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Robotics one of the hottest investment sectors of the decade, says Silicon Valley Bank report

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Entrepreneurs have invested more money in robotics than all other sectors combined, according to a new report by Silicon Valley Bank.

In a report called The Future of Robotics, SVB says: “Investment in robotics has significantly outpaced the rest of venture (financing), making robotics one of the hottest sectors of the decade.”

SVB’s data shows that robotics venture capital funding represented 55 percent of all venture financing (see bar chart below). [Read more…] about Robotics one of the hottest investment sectors of the decade, says Silicon Valley Bank report

Via raises $200 million to develop and expand its mobility services

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Mobility services startup Via has raised a further $200 million in its latest funding round.

Money raised in Via’s Series E fuding round will be used to “expand access to efficient, sustainable, and equitable public mobility across the globe”, says the company.

John Elkann, chairman and CEO of Exor, lead investor in the financing, says: “More important than ever to work for an innovative and sustainable future.” [Read more…] about Via raises $200 million to develop and expand its mobility services

Universal Robots partners with DLL to launch financial services leasing program

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Universal Robots, the largest collaborative robot manufacturer in the world, has launched a new cobot leasing program in partnership with DLL, a global vendor finance company.

The new agreement enables all manufacturers, regardless of size or capital equipment budgets, to reap the benefits of automation without worrying about cash flow and seasonal fluctuations.

Klaus Vestergaard, CFO at Universal Robots, says: “We’re leveling the playing field by enabling all manufacturers to immediately put cobots to work without an upfront capital investment. [Read more…] about Universal Robots partners with DLL to launch financial services leasing program

Simbe Robotics raises $26 million in Series A funding round

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Simbe Robotics, which specializes in robotics and artificial intelligence for retail, has completed two separate funding deals.

One was a Series A equity financing round, and the other was an inventory financing agreement with SoftBank Robotics.

Simbe says the financing will allow the company to increase efficiencies in production and deployment of its Tally robot. [Read more…] about Simbe Robotics raises $26 million in Series A funding round

Roam Robotics secures $12 million investment led by Yamaha Motor

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Roam Robotics, a company building robotic exoskeletons for everyday people as they live, work and play, has completed a $12 million Series A round of funding.

Yamaha Motor led the investment round with participation from existing and new investors Boost VC, Heuristics Capital Partners, Menlo Ventures, R7 Partners, Spero Ventures, Valor Equity Partners, and Venture Investment Associates. Collectively these investors bring a wealth of experience in robotics, hardware, and consumer startups.

Tim Swift, Roam founder and chief executive officer, says: “Roam exists to change the boundaries of human mobility.  [Read more…] about Roam Robotics secures $12 million investment led by Yamaha Motor

Kodiak Robotics raises $40 million to develop self-driving trucks

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Kodiak Robotics has raised $40 million in Series A financing led by global investment firm Battery Ventures.

CRV, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Tusk Ventures also participated in the round.

Kodiak is an autonomous-vehicle startup founded by Don Burnette, previously a co-founder of the self-driving trucking company Otto, and Paz Eshel, a former venture capitalist.  [Read more…] about Kodiak Robotics raises $40 million to develop self-driving trucks

6 River Systems raises $25 million for its warehouse robots

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Warehouse robot maker 6 River Systems has raised $25 million in Series B financing.

The funding round was led by Menlo Ventures, with participation from all existing investors including Norwest Venture Partners, Eclipse Ventures and iRobot.

6RS will use the investment to enhance its first collaborative fulfillment robot, called “Chuck”.  [Read more…] about 6 River Systems raises $25 million for its warehouse robots