Top 6 Venture Capital Firms for Industrial Automation Startups

For founders in industrial automation, knowing which investors understand your specific challenges is a key part of preparing to raise capital. Finding a partner who gets the complexities of robotics, deep tech, or advanced manufacturing can make all the difference.

To help you identify the right investors, our team put together this guide to the top venture capital firms funding industrial technology. It’s a quick overview to help you focus your fundraising efforts.

Just raised, or about to? Set up your financial stack with Rho in minutes. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Which VC Firms in Industrial Automation Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're raising an early round or preparing for an exit, it helps to know who to talk to. This is a quick overview of which VC firms in industrial automation invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Industrial Automation

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you raise to validate your idea and build a minimum viable product. For founders in deep tech and robotics, firms like Bee Partners and Construct Capital focus on writing these first checks.

Early Stage VC Firms in Industrial Automation

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for companies with proven traction that need capital to grow their team and scale operations. Industrial technology venture capital firms that invest at this stage include Silent Ventures, KEC Ventures, and Xplorer Capital.

Late Stage VC Firms in Industrial Automation

Late-stage rounds support mature companies as they expand into new markets or prepare for an acquisition or IPO. Among the automation-focused VC firms, you'll find that SE Ventures and Bee Partners both have experience with later-stage investments.

It's also worth noting that some VC firms invest across multiple startup funding stages.

Below is our guide to the top VC firms in industrial automation. We've outlined their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm distinct, helping you find the right fit for your company.

1. Silent Ventures

Silent Ventures is a Dallas-based firm providing what it calls “stealth capital for elite operators.” The firm concentrates on early-stage companies in critical sectors, including industrial automation, national security, and advanced manufacturing.

With a clear focus on defense and deep tech, the firm backs ambitious companies like Anduril Industries and Hadrian. Their strategy centers on supporting founders with operational backgrounds who are building foundational technologies for the industrial base.

This firm is a strong match if you are a founder with a background in defense or heavy industry. They are particularly interested in teams building tangible products that address national security and manufacturing challenges.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial automation, manufacturing, national security, and AI
• Geographical presence: Dallas, Texas
• Founded: 2022
• Notable investments: Anduril Industries, Hadrian, Saronic Technologies
• Portfolio size: 25 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Construct Capital

Construct Capital invests in founders building technology for foundational sectors of the economy, including manufacturing and supply chain management.

The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage companies in industrial automation and enterprise software. Their portfolio includes the logistics unicorn Veho, which reached a $1B valuation, and Hadrian, an automated factory builder for the defense industry.

This firm is a good match if your company is developing technology for core industries like manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain management.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture and seed
• Industries of focus: Industrial automation, supply chain management, and enterprise software
• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 2020
• Notable investments: The firm's portfolio includes the logistics platform Veho and automated factory builder Hadrian, and it has seen successful exits with companies like The Rounds and Outgo.
• Portfolio size: 42 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. SE Ventures

SE Ventures is a global venture capital fund backed by industrial giant Schneider Electric, managing over $1 billion in capital. The firm invests in companies focused on climate tech, industrial AI, mobility, and cybersecurity.

Their connection to Schneider Electric provides portfolio companies with deep industry expertise and potential strategic partnerships. The firm has backed several high-growth companies, including industrial cybersecurity leader Claroty and computer vision platform Scandit.

This firm is a great fit if your company operates in energy management, industrial automation, or sustainability. Founders looking for a strategic partner with global reach and deep operational knowledge will find SE Ventures particularly valuable.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial automation, sustainability, energy, and AI
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2017
• Notable investments: AutoGrid, Scandit, Proterra, Volta Charging, Claroty
• Portfolio size: 45 investments
• Fund size: Over $1 billion

You can refer to their website here.

4. Bee Partners

Bee Partners is a San Francisco-based firm that leads pre-seed investments in deep tech. They focus on writing the first checks for founders building technologies in AI, robotics, and manufacturing.

