Top 15 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Robotics

When you're preparing to raise capital for your robotics or automation startup, knowing which investors to approach is critical. The right partner understands the unique challenges of deep tech and hardware development, not just the software side of the business.

To help you find a good match, our team has put together this overview of top robotics venture capital firms. This guide is designed to help you quickly identify relevant investors—from early-stage VCs to those focused on industrial technology—before or during your fundraising process.

Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding means more than just capital for robotics startups; it provides access to specialized expertise and networks crucial for hardware development and long production cycles.

• VCs active in the robotics industry include top players like Scout Ventures, Playground Global, Bee Partners, and Creative Ventures, which are notable backers of startups in this space.

• Once you've closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Robotics Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early stages or preparing for an exit, it’s helpful to know who to talk to. Below is a quick look at which robotics VC firms invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Robotics

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you'll raise to validate your idea, build a minimum viable product, and assemble your founding team. Among the many seed stage venture capital firms, Bee Partners focuses on pre-seed deep tech, while boldstart.vc acts as a partner from a startup's inception.

Early Stage VC Firms in Robotics

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for startups with proven product-market fit that need capital to scale their team, operations, and market presence. For robotics founders, deep tech venture capital firms like Palo Alto-based Playground Global and Creative Ventures are notable investors at this stage.

Late Stage VC Firms in Robotics

Late-stage rounds provide significant growth capital for established companies to expand into new markets, acquire other businesses, or prepare for an exit. Some technology-focused venture capital firms active in this space include Scout Ventures, which invests in frontier tech, and Cleveland Avenue, which also participates in private equity.

It's also common for a single VC firm to invest across multiple funding stages, from seed to growth.

To help you evaluate potential partners, here is a closer look at top VC firms focusing on the robotics sector, including key details about their investment stages, locations, and what makes each firm a strong potential partner.

1. Scout Ventures

Scout Ventures is an early-stage firm that invests in frontier technologies with the goal of making the world safer and better. They have a specific interest in "dual-use" technologies, which have both commercial and government applications.

The firm's portfolio highlights their focus on deep tech, with notable investments in companies like digital identity network ID.me and health-tech platform Unite Us. Their early backing of VR hardware pioneer Virtuix also shows their comfort with hardware-intensive businesses.

This firm could be a strong partner if you're a founder working on deep tech or hardware with potential government or enterprise use cases. Their investment thesis supports companies building foundational technologies from the ground up.

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, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Robotics, Drones, Autonomous Vehicles, Cyber Security, and Quantum Computing

• Geographical presence: Austin, Texas

• Founded: 2010

• Notable portfolio companies: ID.me, Unite Us, Virtuix

• Portfolio size: 125 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Playground Global

Playground Global is an early-stage venture firm based in Palo Alto that backs founders with deep technical and scientific expertise. They focus on companies building foundational technologies in sectors like AI, robotics, and next-generation computing.

The firm's portfolio demonstrates a clear preference for complex engineering challenges, from humanoid robots like Agility Robotics to AI model-training platforms like MosaicML, which was acquired by Databricks. Their track record includes other major exits, such as deep-learning hardware company Nervana's acquisition by Intel.

Playground is a good fit if you are a technical founder building a business with significant engineering or scientific risk. Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Software, and Information Technology

• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Agility Robotics, MosaicML, Nervana, Ayar Labs

• Portfolio size: 120 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Bee Partners

Bee Partners is a venture firm that specializes in pre-seed deep tech, often writing the first check for founders. Their focus is on companies building foundational technology in areas like AI, robotics, and industrial automation.

The firm is known for leading pre-seed rounds and has a track record of major exits, including the acquisition of BuildingConnected by Autodesk. Their portfolio also includes active robotics companies like Rapid Robotics, showing their commitment to the manufacturing and automation space.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are a founder at the pre-seed stage working on a deep tech solution. Their willingness to be the first investor makes them a good fit for teams that need an early, committed backer.

