The factory automation industry in Latin America is rapidly evolving, primarily driven by technological advancement and increased efficiency demands from manufacturers. Companies in this sector include automation solution providers, robotics developers, and engineering firms, which offer diverse services such as smart factory systems, industrial robotics, and process optimization strategies. Industry experts predict robust growth in automation technologies, as businesses seek to improve productivity and enhance competitiveness in a globalized market. Notably, innovations like AI integration and IoT connectivity are reshaping production methods, making the region a potential hub for cutting-edge industrial solutions.

This list features a mix of 16 prominent investors in Latin America’s factory automation sector. Among them are venture capital firms, corporate investors, and private equity, headquartered mainly in Brazil and Mexico. With firm sizes ranging from small (1-10 employees) to large corporations (over 10,000), they were established between 1953 and 2022. In 2024, these investors collectively completed over 100 deals, nurturing startups that innovate within factory automation and related technologies. Their strategic investments underscore a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and pioneering advancements in the industry.

Top 16 Factory Automation Investors in Latin America

1. bossa invest

• Website: bossainvest.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 56
• LinkedIn: bossainvest

Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly within the technology sector. Bossa Invest supports these startups by providing capital, strategic guidance, and access to a network of co-investors, while also offering educational resources to empower entrepreneurs. Among their notable transactions, Bossa Invest has invested in Bear Flag Robotics, a company focused on automating agricultural machinery, and Agility Robotics, which develops advanced humanoid robots. These investments highlight Bossa Invest's commitment to fostering innovation in robotics and automation, making them a significant player in the factory automation landscape.

2. Weg

• Website: weg.net
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
• Founded year: 1961
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: weg

WEG S.A. is a for-profit electric equipment manufacturer based in Brazil, specializing in electric motors, generators, transformers, and automation solutions. Founded in 1961, the company serves businesses across various industries, providing essential products for efficient power management and automation. With operations in around 140 countries, WEG is a key player in the electric engineering sector. In recent years, WEG has made significant acquisitions to bolster its presence in the factory automation space. For instance, the acquisition of MVisia in 2020 allowed WEG to integrate advanced AI and machine vision technology into its WEGnology® platform, enhancing its digital capabilities in line with Industry 4.0. Furthermore, the acquisition of Autrial in 2015, a manufacturer of industrial electric panels, aimed to expand WEG's automation product portfolio in Europe. These strategic moves highlight WEG's commitment to advancing its automation solutions and solidifying its role in the factory automation industry.

3. GRIDS Capital

• Website: gridscapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: grids-capital

GRIDS Capital is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in deep tech ventures, focusing on providing investment and market analysis services to entrepreneurs and businesses in advanced technology sectors. GRIDS Capital aims to build a diverse portfolio that supports innovation and development across various industries, including artificial intelligence and life sciences. Notably, they have made significant investments in companies relevant to factory automation, such as FORT Robotics, which raised $25 million to develop robotics solutions for industrial applications, and Dusty Robotics, which secured $45 million to enhance automation in construction. Additionally, their investment in CloudNC, which raised $45 million to expand its full-stack manufacturing capabilities, further highlights their commitment to advancing factory automation technologies.

4. Citrino Ventures

• Website: citrino.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: citrinovc

Citrino Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2022. The firm focuses on investing in startups across diverse sectors, including Big Data, HR, and Fintech. They provide essential support to entrepreneurs by connecting them with market experts, potential clients, and investors, facilitating their growth and operational efficiency. Notably, Citrino Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds, including a $15 million investment in Tractian, a company that specializes in industrial technology and factory automation solutions. This investment highlights their engagement in the factory automation space. Additionally, they have invested in nFlux AI, which, while primarily focused on AI, may have applications in automation, and UpFlux, which could also relate to operational efficiencies in industrial settings.

5. Msw Capital

• Website: mswcapital.com.br
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Rio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: mswcapital

Msw Capital is a venture capital firm based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in corporate venture capital management, focusing on high-potential startups primarily in the technology sector. Msw Capital aims to foster partnerships between startups and corporations to drive growth and technological advancement. Notably, they have invested in Automni, a Brazilian company that develops solutions with autonomous mobile robots for enclosed environments, which received a R$ 5.5 million investment from Msw Capital in March 2023. This investment positions Automni as a potential global competitor in the autonomous mobile robot market, highlighting Msw Capital's commitment to factory automation technologies. Additionally, they have invested in TideWise, a startup focused on technological solutions for the naval services sector, which, while not directly related to factory automation, demonstrates their broader interest in industrial technology.

6. Kayyak Ventures

• Website: kayyakventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Santiago, Santiago, Chile
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: kayyak-ventures

Kayyak Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Santiago, Chile, founded in 2020. The firm focuses on investing in startups and entrepreneurs across Latin America, providing financial support and resources to innovative companies that address social and environmental challenges. Their portfolio spans diverse industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. Notably, Kayyak Ventures has participated in significant transactions relevant to factory automation, such as their investment in Pulsar, a startup specializing in AI-driven manufacturing operations analysis, which raised $8M in 2024 and $3.6M in seed funding in 2021. They also led a $10 million investment in Fracttal, a company focused on maintenance and asset management, which is crucial for optimizing factory operations. These investments highlight Kayyak Ventures' commitment to supporting advancements in the factory automation space.

7. LIP Ventures Boutique

• Website: lip.lat
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Cuajimalpa, Mexico City, Mexico
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: lip-ventures-boutique

LIP Ventures Boutique is a venture capital firm based in Cuajimalpa, Mexico City, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in providing funding and business development services to technology startups in Latin America, focusing on connecting investors with high-potential opportunities in the tech sector. Notably, LIP Ventures has participated in significant transactions such as Magnus Metal, which raised $74 million in Series B funding for its Digital CastingTM technology, aimed at transforming the metal casting industry through additive manufacturing. This technology has implications for factory automation by enhancing production capabilities. Other investments include Autobrains and Momentis Surgical, although these are less directly related to factory automation.

