Top 15 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Robotics

For founders in robotics, AI, and automation, finding the right investment partner is just as important as the capital they provide. You need investors who understand the long development cycles of deep tech and hardware, not just another software-focused VC. This is crucial when preparing to raise capital.

To help you identify the right partners, our team at Rho has curated this guide to the top venture capital firms in the robotics space. We’ll give you an overview of the key investors so you can focus your fundraising efforts effectively.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding in the robotics industry provides the long-term capital needed for complex development and hardware production.

• Top venture capital firms active in robotics include Scout Ventures, Playground Global, Bee Partners, and Creative Ventures, known for backing innovative companies.

• If you're raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Robotics Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing who to talk to is important at every stage, from early development to preparing for an exit. To help, we've put together a quick overview of robotics VC firms and the stages they invest in.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Robotics

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, often used to build your initial product and validate your core idea. For founders in deep tech and robotics, firms like Bee Partners focus on writing the first checks, while technology-focused venture capital firms such as boldstart ventures and 2048 Ventures are known for backing founders at the very beginning of their journey.

Early Stage VC Firms in Robotics

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for startups with a proven product and initial traction, aimed at scaling the team and capturing market share. Among the many Silicon Valley venture capital firms, you'll find deep tech specialists like Playground Global and Creative Ventures, as well as firms like Anorak Ventures with a strong focus on computer vision and robotics.

Late Stage VC Firms in Robotics

Late-stage rounds are designed for established companies looking to accelerate growth, expand into new markets, or prepare for an exit like an IPO or acquisition. While many hardware VC firms focus on earlier stages, investors like Scout Ventures and Neotribe Ventures also participate in later rounds for companies that have achieved significant scale.

As you prepare for these conversations, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options like venture debt to strengthen your position. Once your round is closed, our integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

It's also worth noting that some venture capital firms, like Cleveland Avenue and Moment Ventures, invest across multiple stages, from seed to growth equity.

To help you find the right partner, here are the details on leading venture capital firms in the robotics sector, including their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a potential fit for founders.

1. Scout Ventures

Scout Ventures invests in frontier technologies with the mission of creating a better, safer world. They focus on dual-use innovations that have applications in both commercial and government sectors.

The firm supports companies from seed to late-stage rounds, demonstrating a long-term commitment to its founders. Their portfolio includes successes like ID.me, a digital identity network that raised $100 million in 2021, and Virtuix, an early VR hardware developer.

This firm is a good match for founders in deep tech fields such as robotics, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity. If your startup has dual-use potential, Scout’s expertise could be particularly valuable.

As you prepare for conversations with firms like Scout, remember that Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your financial position without giving up more equity.

• Investment stages: Seed, early, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Robotics, Drones, Autonomous Vehicles, and Cyber Security
• Geographical presence: Based in Austin, Texas
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: ID.me, Unite Us, Virtuix
• Portfolio size: Over 125 investments and 28 exits

You can refer to their website here.

2. Playground Global

Playground Global is an early-stage venture capital firm that specializes in deep tech. They focus on backing founders with strong technical and scientific backgrounds, providing the capital to build companies with long-term impact.

The firm invests in foundational technologies like AI, robotics, and next-generation computing hardware. Their portfolio includes prominent companies like Agility Robotics and has seen significant exits, such as MosaicML's acquisition by Databricks and Nervana's acquisition by Intel.

This firm is a great fit if you are a technical founder building a company in a complex field like robotics or AI. As you prepare for these early-stage conversations, Rho can help you manage your existing capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Deep Tech
• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Agility Robotics, MosaicML, Nervana, Ayar Labs
• Portfolio size: Over 120 investments and 17 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. Bee Partners

Bee Partners leads pre-seed investments in deep tech, focusing on writing the first checks for founders in AI, robotics, and manufacturing. They are known for backing technical founders at the very beginning of their journey.

The firm has a strong track record of supporting companies to successful exits, including BuildingConnected's acquisition by Autodesk and TubeMogul's sale to Adobe. As you prepare for these early conversations, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your position.