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, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Automation, Machine Learning, Manufacturing, Robotics, Software

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2009

• Notable portfolio companies: BuildingConnected, TubeMogul, Rapid Robotics, Indiegogo

• Portfolio size: 127 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. Creative Ventures

Creative Ventures is a deep tech firm that invests in early-stage startups working to solve major global challenges. They focus on companies tackling critical issues in areas like climate, health, and construction.

The firm's portfolio shows a preference for businesses addressing hard-tech problems, with notable exits like smart-cart maker Caper and lidar company Sense Photonics.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are a founder using deep tech to address a specific industry need. Their focus on seed and early stages makes them a good fit for teams seeking initial capital to solve complex problems.

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 and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Robotics, Advanced Materials, Clean Energy, Health Care, Construction, Computer Vision

• Geographical presence: Oakland, California

• Founded: 2016

• Notable portfolio companies: Caper, Sense Photonics, IOTAS, Bleximo, ALICE

• Portfolio size: 60 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. XRC Ventures

XRC Ventures operates as both a venture firm and a startup accelerator, with a focus on the intersection of retail and consumer experiences. They invest in companies across retail technology, consumer goods, and consumer healthtech.

The firm acts as an early backer, and its portfolio includes high-profile consumer brands like razor company Billie and corporate gifting platform Snappy. XRC Ventures is a good match for founders in the consumer sector, particularly in retail tech, D2C goods, or supply chain management.

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 venture, Convertible Note, Non-equity assistance

• Industries of focus: Retail Tech, Consumer Goods, Consumer Healthtech, Supply Chain Management, Robotics

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Billie, Snappy, MeliBio, Recurate, HILOS

• Portfolio size: 166 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. 2048 Ventures

2048 Ventures is a thesis-driven firm based in New York that invests in seed and early-stage startups. They focus on backing founders who are using technology to build differentiated businesses.

The firm has a clear focus on deep tech and B2B companies, with a portfolio that spans AI, robotics, and biotech. Their investment in drone startup Aerodome, which was acquired for over $300 million, highlights their success in the public-safety tech space.

This firm is a good match if you are a founder at the seed or early stage building a business with a strong technical or scientific foundation. Their thesis-driven approach suggests they partner well with teams that have a clear, ambitious vision.

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 venture

• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, B2B, Biotechnology, Health Care, Robotics, SaaS

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 2019

• Notable portfolio companies: Aerodome, GlossGenius, Soona, Nomic Bio

• Portfolio size: 136 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital firm that invests across a company's full lifecycle, from seed and early rounds to late-stage and growth equity. The firm has a distinct focus on the food and beverage, lifestyle, and technology sectors.

Their portfolio highlights a strong interest in the intersection of food and technology, with investments in plant-based leader Beyond Meat and restaurant automation company Bear Robotics. Their broad investment mandate allows them to support companies from initial idea to market leadership.

This firm is a great potential partner if you are a founder in the food-tech or consumer lifestyle space, especially if your business uses robotics or AI. Their ability to invest across stages makes them a good choice for founders seeking a long-term financial partner.

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, late-stage venture, and private equity

• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, Lifestyle, AgTech, Robotics, AI, Supply Chain Management

• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, NotCo, Bear Robotics, Soul Machines, SparkCharge

• Portfolio size: 136 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. R7 Partners

R7 Partners is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that backs early-stage companies building technologies intended to reshape major industries. They focus on founders creating businesses with deep technical foundations.

The firm has a clear interest in deep tech, especially within transportation and related sectors, with investments in autonomous flight developer Xwing and LiDAR maker AEye. Their track record includes several successful exits, such as the IPO of Bloom Energy and the acquisition of radar startup Oculii.

