Credo Ventures is a venture capital company focused on early stage investments in Central and Eastern Europe. It is on a mission to identify and back the most interesting early stage companies in the region, support them in their growth plans (including expansion to the U.S. / global market), and help to achieve their objectives. The company is looking for opportunities to invest in high-growth potential companies with international ambitions and competence to execute and deliver. Credo's industry focus is IT, Internet, and health.

Credo Ventures

RSJ Private Equity manages a broad investment portfolio in real estate, energy industry, agriculture, biotechnologies and other economic sectors. We focus on key industries for the 21st century, such as power generation from renewables, sustainable and healthy food production, information technology, and life sciences, applied research leading to a longer and better human life. In addition to considering profitability, we take into account our projects´ potential to contribute to significant shifts in the given industry or field of activity.

RSJ Investments SICAV a.s.

Founded in 1997, Earlybird invests in all development and growth phases of technology companies. Among the most experienced venture investors in Europe, Earlybird offers its portfolio companies not only financial resources but also strategic support plus access to an international network and capital markets. With EUR 2 billion under management, eight IPOs and 30 trade sales, Earlybird is one of the most established and active venture capital firms in Europe.

Earlybird Venture Capital

IPM Group is an investment firm that offers a vast range of financial advisory, investment management, and family office services. The company focuses on investments in the InfraTech segment, the cross-section between the real assets infrastructure strategy and groundbreaking technologies, that are placed to fix pressing global infrastructure issues in the sectors of energy, mobility, and AI-enabled critical infrastructure. Established on 2014, IPM Group makes a positive economic impact and long-term value for clients, the companies it invests in, and the communities in which it works. It is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.

IPM Group

Venture to Future Fund is a joint initiative of EIB, the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic, and the Slovak Investment Holding. It is the first venture capital fund of its kind in the CEE region that has lured EIB´s capital.  We like hi-tech scaleups, however our focus is more generalistic. Our approach is more comprehensive and what counts the most is the innovation level, the overall uniqueness of the presented solution, and, of course, a skilled team with excellent execution power. We look for SMEs (Seed, Series A and beyond)) with at least a partially functioning and viable product that has been proved on the market and has first paying customers or signed contracts for the upcoming months. The minimum ticket is €0,5 million, average participation ranges from €1.5 – 2 million.  We always invest alongside independent private co-investors based on the pari passu principle (50:50). Primary choice of preference are Slovak-incorporated SMEs or EU companies with capital link to Slovakia.

Venture to Future Fund

Taiwania Capital is a venture capital firm that was founded in August 2017 by the National Development Fund of the Executive Yuan of Taiwan and private enterprises. Our mission is to establish a partnership with companies worldwide and boost Taiwan’s economic growth. We focus on financial returns but more than that, by linking technology and capital, we aspire to create a robust ecosystem in Taiwan that is rooted in entrepreneurial innovation.

Taiwania Capital Management Corporation

Alpha Intelligence Capital (AIC) is an entrepreneurs-led, entrepreneurs-invested, global closed-end private venture capital fund. It invests in deep Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technology-based companies. (AI is the science of self-learning software algorithms that execute tasks otherwise typically performed by humans.) We believe that AI is the Future. Our core focus lies in companies in the early stages (Seed to Series B), with deep expertise in the algorithmic sciences and their application to developing breakthrough products and to solving real business problems. Our investment committee and advisory team come from executive level positions at Fortune 500 companies and successful startups, universities, private equity firms, ventures and funds. With a long history and strong background in a variety of industries, we use our expert experience to promote both long and short-term wealth generation.

Alpha Intelligence Capital

H&D Asset Management invests in healthcare, life sciences, and technology startups to drive positive change and growth.

H&D Asset Management

Kolowrat Group

Photoneo Brightpick Group

Photoneo Brightpick Group is a leading robotics and AI company with more than 300 employees and 8000 technology installations worldwide. The multi-award winning group consists of two business units: Photoneo and Brightpick. Photoneo is a leading provider of robotic vision sensors and intelligence software, with customers such as General Motors and Volkswagen. Brightpick offers AI robots for warehouses to easily automate every step of their order fulfillment, with customers such as Rohlik Group and The Feed.

Based in Slovakia, the BrightPick Photoneo Group consists of two units: Brightpick, which develops robotic warehouse automation products, and Photoneo, which develops 3D vision systems to support fulfillment-related robotic processes. Brightpick offers a patented autonomous mobile robot (AMR) that can pick a wide range of products by leveraging proprietary 3D machine vision and AI algorithms that have been trained on over 500 million picks.&nbsp;

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

Logistics Tech

Slovak Photoneo Brightpick Group raises $19M to scale the US presence

Based in Slovakia, the BrightPick Photoneo Group consists of two units: Brightpick, which develops robotic warehouse automation products, and Photoneo, which develops 3D vision systems to support fulfillment-related robotic processes. Brightpick offers a patented autonomous mobile robot (AMR) that can pick a wide range of products by leveraging proprietary 3D machine vision and AI algorithms that have been trained on over 500 million picks.&nbsp;The company also provides an Autopicker system that enables large-, small-, and micro-fulfillment centers to automate order picking, consolidation, dispatch, and stock replenishment, without requiring centralized picking stations. Moreover, the company’s Photoneo portfolio of 3D scanners and scanning software complements robotic picking systems by enabling users to program automated piece picking, depalletization, delayering, bin picking, and machine loading, among other common warehouse processes.&nbsp; Key customers and partnershipsIn March 2024, Brightpick <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27916">partnered with Chang Robotics</a>, an engineering firm that specializes in robotics and autonomous systems, to jointly offer warehouse automation products and services across a range of industries. The partnership will combine Brightpick's warehouse automation solutions with Chang Robotics’ engineering expertise to enable clients across multiple industries to design customized solutions tailored to their industry and facility layouts.As of March 2024, the company served several enterprise clients such as Dr. Max, Delia, The Feed, Netrush, and The Rohlik Group.Funding and financialsIn January 2023, the company raised USD 19 million in additional Series B funding led by Taiwania Capital to expand its warehouse automation solution for ecommerce and grocery order fulfillment in the US.

<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, and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26080">Lane Automotive.</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.Funding and financialsExotec reportedly generated USD 120 million in revenue in 2021. In January 2022, the company raised USD 335 million in Series D funding led by Goldman Sachs at a valuation of USD 2 billion. The funds were earmarked for hiring 500 engineers by 2025 and continuing its expansion drive in North America.

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>and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27659">John Lewis &amp; Partners.</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

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 
 Autonomous mobile robot developer, Brightpick, has formed a partnership with engineering firm Chang Robotics to offer warehouse automation products and services across multiple industries. The two firms aim to provide access to Brightpick's warehouse automation solutions and to the engineering expertise of Chang Robotics for manufacturers and service providers in the healthcare, industrial, and food manufacturing sectors. The partnership aims at reducing equipment deployment time and labor costs.
 The Brightpick–Chang Robotics solution allows customers to use the Autopicker system, an automation tool for order picking, consolidation, dispatch, and stock replenishment in warehouses. Chang Robotics contributes with their engineering knowledge to design solutions customized to the user's industry and facility layouts.
 Brightpick's core technology is based on a patented autonomous mobile robot (AMR) which can pick varied products using its unique 3D machine vision and AI algorithms that have been trained on over 500 million picks.
 
</div>

Photoneo Brightpick Group

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