The factory automation industry in the US focuses on the use of technology to streamline manufacturing processes. Companies here design, manufacture, and implement automation systems that improve efficiency and reduce human intervention. With advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, this sector is evolving rapidly, promising better scalability and smart factories. It's noteworthy that as industries face labor shortages and increasing demand for flexible production, automation solutions are becoming crucial investment priorities for manufacturers. Consequently, the industry is moving toward more integrated, flexible, and intelligent systems that can adapt to changing business requirements.

This list highlights top investors in factory automation, featuring venture capital firms and corporate investors. Many are headquartered in California, with others scattered across the US, from San Francisco to St. Louis. They range in size from small firms to major corporations, reflecting various investment strategies. Founded between 1890 and 2023, these investors participated in a total of over 1,500 deals in 2024—showing a strong interest in factory automation technologies and innovations.

Top 13 Factory Automation Investors in the US

1. Y Combinator

• Website: ycombinator.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 802
• LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator has invested in Industrial Next, a startup focused on automation solutions, which raised funds in both a Series A and a pre-Series A round. This highlights Y Combinator's engagement in the factory automation sector, alongside its broader investment strategy that encompasses various technology domains.

2. Plug and Play Tech Center

• Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 253
• LinkedIn: plug-and-play-tech-center

Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily in the technology sector. Among their notable transactions, Plug and Play has invested in Flexiv, which raised over $100 million for its Rizon adaptive robot, integrating advanced technologies such as AI and computer vision for industrial applications. They also participated in funding for Gideon Brothers, a Croatian startup focused on industrial robots, showcasing their interest in the factory automation space. Overall, Plug and Play Tech Center plays a significant role in supporting startups that are innovating within the factory automation industry.

3. Sosv

• Website: sosv.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 170
• LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also resources to help startups grow and succeed. Among its notable transactions, SOSV participated in the funding rounds of Youibot, a Chinese producer of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), which raised significant capital in multiple rounds, including a Series B funding round of over $47 million in December 2021. This investment highlights SOSV's engagement in the factory automation sector, as AMRs are critical for enhancing efficiency in manufacturing and logistics. Additionally, SOSV's involvement in other technology sectors, such as health and climate technology, showcases its diverse investment strategy while still maintaining a foothold in industries relevant to factory automation.

4. Intel Capital

• Website: intelcapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 23
• LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. Intel Capital provides funding, strategic support, and access to Intel's extensive resources to help startups scale and innovate within the tech ecosystem. Notably, Intel Capital has made significant investments in the factory automation space, including a $100 million Series E1 funding round for Geek+, a company specializing in autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technologies, aimed at global market expansion and R&D. Additionally, they led an $8.5 million funding round for AMFG Corp, which provides manufacturing execution systems for additive manufacturing, further solidifying their role in the autonomous manufacturing sector. These transactions highlight Intel Capital's active engagement in the factory automation industry, making them a relevant investor in this category.

5. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

• Website: av.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 258
• LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to factory automation, including a $27.4 million investment in Formic Technologies, which focuses on automation solutions, and a $20.6 million investment in Chef Robotics, a company specializing in robotic systems for food assembly. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative technologies in the factory automation space.

6. Hax

• Website: hax.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 55
• LinkedIn: hax

Hax is a venture capital firm and startup incubator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. They specialize in supporting hard tech startups by providing funding, engineering support, and access to manufacturing resources. Hax aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies through a collaborative environment and extensive networks. Notably, Hax has been involved in several funding rounds for Youibot, a Chinese producer of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Their participation in Youibot's Series B funding round, which raised over $47 million, as well as earlier seed rounds, highlights their commitment to investing in innovative solutions within the factory automation space. This involvement underscores Hax's relevance in the factory automation industry, as they are backing a company that is at the forefront of automation technology.

7. Emerson

• Website: emerson.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1890
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: emerson

Emerson Electric Co., founded in 1890 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading industrial automation company that specializes in providing a comprehensive range of engineering services, industrial automation equipment, and software solutions. The company serves various industries, including oil and gas, power generation, and chemicals, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Emerson has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the factory automation sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of MYNAH Technologies in 2017, which enhances its Automation Solutions and Operational Certainty program by providing dynamic simulation and operator training software. Additionally, the acquisition of Mita Teknik in 2021 further strengthens Emerson's automation capabilities. Other relevant acquisitions include Roxar and Numatics, which contribute to Emerson's extensive portfolio in industrial automation. These transactions highlight Emerson's commitment to advancing factory automation technologies and solutions.