R7 Partners is a strong potential partner if you are an early-stage founder building a business with a significant engineering or hardware component. 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

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Air Transportation, Enterprise Software, FinTech, Robotics, Transportation

• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2014

• Notable portfolio companies: Bloom Energy, AEye, Oculii, Xwing, Bedrock

• Portfolio size: 30 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. boldstart ventures

boldstart ventures is a seed-stage firm that partners with founders from day one, focusing on developer-first, infrastructure, and SaaS companies. They act as an early believer, often providing the first institutional capital for technical teams.

The firm's "developer-first" thesis is clear from its portfolio, which includes enterprise data-privacy platform BigID and blockchain infrastructure company Blockdaemon. Their approach is to be a true partner from a company's inception, supporting founders building foundational software.

This firm is a great fit if you are a technical founder at the seed stage building an enterprise software or infrastructure company. Their focus on being a "partner from inception" makes them ideal for teams looking for hands-on support from the very beginning.

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

• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Developer Tools, Enterprise Software, Robotics, SaaS

• Geographical presence: Miami, Florida

• Founded: 2010

• Notable portfolio companies: BigID, Superhuman, Blockdaemon, Spotify

• Portfolio size: 203 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. SHAKTI

SHAKTI is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in technology companies from its base in San Francisco. The firm primarily supports founders during their seed and early-stage rounds.

The firm's portfolio shows a broad interest in both consumer and enterprise technology, from infrastructure to AI. Their investments include major successes like design platform Canva and autonomous logistics company Gatik.ai.

SHAKTI could be a good partner if you are an early-stage founder building a tech company in either the consumer or enterprise space. Their portfolio indicates an appetite for businesses with large-scale potential, including those in robotics and AI.

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 and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Consumer Applications, Infrastructure, Robotics

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2020

• Notable portfolio companies: Canva, Backblaze, Bolt, Gatik.ai, Cambly

• Portfolio size: 26 investments

You can refer to their website here.

11. Moment Ventures

Moment Ventures is an early-stage firm based in Palo Alto that invests in companies shaping the future of work. They support founders from seed through later venture rounds, focusing on the underlying infrastructure of modern business.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear interest in technologies that make industries more efficient, from service robots to financial platforms. Investments in companies like delivery robot maker Savioke and logistics tech platform Flowspace highlight their focus on businesses that improve core operations.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders building infrastructure-focused businesses, particularly in robotics, IoT, or financial services. 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, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Future of Work, Infrastructure, Robotics, IoT, Financial Services

• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California

• Founded: 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: Savioke, Flowspace, World View, AltoIRA

• Portfolio size: 49 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. Anorak Ventures

Anorak Ventures is an early-stage firm that invests in founders building foundational technologies. They focus on providing initial capital at the seed and early stages to companies they believe can reshape major industries.

The firm has a clear focus on deep tech, with an emphasis on augmented reality, virtual reality, and computer vision. This is evident in their portfolio, which includes defense-tech company Anduril Industries and VR surgical-training platform Osso VR.

Anorak Ventures is a strong potential partner if you are an early-stage founder working on deep tech, especially in AR, VR, or robotics. Their strategy of investing at the earliest stages makes them a good fit for technical teams seeking a foundational partner.

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 and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Augmented Reality, Computer Vision, Robotics, Video Streaming, Virtual Reality

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2016

• Notable portfolio companies: Anduril Industries, Flexport, Osso VR, Rec Room, Mux

• Portfolio size: 97 investments

You can refer to their website here.

13. Neotribe Ventures

Neotribe Ventures is an early-stage firm that invests in companies building breakthrough technologies. They focus on backing founders with ambitious ideas that stretch the imagination.

The firm has a track record of significant exits, including the IPO of commission-free brokerage Robinhood and the SPAC merger of grid-storage company Energy Vault. This highlights their comfort with deep tech companies aiming for the public markets.

