Top 6 Venture Capital Firms for Industrial Automation Startups
We've compiled a list of six venture capital firms actively investing in industrial automation. See which investors are a good fit for your startup.
Rho Editorial Team
For founders in industrial automation and robotics, preparing to raise capital means finding investors who truly understand your field. Pitching to the right venture capital firms—those with experience in deep tech, manufacturing, or hardware—is critical. It ensures you're talking to partners who appreciate your business model and can provide relevant support.
To help you identify these key players, our team at Rho has curated this overview of the top VC firms investing in the industrial technology space. Use this guide to quickly learn about the investors who are actively funding companies like yours.
Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.
Key Takeaways
For startups in industrial automation, securing venture funding means finding a strategic partner who understands your technology and can offer relevant guidance beyond just capital.
Leading VC firms like Silent Ventures, Construct Capital, SE Ventures, and Bee Partners are notable backers actively investing in the industrial automation sector.
After you close a funding round, Rho helps you manage and deploy your capital efficiently with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.
Which VC Firms in Industrial Automation Are Right for Your Stage?
Knowing which investors to approach is important at every stage, whether you're raising an initial round or preparing for an exit. Here is a brief overview of venture capital firms in industrial automation and the stages at which they typically invest.
Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Industrial Automation
Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you'll raise to validate your idea and build a minimum viable product. For founders in robotics and advanced manufacturing, firms like Bee Partners, which specializes in writing first checks for deep tech, and Construct Capital are key players in this space.
Early Stage VC Firms in Industrial Automation
Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for startups with proven traction that need capital to scale operations and expand their market reach. Some early stage venture capital firms with a focus on industrial technology include Silent Ventures and KEC Ventures.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Late Stage VC Firms in Industrial Automation
Late-stage rounds provide significant growth capital to established companies preparing for major expansion, a potential acquisition, or an IPO. Investors like SE Ventures, the corporate venture arm of Schneider Electric, and Xplorer Capital are active in this phase, often backing companies through to a successful exit.
It's also worth noting that some VC firms invest across multiple startup funding stages.
To help you find the right investors, here is a closer look at the top VC firms in industrial automation. We've outlined their typical investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each a distinct choice for founders in this space.
1. Silent Ventures
Based in Dallas, Silent Ventures provides what it calls "stealth capital for elite operators." The firm invests in technically complex industries, with a strong focus on industrial automation, artificial intelligence, national security, and advanced manufacturing.
The firm takes a contrarian approach by backing ambitious companies in the defense and deep tech sectors. Its portfolio includes notable startups like Hadrian, which raised $260 million for its AI-powered factories, and the defense-tech unicorn Anduril Industries.
Silent Ventures is a strong match for founders with deep operational or technical experience, especially those building businesses that serve the industrial and national security markets. Their focus on "elite operators" signals a preference for teams with proven expertise.
Once your funding is in place, our team at Rho can help you manage it. Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
Industries of focus: Industrial Automation, AI, National Security, Manufacturing, Drones
Geographical presence: Dallas, Texas
Founded: 2022
Notable portfolio companies: Anduril Industries, Hadrian, Saronic Technologies
Portfolio size: 25 investments
You can refer to their website here.
2. Construct Capital
Based in Washington, D.C., Construct Capital invests in founders building technology for foundational sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management.
The firm focuses on seed and early-stage rounds, with a portfolio that includes logistics unicorn Veho, which reached a $1.5 billion valuation, and automated factory builder Hadrian. Their backing of companies with successful exits signals a focus on achieving strong acquisition outcomes.
Construct Capital is a strong match for founders developing software or hardware for core industries who are looking for an early-stage partner with a track record in foundational tech.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Early-stage venture and seed
Industries of focus: Industrial Automation, Supply Chain Management, Enterprise Software
Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
Founded: 2020
Notable portfolio companies: Veho, Hadrian, Copia
Portfolio size: 42 investments
You can refer to their website here.
3. SE Ventures
SE Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Schneider Electric, operating as a global fund with over $1 billion in capital. Based in Menlo Park, the firm invests in companies modernizing energy and industrial efficiency.
The firm offers strategic value through its connection to Schneider Electric, backing companies from seed to late stage across sustainability and automation. Its portfolio includes industrial cybersecurity leader Claroty and computer-vision unicorn Scandit.
SE Ventures is a strong fit for founders in energy and industrial automation who are looking for a strategic partner with deep industry connections. The potential for partnership with Schneider Electric makes it a compelling choice for startups aiming to scale globally.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
Industries of focus: Industrial Automation, Sustainability, Energy, AI, CleanTech
Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 2017
Notable portfolio companies: Claroty, Scandit, Proterra, AutoGrid
Portfolio size: 45 investments
You can refer to their website here.
