backed by “LocusONE,” a warehouse automation platform that uses AI and data science to deploy and manage the AMRs. LocusONE also generates real-time actionable insights to support operational decisions. The AMRs allow integration with warehouse management systems and warehouse control systems. The company also offers warehouse automation solution “LocusEmpower,” which supports a range of fulfillment types including zone-picking, discrete order picking, batch picking, and wave picking. It also offers <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27481">"LocusHub,"</a> an AI/ML-powered cloud-based business intelligence engine grounded with LocusONE for advanced analytics.The company offers its products on a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) basis. In April 2024, Locus’s AMRs achieved the landmark of completing more than 3 billion unit picks.In September 2021, Locus Robotics acquired AMR provider Waypoint Robotics, which offers AMRs that are industrial-strength with omnidirectional mobility features, enabling Locus Robotics to gain access to new market segments. Key customers and partnershipsAs of May 2023, the company had deployed its technology at 250+ locations in partnership with 100+ brands. Its global customers include Ceva Logistics, Boots, Cardinal Health, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27443">GEODIS, </a>DHL, DSV, JAS, Ryder, UniPharma, UnitedDrug, Go Retail Group, Bluegrass Supply Chain, FM Logistics, UPS, UPS Healthcare, VF Corporation, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27275">Booktopia,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27659">John Lewis &amp; Partners</a> and ​<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33695">​KSP Fulfillment</a>.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30676">June 2024</a>, Locus Robotics entered a strategic partnership with Zion Solutions Group to integrate Locus's robotic solutions with Zion's supply chain solutions.Funding and financialsAs of November 2022, the company reported having USD 100 million+ in contracted recurring revenue.In November 2022, Locus Robotics <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14949?industryIds=6">raised USD 117 million </a>in Series F funding co-led by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and G2 Venture Partners, valuing the company at “close to” USD 2 billion. The funds were to be used to facilitate the company’s continued growth and further expand global operations.

Locus Robotics

Companies developing automation technology for warehouses like robots (including inventory drones), cobots, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), and related software.

Include companies providing automated ecommerce fulfillment, store replenishment, and package sortation solutions.

Companies offering automated vendor evaluation and management, demand forecasting, and inventory management.

Companies that offer warehousing and ecommerce fulfillment with technology developed in-house.

Uses connected devices and sensors to gather information—mainly relevant for the visibility segment

Uses robotics solutions for warehouse operations and fulfillment

Automated fulfilment solutions and warehouse automation broadly fall under industry 4.0

<div>
 Syrup Tech, a provider of AI-driven tools for retailers to better manage their inventory, has raised USD 17.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Accel, with participation from Gradient Ventures and 1984 Ventures. The round brings the company's total funds raised to about USD 25 million and the valuation closer to USD 100 million.
 The company intends to utilize the funds to expand its platform and the team from 30 to roughly 70 by the end of 2024. The company plans to hire new staff for its engineering, product, and sales teams.
</div>

Syrup Tech

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