Liquid2 Ventures provides technology startups with seed-stage investments and is based in San Francisco, California. The firm was founded in 2015 by Joe Montana, Mike Miller, and Michael Ma.

Liquid 2 Ventures

Kleiner Perkins is a venture capital firm specializing in investing in early-stage, growth, and incubation companies. The firm continues that legacy, investing in founders with bold ideas that span industries and continents, partnering with them from inception to IPO and beyond to maximize the potential of their ideas. They also focus on early computer firms using their devices and programming and service companies. It also invests in the digital, life sciences, and healthcare industries.

Kleiner Perkins

Lightspeed Venture Partners is a venture capital firm that engages in consumer, enterprise, technology, and cleantech markets. It focuses on seed, early-stage, later-stage, expansion-stage, start-ups, growth companies, and incubation, and specializes in debt financing for start-ups and growth companies. Lightspeed Venture Partners invests in various sectors that include enterprise, consumer, big data, bitcoin, enterprise technology, cleantech, mobile, internet, financial technology, cloud solutions, e-commerce, storage, media, networking, energy, and software, software-as-a-service, information technology, biotechnology, and social.

Lightspeed Venture Partners

B37 Ventures is a venture capital firm that derives returns from a proprietary platform in which startups and multinational corporations exchange innovation and scale. The firm is able to validate product-market fit and curate scalability through the global reach of our industry-diverse corporate investors. B37 Ventures is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

B37 Ventures

Obvious Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in the early and growth stages. The firm was founded in 2014 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Obvious Ventures

StartX is a 501(c)(3) Stanford-affiliated nonprofit in Silicon Valley that runs one of the world’s top startup accelerator programs. Its mission is to advance the development of the best entrepreneurs through experiential education and peer learning. Since launching in 2010, it has supported more than 450 companies and 1000 entrepreneurs, from early to pre-IPO stage, working across a wide spectrum of industries.    StartX and StartX Med, dedicated to medical and biotechnology innovation, provide founders with access to a powerful network of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and industry partners, along with office space and a variety of other resources. Based in Palo Alto, the accelerator also operates StartX-QB3 Labs and the Stanford-StartX Fund. We are funded by Stanford University, Stanford Health Care, Microsoft, Steelcase, Hyundai, Oriza Ventures, Nissan, Panasonic, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Analog Devices, Silicon Valley Bank, Greylock Partners, Sequoia Capital, and many others. For more information, visit startx.com The company is associated investment vehicle, the Stanford-StartX Fund is a partnership between StartX, Stanford University and Stanford Health Care.  It can invest only in StartX companies who raise qualified rounds of venture capital using objective criteria; it is founder opt-in.

StartX (Stanford-StartX Fund)

Blackhorn Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that invests in companies using cutting edge engineering to improve resource productivity. The firm was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

Blackhorn Ventures

Presidio Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Sumitomo Corporation, one of the world’s leading integrated trading companies. Presidio helps the technologies of tomorrow secure their place in the global market, offering solid financial support, and expertise in business development. With offices in Silicon Valley and Boston, Presidio Ventures has invested in more than 160 companies over the past twenty years. Presidio's expansive network of Sumitomo affiliates and subsidiaries helps it in tailoring support for start-ups, ensuring that new companies can succeed from early-stage investment all the way to IPO. Presidio looks for opportunities to partner with entrepreneurs in key industries that shape the way people live.

Presidio Ventures

Pacific West Bank, a community bank, is headquartered in West Linn, Oregon, with a second branch in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Pacific West Bank provides not only highly personalized deposit and loan services to individuals and small-to-medium sized businesses but also financial and volunteer support to a variety of community, civic and charitable organizations.

Pacific West Bank

Ballistic Ventures operates as a venture capital firm and offers the unparalleled benefit of an experienced, connected team that is focused on cybersecurity. They believe the essential step they can take today is to provide collective experience, network, and enthusiasm to the world's finest cybersecurity entrepreneurs.