Bee Partners is a great fit if you are a pre-seed founder with a company in industrial automation or a related deep tech field. Once your round is closed, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage that new capital with corporate cards and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: AI, Robotics, Automation, and Manufacturing
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2009
• Notable portfolio companies: BuildingConnected, TubeMogul, Rapid Robotics
• Portfolio size: Over 125 investments and 17 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. Creative Ventures

Creative Ventures is a deep tech venture firm that invests in early-stage companies addressing some of the world's most significant challenges. They provide capital to founders building solutions in critical areas from healthcare to climate.

The firm focuses on deep tech across various industries, including robotics, advanced materials, and biotechnology. Their portfolio includes notable exits like Caper, an AI-powered smart cart company acquired by Instacart, and Sense Photonics, which was bought by Ouster. If you're looking to strengthen your position before talking to VCs, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options.

This firm is a good match for early-stage founders whose technology has the potential for large-scale impact. Once your round is closed, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage that new capital with corporate cards and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Robotics, Health Care, Advanced Materials, Construction
• Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Caper, Sense Photonics, ALICE, Bleximo
• Portfolio size: Over 60 investments and 4 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. XRC Ventures

XRC Ventures is a venture firm and accelerator based in New York. They invest in the next generation of retail, consumer goods, and consumer healthtech companies.

The firm’s dual model as both an accelerator and a venture fund allows them to support companies from the earliest stages. Their portfolio shows a focus on direct-to-consumer brands and enabling technologies, with high-profile exits like Billie and the unicorn-status growth of Snappy.

This firm is a strong fit for founders in retail tech or consumer goods, especially if your robotics or automation technology has a direct consumer application. As you prepare for these early-stage conversations, Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive funding to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: Retail Tech, Consumer Goods, Consumer Healthtech
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, NY
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Billie, Snappy, MeliBio, Recurate
• Portfolio size: Over 160 investments and 11 exits
• Investor type: Venture Capital and Accelerator

You can refer to their website here.

6. 2048 Ventures

2048 Ventures is a thesis-driven firm that backs founders at the earliest stages. They invest in companies using software, AI, and deep tech to solve real-world problems across various industries.

The firm has a strong track record of backing companies to significant scale, including the drone-as-a-responder startup Aerodome, which was acquired for over $300 million. Their portfolio also features fast-growing SaaS companies like GlossGenius and Vitally.

This firm is a good fit for pre-seed or seed-stage founders with a strong technical background and a clear vision. If you're preparing for these early-stage conversations, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your position.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: AI, B2B, Robotics, SaaS, and Health Care
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, NY
• Founded: 2019
• Notable portfolio companies: Aerodome, GlossGenius, Soona, Nomic Bio
• Portfolio size: 136 investments and 2 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital firm that invests across the full company lifecycle, from seed and early rounds to later-stage and growth equity. While known for a strong focus on the food and beverage sector, the firm also backs technology companies in areas like AI, robotics, and supply chain management.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear interest in how technology can transform established industries, particularly consumer goods. They have backed high-profile food-tech companies like Beyond Meat and NotCo, alongside robotics companies such as Bear Robotics, which develops autonomous servers for restaurants.

This firm is a good fit for founders building tech-enabled businesses in the food, beverage, or consumer sectors. If your robotics or AI startup serves these industries, Cleveland Avenue could be a valuable long-term partner. As you prepare for these conversations, Rho can help you manage your finances with integrated banking and spend management tools, giving you a clear picture of your runway.

• Investment stages: Seed, early, late-stage, and private equity
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, AgTech, Robotics, AI, Supply Chain Management
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, NotCo, Bear Robotics, Soul Machines
• Portfolio size: 136 investments and 12 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. R7 Partners

R7 Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Chicago that invests in companies developing foundational technologies. They focus on startups with the potential to create significant change in established industries.

The firm shows a clear preference for deep tech and hardware-intensive businesses, with a portfolio that includes autonomous flight, advanced LiDAR, and maritime robotics. Their track record of exits through IPOs and acquisitions, like AEye and Oculii, signals a focus on companies with strong intellectual property and large market potential.