The firm has a clear focus on backing founders at the earliest stages and has a history of significant exits, including BuildingConnected's acquisition by Autodesk. Their portfolio also includes well-known companies like the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo and robotics-as-a-service startup Rapid Robotics.

Bee Partners is a strong fit if you are a deep tech founder looking for a lead investor for your pre-seed round. They are particularly interested in teams building foundational technologies in machine learning and industrial automation.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Deep tech, AI, robotics, and industrial automation
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2009
• Notable investments: BuildingConnected, TubeMogul, Rapid Robotics, Indiegogo
• Portfolio size: 127 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. KEC Ventures

KEC Ventures is a New York-based firm that invests in early-stage companies across several industries, including industrial automation. They focus on providing seed and venture funding to help founders get their ideas off the ground.

What's notable about KEC is their diverse portfolio, which includes both industrial-focused companies and major consumer brands like FanDuel and TechStyle Fashion Group. This breadth suggests they value strong business models and have experience scaling companies with wide market appeal.

KEC could be a good partner if you're an early-stage founder looking for an investor with a track record in both B2B and B2C markets. Their experience with high-growth companies indicates an ability to support founders building recognized brands.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial automation, agriculture, construction, financial services, and oil and gas
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2011
• Notable investments: FanDuel, TechStyle Fashion Group, The Bouqs Company, Teampay
• Portfolio size: 71 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Xplorer Capital

Xplorer Capital is a Menlo Park-based firm that invests in early-stage B2B technology companies. They concentrate on sectors like AI, robotics, and big data, supporting founders who are building enterprise solutions.

The firm has a history of backing major technology companies that have gone on to IPO, including Uber and Square. Their portfolio also includes successful industrial tech exits like Canvas Technology, a robotics startup acquired by Amazon.

Xplorer Capital is a good fit if you are building a B2B technology company and need a partner with experience guiding startups to major exits. Their track record suggests a strong ability to identify and support companies with massive market potential.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial automation, AI, robotics, big data, and IoT
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2011
• Notable investments: Uber, Square, Zipline, Canvas Technology (acquired by Amazon)
• Portfolio size: 38 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Industrial Automation Companies

This list of investors shows a healthy funding environment for companies in industrial automation. You'll find strong support at the early stages, with several firms focused on writing those first checks. However, there are also established investors that fund companies across all stages, from pre-seed to late-stage rounds. This balance means capital is available whether you're just starting out or preparing to scale.

The geographic spread of these firms is also a positive sign. While Silicon Valley remains a key center, you have options in New York, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. This variety gives you more flexibility when seeking the right partner. The mix of traditional and corporate VCs further broadens your choices, offering different kinds of strategic value for your company's growth.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of investors who understand your field is a significant advantage. It allows you to direct your time and energy where they will have the most impact during your fundraise.

Once your round is closed, the work of managing that capital begins. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform provides the tools to manage your new funding with confidence. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay, all designed for startups.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Industrial Automation

Which Bay Area venture capital firms focus on robotics?

Firms like Bee Partners and Xplorer Capital are active in the Bay Area robotics scene. They look for companies with strong technical teams and clear applications for their technology in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and enterprise automation.

What do deep tech venture capital firms look for in a startup?

Deep tech investors prioritize defensible intellectual property and a clear technological advantage. They want to see a long-term vision and evidence that your solution is difficult to replicate, addressing a significant market need with foundational technology.

Are there industrial tech venture capital firms outside of California?

Absolutely. The industrial tech investment scene is geographically diverse. Our list includes firms based in New York, Dallas, and Washington, D.C., reflecting a growing number of innovation hubs for heavy industry across the United States.

What is the difference between corporate and traditional venture capital firms?

Corporate VCs, like SE Ventures, often provide strategic value beyond capital, including industry expertise and potential customer relationships. Traditional VCs may offer broader network access across different sectors and focus primarily on maximizing financial returns.

How can Rho help after raising from a venture capital firm?

Once you've secured funding, our platform helps you manage it effectively. We provide integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated payables to help your startup scale efficiently. You can get started with Rho in minutes.