Ballistic Ventures

Dexterity

Dexterity offers robots as a service solution for logistics, warehousing, and supply chain operations. The company excels in fulfillment, kitting, packing, palletizing or depalletizing, and sortation. The company develops robots with human-like dexterity in warehouses, robots that pick and place anything, and robots that gracefully adapt to unpredictable situations. Dexterity is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

<div>Dexterity develops robots for logistics, warehousing, and supply chain operations. Its hardware-agnostic full-stack robots systems powered by computer vision, force control, and motion control capabilities can be deployed to work alongside human workers. The company provides a data-analytics-powered software-as-a-service (SaaS) robotic platform that can turn standard industrial robot arms into full-task robots. The platform also provides detailed real-time visibility of the operations and generates business insights that support decision-making.&nbsp;</div>

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

Logistics Tech

Sagawa Express Partners with Sumitomo and Dexterity to Pioneer Robotic Truck Loading in Japan

FedEx

Partnered with FedEx Corp to have robots load FedEx Ground trailers by leveraging AI-powered technology.  FedEx is testing the technology with FedEx Ground trailers to refine its use for everyday loading tasks

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

KION GROUP

To advance warehouse automation, Dematic has formed a strategic partnership with Dexterity to integrate full-task robotics into its intelligent automation solutions.

Dematic

Partnered to offer full-task Dexterity robotics solutions as a part of Dematic intelligent automation solutions.

Speeding up sales, cutting costs, and preparing for the future of retail—whether brick-and-mortar or online.

Retail Industry Robots

Companies developing robotic technology for automated online order preparation solutions and micro-warehousing centers designed to assist SME retailers with order fulfillment.

<div>
 
 Dexterity develops robots for logistics, warehousing, and supply chain operations. Its hardware-agnostic full-stack robots systems powered by computer vision, force control, and motion control capabilities can be deployed to work alongside human workers. The company provides a data-analytics-powered software-as-a-service (SaaS) robotic platform that can turn standard industrial robot arms into full-task robots. The platform also provides detailed real-time visibility of the operations and generates business insights that support decision-making.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 The technology is not coded to perform one specific task and is instead modular and therefore can be deployed for a range of use cases in truck loading, fulfillment, kitting, packing, palletizing or depalletizing, and sortation.
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 As of May 2024, Dexterity&rsquo;s customers included Kawasaki Heavy Industries, 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25388">
 Sagawa Express,
 </a>
 and 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26357">
 GXO Logistics.
 </a>
 The company also has a distribution partnership with Sumitomo, to deploy 1,500 robots in Japan by 2026 (September 2022).
 
 
 
 
 The company also has partnerships with Dematic, a supplier of materials handling systems, software, and services to develop full-task robots powered by Dexterity&rsquo;s SaaS platform (August 2022), and FedEx to develop AI-powered robotic technology for loading boxes into trucks and trailers 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22293">
 (September 2023).
 </a>
 
 
 
</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> <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

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 
 Dexterity, a robotics developer for logistics and supply chain operations, is partnering with GXO Logistics for a pilot project to introduce AI-powered robots in warehouse operations associated with a beauty brand. 
 The collaboration aims to leverage robotics, AI, and machine learning to upgrade functions like depalletizing and repalletizing, thereby improving productivity and safety. 
 Dexterity's robots are said to require minimal initial setup and can self-learn and evolve over time, thus simplifying warehouse processes and freeing up staff for more intricate tasks. 
 
</div> Analyst QuickTake: 
 GXO Logistics has a history of pioneering advanced technological solutions in warehouse operations. <a href="https: 
//sp-edge.com/updates/24716"> In December 2023, </a> the company collaborated with <a href="https: 
//sp-edge.com/companies/455034"> Agility Robotics </a> to test humanoid robots in a women's fashion brand's warehouse, highlighting its ongoing efforts to innovate warehouse operations through advanced robotics.

Dexterity

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