European VCs Investing In Robotics

Across Europe, the adoption of industrial robots is on the rise. According to the International Federation of Robotics, the EU’s 27 member states installed almost 72,000 robotics units in 2022 – up 6% year-on-year. And that number is only increasing.

In fact, according to EU Robotics, Europe has 32% of the world’s robotics market, making it a big global player.

It’s no surprise then that so many VCs across the continent are looking to back the next big companies in robotics.

 

What Do Investors Look For In A Robotics Startup?

 

Like with many startups, investors aren’t just looking for a good idea, they are looking for products that can drive real growth and revenue.

When it comes to robotics, the needs are slightly more unique due to the more complicated nature of the tech. Because of this, investors will want to see a strong technical team and founders with real experience, either in industry or academically.

They will also want to see working prototypes and preliminary discussions with suppliers, showing real demand for the product.

But most of all, they will want to see that the company can scale and produce tech whilst still being cost-efficient. Robotics is expensive, so having manufacturers in place before opening up these discussions can be a great way to prove that the company is investable.

 

How Important Is It To Find The Right VC For Your Robotics Startup?

 

As a startup, being backed by the right VC is incredibly important. VCs don’t just provide funding, they also provide guidance and networks.

In general, robotics startups tend to have much higher costs when it comes to R&D and hardware. This can make them expensive ventures to start and without the right support, many companies risk falling to the wayside.

The right VC won’t only provide funding, but the right knowledge of the tech, the network and the business knowledge to support.

If you’re a European startup looking for the right VC partner, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a number of VCs in Europe looking for the next big thing in robotics.

 

 

V Squared

 

 

Based in Munich, Germany, V Squared invests in ‘technologies that advance society’. Specialising in deep-tech startups, including those in robotics and manufacturing, last year V Squared closed a fund of €214 million to invest in startups across Europe.

One of its most well-known robotics investments is Neura Robotics, which is setting out to create smarter automated robots.

 

Cybernetics

 

 

Cybernetics is a VC that invests in robotics, automation and industrial AI.

Through their network of robotics leaders, innovators and community, they invest in pre-seed, seed and series A startups in the sector.

With robotics as a catchall, they are looking for the latest innovations in manufacturing, logistics, architecture, construction, healthcare and agriculture. Whilst the VC is headquartered in Boston, it does have a presence in Europe and invests in a lot of European companies.

 

Cottonwood Technology Fund

 

 

Based in The Netherlands, The Cottonwood Technology Fund invests in patent-based, IP-driven deep tech startups at pre-seed stage.

Amongst other deep tech investments, they look for companies in robotics and manufacturing across the US and Northern Europe.

 

Scout VC

 

 

Scout is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in technologies built by founders from the military, its intelligence community and national research labs.

Scout looks to for Seed companies raising between $2-5M, aiming to drive them towards their series B raise.

In general, they look to back companies building in areas like: AI, machine-learning, quantum computing, robotics, advanced materials science, security, space & aerospace, and advanced energy.

 

Marathon Venture Capital

 

 

Based in Athens, Greece, Marathon Venture Capital backs seed-level founders building the future.

Whilst their portfolio isn’t just limited to robotics, they have backed companies in the space, including Progressive Robotics – who are setting out to create no-code software for robotic arms.

 

Octopus Ventures

 

 

As one of the most active VCs in Europe, Octopus Ventures backs founders who are setting out to make a positive impact on the world.

The sectors they back include: B2B Software, Bio, Climate, Consumer, Deep Tech, Fintech and Health. Back in June, they also announced that they would be backing Paddington Robotics, which aims to bridge the gap between AI and robotics in real-life settings.