4. Bee Partners
Based in San Francisco, Bee Partners specializes in leading pre-seed rounds for deep tech companies. The firm focuses on writing the first checks for founders building in fields like AI, robotics, and industrial automation.
The firm is known for backing companies to significant exits, including BuildingConnected's acquisition by Autodesk and TubeMogul's sale to Adobe. This track record highlights their ability to identify and support startups with high-growth potential from the very beginning.
Bee Partners is an excellent match for pre-seed founders in deep tech who need a lead investor for their first round. Their focus on early conviction makes them a strong partner for teams with ambitious technical roadmaps.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
Industries of focus: Industrial Automation, AI, Robotics, Manufacturing, Software
Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2009
Notable portfolio companies: BuildingConnected, TubeMogul, Rapid Robotics
Portfolio size: 127 investments
You can refer to their website here.
5. KEC Ventures
KEC Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York that invests in foundational sectors, including industrial automation, construction, and financial services.
The firm’s portfolio demonstrates a notable range, from consumer unicorns like FanDuel to enterprise software platforms like Teampay. This signals an investment approach focused on high-growth potential across different business models, rather than a narrow thesis.
KEC Ventures is a strong match for founders at the seed or early stages who are building companies with the potential for significant scale. Their track record with major exits suggests they are a good partner for teams aiming for a large acquisition or market-leading position.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Early-stage venture, seed
Industries of focus: Industrial Automation, Agriculture, Construction, Financial Services, Oil and Gas
Geographical presence: New York, New York
Founded: 2011
Notable portfolio companies: FanDuel, TechStyle Fashion Group, The Bouqs Company, Teampay
Portfolio size: 71 investments
You can refer to their website here.
6. Xplorer Capital
Based in Menlo Park, Xplorer Capital is a venture firm that invests in early-stage B2B technology companies. They focus on providing capital to businesses building foundational technology across several key sectors.
The firm’s portfolio highlights a strong track record of successful exits, including the acquisition of Canvas Technology by Amazon and the IPOs of Zipline and Uber. This history demonstrates their ability to back companies through to significant market outcomes.
Xplorer Capital is a good fit for founders in B2B tech—including robotics and AI—who are building for large-scale growth. Their experience with both major acquisitions and public listings makes them a compelling partner for teams with high-growth ambitions.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
Industries of focus: Industrial Automation, AI, Big Data, Robotics, IoT
Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 2011
Notable portfolio companies: Canvas Technology, Zipline, Uber, Square
Portfolio size: 38 investments
You can refer to their website here.
What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Industrial Automation Companies
The funding environment for industrial automation appears well-balanced. While there is significant activity at the seed and early stages, several firms on our list also invest in late-stage rounds. This suggests that capital is available for companies across different phases of growth, from initial product development to large-scale expansion.
Geographically, investors are not confined to a single region. With active firms in the Bay Area, New York, Washington, D.C., and Dallas, you have options beyond traditional tech hubs. This diversity indicates a broad interest in the sector from different investment communities.
Your main task is to identify the partner whose focus and stage align with your business. Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Raise Confidently with Rho
Raising capital requires your full attention, and this list is designed to help you focus your efforts on the right investors. Approaching partners who already understand your industry saves you valuable time and energy.
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 gives you the tools to deploy your new funding with confidence. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you manage your finances efficiently.
FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Industrial Automation
Which industrial automation VC firms are in Boston?
Boston is a key hub for robotics and deep tech. Firms in the area often focus on hardware and software innovation, providing capital and guidance to founders building foundational technologies for manufacturing and supply chain management.
Are there European venture capital firms for automation startups?
Yes, Europe has a strong industrial base and many VCs that fund automation. Firms in Germany, the UK, and Scandinavia are particularly active, often seeking companies that improve manufacturing efficiency and create smart factories.
What do Series A venture capital firms look for?
For a Series A round, investors expect to see a proven product with market traction. You should have clear metrics on customer adoption, revenue, and a solid plan for scaling your operations and team.
How do deep tech venture capital firms differ from others?
Deep tech VCs specialize in companies built on significant scientific or engineering innovation. They have longer investment horizons and technical expertise to evaluate complex intellectual property, making them ideal partners for robotics or AI-focused startups.
What is a corporate venture capital (CVC) firm?
A CVC is the investment arm of a large corporation, like SE Ventures for Schneider Electric. They offer capital plus strategic value, such as industry expertise, distribution channels, and potential partnership opportunities for your startup.
What should I do after securing funding from a VC firm?
After closing your round, it's critical to manage your new capital effectively. Our platform provides integrated banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to help you deploy funds with control and visibility. Get started with Rho.