Amplify Partners invests in technical founders solving technical problems for the enterprise. They invest in early-stage companies pioneering novel applications in machine intelligence and computer science.

Amplify Partners

Lux Capital manages over $5 billion in assets focused on founding, seed, early-stage, and growth investments at the intersection of technology and the sciences. Lux takes an active role in helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses in high-growth sectors. Its investment team has built over 20 companies from scratch. Lux's investment strategy ensures portfolio companies are better connected, have a deeper insight, and command industry leadership faster than their competitors.

Lux Capital

SV Angel is a service organization, investing in founders who share these values. They support entrepreneurs in building lasting companies by assisting at key inflection points and leveraging networks to help them propel their businesses forward.

SV Angel

A.Capital Ventures is an early-stage investment firm that finances consumer and enterprise technology companies. It was founded in 2014 by Ronny Conway. A.Capital Ventures is based in Menlo Park, California.

A.Capital Ventures

By adopting revolutionary mechanisms, FREES FUND is devoted to change the long-established rules in the venture capital. By leveraging the cutting-edge technologies and resources, FREES FUND aims at investing in great startups and helping them grow into great enterprises that are valuable to our society.   We mainly invest in early-stage startups, and hope to become their first-round institutional investor. Our primary interested areas are broad-sense TMT (Technology, Media, Telecom), B2B and deep technology.

Frees Fund

In physics, 11.2 km/s is the escape velocity from Earth's gravity. They focus on emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum, new space, computational therapeutics, synthetic biology.  ​They believe great people are leading indicators of a company's success. 11.2 Capital’s technical background, operational experience, and a strong network of amazing advisors and international partners particularly in Asia deliver a unique set of resources to entrepreneurs. While they are happy to help companies across the full range of early-stage company questions, areas where they concentrate include technical recruiting, partnerships (OEM and distribution partnerships for smart hardware companies, data partnerships for data-driven healthcare companies), customer introductions (CISO introductions for security companies, provider introductions for healthcare companies), and follow-on financings.

11.2 Capital

Samsung NEXT Ventures is an investment arm of Samsung NEXT, a multifaceted innovation group within Samsung Electronics dedicated to identifying new growth opportunities that will define the next decade. The firm prefers to invest in artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain, health technology, infrastructure, and media technology sectors.

Samsung NEXT

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm which helps entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into global businesses.

Index Ventures

Radical Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in entrepreneurs applying deep technology to transform massive industries. With a primary focus on artificial intelligence, Radical Ventures partners with entrepreneurs with global ambition to build enduring companies. The firm is based in Toronto, Canada, with offices in London (UK), and Palo Alto (US)

Radical Ventures

Temasek Holdings is a lender provider. The company offers debt financing and focuses on transforming economies, increasing middle-income populations, developing comparative advantages, and emerging champions. Financial services, transportation, industrial, consumer, real estate, telecommunications, media, technology, and life sciences are among the industries served by the firm.

Temasek Holdings

CPP Investments's mandate is to invest in the best interests of Canada Pension Plan contributors and beneficiaries and to maximize investment returns without undue risk of loss. CPP Investments is a professional investment management organization that invests the assets of the Canada Pension Plan, not currently needed to pay pension, disability, and survivor benefits.

CPP Investments

Founded in 2000, Northgate Capital is a global venture capital and private equity firm with investment offices in San Francisco and London, and an affiliate office in Mexico City. Collectively, the firm manages $4.8Bn in AuM and employs 50+ investment and finance professionals across its global locations. Northgate’s investment programs focus on venture capital – Fund-of-Funds and Direct – with additional programs in private equity – global small market Fund-of-Funds, Mexico growth equity and mezzanine finance.

Northgate Capital

Gates Frontier Fund is an investment fund.

Gates Frontier Fund

AIX Ventures is an AI-focused venture firm

AIX Ventures

Covariant

Covariant is a developer of artificial intelligence for robotics. Covariant is building the Covariant Brain, a universal AI to give robots the ability to see, reason and act on the world around them.

Covariant is an AI robotics company that develops advanced AI software for industrial and warehouse robots. The company's flagship offering is the “Covariant Brain,” an AI platform that enables robots to perform complex warehouse tasks, such as bin picking and order sorting, with high levels of autonomy and adaptability. Covariant's technology utilizes machine learning and computer vision to allow robots to handle a variety of items with different shapes, sizes, and packaging, and is pitched toward ecommerce and logistics operations. In March 2024, Covariant announced the launch of “RFM-1” (Robotics Foundation Model 1), described as a "large language model for robot language" that can power robots.&nbsp;

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

Logistics Tech

Amazon to Hire Covariant Founders to Expand Warehouse Automation

Amazon

To enhance supply chain and logistics,  Amazon licensed Covariant’s robotic foundation models non-exclusively, aiming to integrate them into its robotic systems to improve warehouse operations and safety.

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

Covariant is an AI robotics company that develops advanced AI software for industrial and warehouse robots. The company's flagship offering is the “Covariant Brain,” an AI platform that enables robots to perform complex warehouse tasks, such as bin picking and order sorting, with high levels of autonomy and adaptability. Covariant's technology utilizes machine learning and computer vision to allow robots to handle a variety of items with different shapes, sizes, and packaging, and is pitched toward ecommerce and logistics operations. In March 2024, Covariant announced the launch of “RFM-1” (Robotics Foundation Model 1), described as a "large language model for robot language" that can power robots.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsCovariant's customers include Otto Group, Radial, McKesson, Wurth, GXO, Capacity, Active Ants, GNC, Bpost, Brodrene Dahl, Rohlik Group, and Bestseller. In August 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33103">Amazon</a> announced a partnership with Covariant, acquiring a non-exclusive license to Covariant's robotic foundation models to enhance its warehouse automation capabilities.<h3>Its product partnerships include ones with 1) Knapp, an automation provider, to work on order-pick automation (since March 2020) and 2) ABB to co-develop intelligent robotics technologies (February 2020).</h3>

<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> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35243">Auchan Retail Luxembourg,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36779">BlueStar</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36913">Hygie31 and Hartmann Group</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

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

Using data and automation to achieve 24/7 production.

Smart Factory

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

<div>
 Amazon has recruited the founders of AI company Covariant, along with a notable portion of its staff, in a bid to advance its robotics and automation abilities. The e-commerce giant has arranged a non-exclusive licensing deal for Covariant's robotic foundation models with plans to incorporate them into its robotic systems to optimize warehouse operations and maintain safety standards.
 Amazon's decision is a component of its broader strategy to enhance its AI and robotics team, with a focus on the Bay Area. Despite the new arrangement, Covariant will remain operational as an independent entity, maintaining its current customer base while also aiding in the development of Amazon's fulfillment technologies and robotics initiatives.
</div>

Covariant

Its product partnerships include ones with 1) Knapp, an automation provider, to work on order-pick automation (since March 2020) and 2) ABB to co-develop intelligent robotics technologies (February 2020).

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