This firm is a good match for founders building complex technology in sectors like transportation, AgTech, and robotics. As you prepare for these early-stage conversations, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your position without giving up more equity.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Robotics, AgTech, Transportation, Enterprise Software, and FinTech
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Bloom Energy, AEye, Oculii, Xwing
• Portfolio size: 30 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. boldstart ventures

boldstart ventures is a seed-stage firm that partners with technical founders from inception. They focus on enterprise software, with a clear emphasis on developer-first and infrastructure companies.

The firm’s “developer first” philosophy is a core part of their identity, backing founders who build tools for other developers and technical users. Their portfolio includes high-growth companies like BigID and Superhuman, showing their ability to support startups from the earliest stages to significant scale.

This firm is an excellent match for seed-stage founders with deep technical expertise, particularly in SaaS, developer tools, or cloud infrastructure. If you're preparing for these early-stage conversations, Rho can help you manage your existing capital with integrated banking and spend management tools, giving you a clear picture of your runway.

• Investment stages: Seed

• Industries of focus: Developer Tools, Enterprise Software, SaaS, AI, and Robotics

• Geographical presence: Based in Miami, Florida

• Founded: 2010

• Notable portfolio companies: BigID, Superhuman, Blockdaemon

• Portfolio size: Over 200 investments and 33 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. SHAKTI

SHAKTI is an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco that invests in technology companies. They focus on sectors like artificial intelligence, robotics, and consumer applications with high-growth potential.

The firm has a track record of backing companies to significant scale, with portfolio successes like Canva, which announced a $40 billion valuation, and Backblaze, which completed its IPO in 2021. Their investment in the autonomous logistics company Gatik.ai also shows a clear interest in robotics.

This firm is a good match for early-stage founders building technology with the potential for massive market adoption. As you prepare for these conversations, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your position.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Consumer Applications, and Infrastructure

• Geographical presence: Based in 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 venture capital firm that invests in companies building for the future of work. They support startups across multiple stages, from seed and early rounds to later-stage venture investments.

The firm’s focus is on infrastructure and applied technology, with a portfolio that includes service robotics company Savioke and on-demand fulfillment network Flowspace. This shows their interest in the foundational technologies that support new models of work and commerce.

This firm is a good match for founders building technology for enterprise or industrial applications, particularly in robotics, logistics, and IT infrastructure. If you're preparing for these conversations, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your position.

• Investment stages: Seed, early, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Future of Work, Robotics, Infrastructure, IT
• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Savioke, Flowspace, World View
• Portfolio size: 49 investments and 10 exits

You can refer to their website here.

12. Anorak Ventures

Anorak Ventures invests at the earliest stages, backing companies with what they call “transformational” technology. The firm concentrates on deep tech sectors, including computer vision, robotics, and augmented reality.

Their focus is on foundational technologies, with a portfolio that includes video infrastructure provider Mux and VR surgical training platform Osso VR. They have a history of backing ambitious companies that achieve significant scale, such as unicorns Flexport and Anduril Industries.

This firm is a strong match for seed and early-stage founders in deep tech, particularly if your work involves computer vision or robotics. If you're preparing for these conversations, Rho can help you manage your existing capital with integrated banking and spend management tools, giving you a clear picture of your runway.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Computer Vision, Robotics, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Flexport, Anduril Industries, Rec Room, Mux, Osso VR
• Portfolio size: 97 investments and 9 exits

You can refer to their website here.

13. Neotribe Ventures

Neotribe Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that invests in breakthrough technologies that stretch the imagination. They provide capital to founders working on ambitious, category-defining ideas.

The firm has a strong record of backing companies to significant exits, including the IPO of Robinhood and the acquisition of CipherTrace by Mastercard. Their portfolio also includes publicly-traded companies like Energy Vault and Heliogen, showing a focus on businesses with large-scale potential.

