Seed firm with ~$140m AUM across two funds. Leading pre-Seed & Seed rounds across the US. We invest U$500k-U$2.5m in companies raising U$500k-U$5m.

ANIMO Ventures

Motus Ventures is a seed venture capital fund and business accelerator focusing on innovation in the Transportation Industry and Internet of Things.  Transportation is one of the oldest and largest businesses in the world and greatly in need of innovative solutions that improve safety, reduce congestion, energy usage and pollution, increase efficiency and resource utilization, provide entertainment, and reduce costs.   A combination of recent technology shifts and emerging consumer trends – internet connected cars, vehicle to vehicle communications, crowd sourcing and resource sharing - have opened up a world of new opportunities for innovation in Transportation.  Motus Ventures aims to generate superior returns for its investors by providing the funding and resources needed to establish new innovative businesses that capitalize on these new opportunities.

Motus Ventures

Berkeley Angel Network is a venture capital and private equity firm that specializes in the fields of finance and investment management. Its mission of the Berkeley Angel Network is to build an angel investor community among the alumni and faculty of UC Berkeley and to improve the collective skills and knowledge of this angel investor community through activities related to angel investing.

Berkeley Angel Network

Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a no-fee/no-equity organization that delivers an objectives-based mentoring program for massively scalable, pre-seed stage, science- and technology-based companies. Its nine-month program allows founders to learn from experienced entrepreneurs, increasing their likelihood of success. Founded in 2012 by Professor Ajay Agrawal at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, the program has expanded to thirteen sites across seven countries: Seattle, Oxford, Paris, Atlanta, Estonia, Wisconsin, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Berlin, Melbourne and Halifax.

Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)

Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley is a venture capital firm that invests in the robotics, food, and AgTech industry. The firm invests in early-stage companies that have product and customer validation. Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley (YMVSV) was founded in 2015 by Hiro Saijou and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, United States.

Yamaha Motor Ventures

Kärcher New Venture is the corporate venture capital arm of Alfred Kärcher, the provider of cleaning technology for commercial and private customers. It enables innovative and dynamic to further develop their startups founders and to shape the cleaning industry of the future in partnership with it. It seeks to invest in pioneering product-, material- or service-based solution for future challenges within the cleaning sector. Besides its investment, Kärcher is also actively looking for start-up solutions to be used within the Kärcher group like B2B enterprise software as a venture client. In 2019, the Kärcher group achieved, with its operations in 72 countries, the highest turnover of its history (EUR 2.6 billion).

Kärcher New Venture

InOrbit

InOrbit is bridging the autonomy gap through a cloud robot management platform that enables robotics companies and operators to develop, deploy and orchestrate autonomous robots at global scale. The commercial service robot market, is growing over 40% YoY and is expected to hit $50B by 2024. InOrbit is pioneering the new field of RobOps, or DevOps for Robotics -- think of it as Splunk/Datadog for Robots. InOrbit’s multi-cloud platform provides secure, real-time analytics and data collection, robot performance monitoring (RPM), incident management and remote interventions. The company’s proprietary technology, including adaptive diagnostics and predictive analytics, is able to derive unique value by leveraging industry-wide data that provides InOrbit’s customer’s insight they are unable to obtain on their own.  InOrbit has access to over 300 Petabytes of data per month and can learn faster than any robotics company by operating across different robots and industry verticals. Customers and partners include Google, Qualcomm, Sprint, Brain Corp., Bossa Nova Robotics and over a dozen other robot manufacturers that range from early stage to scaling.  InOrbit’s founding team includes Mario Munich, a pioneer in robotics and former SVP Technology at iRobot (through acquisition of Evolution Robotics, where he was CTO); Julian Cerruti, an expert in complex systems, robotics and augmented reality (experience with Willow Garage, creator of de facto standard Robot Operating System, Savioke, Clearpath, Google, IBM); and Florian Pestoni, with experience leading product teams reaching hundreds of millions of users at large-scale cloud companies (formerly at Microsoft, Adobe, Atlassian, Facebook, Ooyala). Together the team holds well over 50 patents in security, autonomous navigation, image processing, distributed systems and collaboration, with diverse experience including starting companies, scaling teams, shipping products at scale and achieving venture-backed exit through acquisition.

InOrbit offers an AI-powered, cloud-based robot management platform that can handle the infrastructure work required to develop and operate robots in environments like warehouses. The platform facilitates real-time analytics, actionable insight generation, performance monitoring, incident response, and fleet management, allowing robotics developers and end users to monitor, manage, and control autonomous robot fleets.

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

Logistics Tech

InOrbit Brings RobOps to Advanced Robot Simulations Powered by NVIDIA

InOrbit offers an AI-powered, cloud-based robot management platform that can handle the infrastructure work required to develop and operate robots in environments like warehouses. The platform facilitates real-time analytics, actionable insight generation, performance monitoring, incident response, and fleet management, allowing robotics developers and end users to monitor, manage, and control autonomous robot fleets.Its “InOrbit Connect” technology supports multi-vendor and multi-site robotic environments, offering integrations with systems such as warehouse management systems (WMS) and advanced diagnostic tools. Its product is pitched toward robot developers and end users, and can be used to manage various types of robots, including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs), drones, and devices. Its technology, called “InOrbit RobOps Copilot,” uses AI to turn robot operations data into actionable insights to optimize autonomous robot fleets.Key customers and partnershipsCertified companies using InOrbit Connect include Siemens, SVT Robotics, Geek+, Thira Robotics, Otto Motors, Room_e, OX, Karcher, Clearpath Robotics, Fuji Innovation Lab, Relay Robotics, Instock, Peer Robotics, Locus Robotics, Wibotic, Ubiquity Robotics, SICK Sensor Intelligence, Apelie Robotics, and VisionNav Robotics.

<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

InOrbit

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