Neotribe is a strong potential partner if you are an early-stage founder working on a technically complex business in robotics, cleantech, or enterprise software. Their experience with high-profile exits makes them a good fit for teams with large-scale 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 venture, and private equity

• Industries of focus: Robotics, CleanTech, Cyber Security, Enterprise Software, Financial Services

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2017

• Notable portfolio companies: Robinhood, Energy Vault, CipherTrace, Heliogen

• Portfolio size: 77 investments

You can refer to their website here.

14. Thursday Ventures

Thursday Ventures is an early-stage firm that finds and supports companies building technologies with world-changing potential. They focus on nurturing businesses from their initial stages onward.

The firm's portfolio shows a focus on deep tech and high-growth software, with investments in robotics company 1X Technologies and fitness-wearable maker WHOOP. Their backing of foundational platforms like Formant, which helps manage robot fleets, signals a clear interest in the infrastructure that supports emerging industries.

This firm is a good match for founders building ambitious companies in deep tech, particularly in robotics or financial technology. Their track record suggests they are comfortable with businesses that require significant technical development and have the potential for massive scale.

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, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Robotics, FinTech, Software, Electric Vehicles, Financial Services

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2017

• Notable portfolio companies: WHOOP, 1X Technologies, Chronosphere, Biobot Analytics, Formant

• Portfolio size: 20 investments

You can refer to their website here.

15. Davidovs Venture Collective

Davidovs Venture Collective is an early-stage firm that provides seed and early-stage capital to technology companies with ambitious goals.

The firm’s portfolio shows a strong focus on AI, with flagship investments in generative-AI unicorn Perplexity AI and AI-chip startup Etched. Their track record also includes a major exit with the $500 million acquisition of e-commerce platform Ecwid.

This firm is a good fit for founders building businesses with a deep technical foundation, particularly in the AI space. Their portfolio suggests they are comfortable with companies challenging large incumbents.

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 and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Angel Investment

• Geographical presence: Los Altos, California

• Founded: 2021

• Notable portfolio companies: Perplexity AI, Etched, Kick, Ecwid

• Portfolio size: 74 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Robotics Companies

This overview shows a healthy interest in robotics, with a clear concentration of investors in the seed and early stages. For founders, this indicates that capital is available for the critical initial phases of R&D and hardware development. While some firms on this list support companies through later rounds, the most significant activity is from partners who invest early.

You’ll also notice that investors are clustered in major tech hubs like California and New York, and they range from deep tech generalists to specialists in areas like food tech or retail. This variety gives you the chance to find a firm that truly understands your market. 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

Having a focused list of potential investors is one of the most effective ways to manage your time and energy during a fundraise. This guide is designed to give you that clarity, so you can connect with the right partners for your robotics company.

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 put your new funding to work with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay. We help you manage your cash flow so you can stay focused on building your business.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Robotics

Are there many European venture capital firms for robotics?

Yes, Europe has a growing number of robotics VCs, particularly in hubs like London and Berlin. Firms often focus on industrial automation and deep tech, supporting the continent's strong manufacturing and research sectors.

Which Asian markets have active robotics VC firms?

Key Asian markets for robotics investment include Japan, China, and Singapore. These regions have VCs that specialize in advanced manufacturing, AI, and consumer robotics, driven by strong local demand and government support.

What do deep tech VC firms look for in a robotics startup?

Deep tech VC firms prioritize startups with a strong defensible technology, a clear scientific or engineering breakthrough, and a founding team with specialized expertise. They are comfortable with long development cycles and significant technical risk.

How do industrial automation venture capital firms differ from general tech VCs?

Industrial automation VCs have specific expertise in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chains. They better understand the long sales cycles and integration challenges common in the sector, offering more relevant guidance than generalist technology investors.

How can I find the right seed stage venture capital firms for my startup?

To find the right seed stage VCs, research firms that have previously invested in your specific industry. Look for partners who are active at your stage and can provide more than just capital, such as industry connections.

How can Rho help after I raise from a venture capital firm?

After closing your round, Rho helps you manage your new capital. Our platform integrates business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, giving you the financial tools to scale your operations efficiently.