This firm is a good match for founders in deep tech sectors like robotics, cleantech, and cybersecurity who are building truly novel technology. As you prepare for these conversations, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Robotics, CleanTech, Cyber Security, and Enterprise Software
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Robinhood, CipherTrace, Energy Vault, Heliogen
• Portfolio size: 77 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

14. Thursday Ventures

Thursday Ventures invests in early-stage companies with technology poised to make a significant global impact. They focus on finding and supporting founders who are building foundational solutions for the future.

The firm's portfolio highlights a focus on category-defining companies, including the fitness wearable WHOOP and the OpenAI-backed humanoid robotics startup, 1X Technologies. As you prepare for conversations with firms like Thursday Ventures, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your position.

This firm is a strong match for founders building ambitious technology in robotics, fintech, or enterprise software. Their willingness to back both hardware and software companies makes them a versatile partner for founders with a clear, long-term vision.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Robotics, FinTech, Software, and Electric Vehicles
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: WHOOP, 1X Technologies, Chronosphere, Biobot Analytics
• Portfolio size: 20 investments

You can refer to their website here.

15. Davidovs Venture Collective

Davidovs Venture Collective is an early-stage firm that invests in technology companies, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and robotics. They partner with founders at the seed and early venture stages, providing capital to build ambitious new products.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear strategy of backing ambitious AI companies. This includes the generative AI engine Perplexity AI, which became a unicorn in 2024, and Etched, an AI-chip startup building hardware to challenge industry leaders.

This firm is a strong match for technical founders in AI and robotics, especially those with a vision to create a category-defining company. If you're preparing for these early-stage conversations, Rho can help you manage your existing capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics
• Geographical presence: Based in Los Altos, California
• Founded: 2021
• Notable portfolio companies: Perplexity AI, Etched, Ecwid, Kick
• Portfolio size: Over 70 investments and 3 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Robotics Companies

This list reveals a strong and active funding environment for robotics companies, with a notable concentration on early-stage investment. The abundance of firms writing pre-seed, seed, and Series A checks is a positive signal for founders developing their initial products and finding market fit.

While there is a significant cluster of investors in California, the presence of firms in New York, Chicago, and Austin shows that opportunities are not confined to one region. This geographic diversity gives you more choice when seeking partners whose expertise aligns with your specific goals.

As you prepare for outreach, Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive funding to extend your runway and strengthen your negotiating position. Once your round is closed, our integrated financial platform helps you manage and deploy that capital efficiently, with tools for banking, corporate cards, and payments.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is critical when your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. This guide is designed to help you direct your efforts toward the partners who are most likely to understand your vision.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. We help you access financing tailored to your business model without chasing lenders.

Once your capital is secured, Rho provides integrated tools to help you manage and deploy funds efficiently. Our platform includes business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to support your startup's growth.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Robotics

Are there robotics VC firms in Boston?

Yes, Boston is a major hub for robotics and deep tech venture capital firms, thanks to its strong university ecosystem. Firms in the area often focus on companies emerging from institutions like MIT and Harvard, specializing in advanced hardware and AI.

Which European venture capital firms invest in robotics?

Key European VCs in robotics include London-based firms and others in hubs like Berlin and Zurich. They often seek startups with strong industrial applications and a clear path to commercialization, supporting founders from seed to later stages.

What do hardware venture capital firms look for?

Hardware VCs prioritize founders with deep technical expertise and a defensible product. They assess your bill of materials and supply chain, looking for capital-efficient models. Rho can help you manage these operational costs with integrated spend management tools.

How are deep tech VC firms different from software VCs?

Deep tech VC firms have longer investment horizons and patience for complex R&D cycles. Before you approach them, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding to strengthen your position and extend your development runway without giving up equity.

Are there active AI-focused venture capital firms in Asia?

Yes, Asia has a growing number of AI-focused venture capital firms, particularly in Singapore, China, and Japan. These investors often back companies in industrial automation and AI applications tailored to the region’s large manufacturing and consumer markets.

How can Rho help my startup manage its next funding round?

We help you prepare for fundraising by connecting you to non-dilutive options through Rho Capital. Once funded, our integrated platform provides the banking, corporate cards, and spend controls you need to manage your new capital with confidence. Contact Rho to get started.