8. Qualcomm Ventures

• Website: qualcommventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn: qualcomm-ventures

Qualcomm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Diego, California, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in early to growth stage technology companies, particularly within the wireless ecosystem. They provide capital and strategic support to startups across various sectors, including automotive, digital health, and IoT. Notably, Qualcomm Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Augury, which raised $180 million in Series E funding and focuses on AI-based machine health solutions, and inVia Robotics, which raised $30 million in Series C funding to enhance automation in e-commerce. These investments highlight Qualcomm Ventures' engagement in the factory automation industry, as they support technologies that improve operational efficiency and machine health in manufacturing settings.

9. Khosla Ventures

• Website: khoslaventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 97
• LinkedIn: khosla-ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2004, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic guidance to startups, particularly in technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Khosla Ventures has been actively involved in the factory automation space, as evidenced by their investments in companies like Vayu Robotics, which is developing advanced robotics for mobility and sensing applications. They also participated in funding rounds for Vicarious, a company focused on artificial intelligence and robotics, which has implications for automation in various industries. Their recent investment in Industrial Next further highlights their commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance factory automation processes.

10. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

• Website: nea.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1977
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm adopts a collaborative approach, emphasizing long-term relationships with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance. NEA has been actively involved in the factory automation industry, as evidenced by their investments in companies like Rapid Robotics, which raised $37 million in Series B funding to enhance robotics solutions for manufacturing, and Tulip Interfaces, which raised $100 million in Series C funding to improve manufacturing operations through their innovative platform. These transactions highlight NEA's commitment to supporting advancements in factory automation technologies.

11. Liquid 2 Ventures

• Website: liquid2.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 91
• LinkedIn: liquid-2-ventures

Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, as well as growth-stage companies. They provide capital, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry insiders to help founders navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. Notably, Liquid 2 Ventures has invested in several companies relevant to factory automation, including Dexterity, which raised $56.2 million in Series A funding and focuses on robotics for warehouse automation, and Copia Automation, which raised $2.2 million in a seed round and specializes in automation technologies. These transactions highlight Liquid 2 Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the factory automation sector.

12. Silicon Valley Bank

• Website: svb.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1983
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 31
• LinkedIn: silicon-valley-bank

Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank founded in 1983, specializing in providing financial services to the innovation economy, particularly tech startups and venture capital firms. With a focus on helping clients navigate financial challenges and support their growth, they offer a range of products including business banking, global payments, and asset management. In recent years, Silicon Valley Bank has made significant investments in the factory automation sector, including participation in funding rounds for companies like Bright Machines, which raised $132 million to enhance its Microfactory capabilities, and Locus Robotics, which secured $117 million for its autonomous warehouse solutions. Additionally, they have invested in OTTO Motors, known for its autonomous mobile robots, further solidifying their involvement in the factory automation landscape.

13. Honeywell

• Website: honeywell.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: honeywell

Honeywell International Inc. is a technology company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that provides innovative solutions across various sectors, including aerospace, building automation, and energy. Founded in 2017, Honeywell has quickly established itself as a significant player in the technology landscape, with over 10,000 employees and a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability through advanced technologies and services. In recent years, Honeywell has made several strategic acquisitions that bolster its position in the factory automation industry. For instance, the acquisition of Transnorm Beteiligungen GmbH for approximately €425 million in 2018 significantly strengthened Honeywell's presence in the warehouse automation market. Additionally, their acquisitions of companies like Rebellion Photonics and RAE Systems further enhance their capabilities in safety and productivity solutions, which are critical components of modern factory automation systems. These transactions reflect Honeywell's strategic focus on integrating advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency across various industries.

Factory Automation Insights: Key Investors in the US

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Y Combinator	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2005	802
Plug and Play Tech Center	Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)	501-1000	2006	253
Sosv	United States (USA)	51-200	1995	170
Intel Capital	Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)	11-50	1991	23
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)	Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)	51-200	2023	258
Hax	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2012	55
Emerson	St. Louis, Missouri, United States (USA)	10001+	1890	4
Qualcomm Ventures	San Diego, California, United States (USA)	10001+	2000	18
Khosla Ventures	Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2004	97
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)	Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)	51-200	1977	57
Liquid 2 Ventures	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	1-10	2015	91
Silicon Valley Bank	Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)	5001-10000	1983	31
Honeywell	Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)	10001+	2017	7

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