8. Upload Ventures

• Website: upload.ventures
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: upload-ventures

Upload Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2022. The firm invests in and supports technology-driven companies across various industries, including SaaS, healthtech, and gaming. They partner with startups to provide investment, consulting, and resources necessary for growth, focusing on Latin American leaders shaping the world. Notably, Upload Ventures has invested in Tractian, an industrial asset monitoring company that raised $45 million in a Series B funding round, aimed at expanding AI capabilities and entering new industrial verticals. This investment highlights their engagement in the factory automation sector. Additionally, they have invested in BotCity, a startup focused on developer-centric automation and RPA, which further emphasizes their interest in automation technologies relevant to factory operations.

9. Kamay Ventures

• Website: kamayventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Belgrano, Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: kamay-ventures

Kamay Ventures is a corporate venture capital fund based in Belgrano, Buenos Aires, Argentina, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on investing in and accelerating startups across various industries, including Digital Commerce and Agtech. They provide not only capital but also strategic support and access to a network of mentors and partners, helping entrepreneurs navigate their growth journey. Kamay Ventures collaborates with large corporations, such as Coca-Cola and Arcor, to foster innovation and create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Latin America. Notable transactions include their investment in Webee, a company recognized for its innovative technology, and Sensify, which specializes in AI and big data solutions for the food retail industry. These investments highlight Kamay Ventures' engagement with technology that could be relevant to factory automation, particularly in optimizing processes and enhancing operational efficiency.

10. Alexia Ventures

• Website: alexia.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: alexia-vc

Alexia Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-driven startups across Latin America, emphasizing a network-driven approach to support entrepreneurs. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of innovative companies, particularly in software, AI, and blockchain sectors. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in BotCity, a startup focused on developer-centric automation and RPA, which aims to expand globally and enhance automation capabilities. This investment highlights their engagement with automation technologies, further complemented by their involvement in other tech-driven startups like IBBX, which focuses on wireless energy technology, and UpFlux, which raised funds for its operations. These transactions reflect Alexia Ventures' commitment to supporting disruptive business models that may include automation solutions.

11. Invariantes Fund

• Website: invariantes.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Guatemala
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: invariantes-fund

Invariantes Fund is a venture capital fund founded in 2015, based in Guatemala, that specializes in investing in early-stage startups across the US and Latin America. The fund focuses on technology-driven companies, particularly in the software and hardware sectors. Notably, Invariantes Fund has been involved in significant funding rounds for companies like Luminar, which has raised over $250 million for its advanced hardware solutions aimed at the automotive industry, potentially applicable to factory automation. Additionally, their investment in Tailos, a company that may have applications in automation, and Fountain, which raised $9.1 million in Series A funding, showcases their commitment to supporting innovative technologies that could align with factory automation. The fund not only provides capital but also strategic support, helping startups connect with potential clients and investors, which is crucial in the rapidly evolving landscape of factory automation.

12. Jbs

• Website: jbs.com.br
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 1953
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: jbs

JBS S.A. is a leading food processing company founded in 1953, specializing in the production of beef, pork, poultry, fish, and plant-based products. With a global presence and a commitment to sustainability, JBS serves a diverse range of customers, including food retailers and restaurants. In 2015, JBS Australia proposed to acquire a controlling 50.1% stake in Scott Technology, a Dunedin-based engineering company, for a total deal size that could range from $13.9 million to $78.8 million. This acquisition reflects JBS's strategic interest in enhancing its operational capabilities, potentially through automation and engineering solutions, which are critical in modern manufacturing processes. This transaction highlights JBS's engagement with technology and engineering, although its primary focus remains in the food processing sector.

13. Norte Ventures

• Website: norte.ventures
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: norteventures

Norte Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in providing resources and support for startups in the technology sector, with a mission to empower entrepreneurs and foster innovation in the Brazilian market. Norte Ventures has been actively investing in various technology startups, including Tractian, which raised $500,000 in a pre-seed round, and BotCity, which raised $2.5 million in a seed round. BotCity is particularly noteworthy as it focuses on developer-centric automation and RPA, aiming to expand globally and enhance automation capabilities. This involvement in automation technologies highlights Norte Ventures' commitment to supporting innovations that can impact the factory automation landscape.

14. Opus Investimentos

• Website: opus.com.br
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Centro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: opus-investimentos

Opus Investimentos is a private equity firm based in Centro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in private equity and alternative investments, managing over R$ 7.2 billion in assets across various sectors, including healthcare and technology. Opus provides tailored investment management services to individual and institutional clients, helping them navigate complex financial markets to achieve high returns. Notably, Opus has participated in significant transactions such as the Series B funding round for Figure AI, a startup developing human-like robots, which raised approximately US$675 million. This investment highlights Opus's engagement in technology that intersects with factory automation, as robotics plays a crucial role in automating manufacturing processes. Additionally, they were involved in a secondary market transaction with Groq, although the specifics of this deal do not directly relate to factory automation. Overall, Opus Investimentos demonstrates a commitment to investing in innovative technologies that could impact the factory automation landscape.

15. Polaris Investimentos

• Website: polarisinvest.net
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brasilia, Federal, Brazil
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: polaris-investimentos-assessoria-e-participacoes-ltda

Polaris Investimentos is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in Brasilia, Federal, Brazil. The firm specializes in investing in technology-based startups, providing both financial support and strategic advisory services to entrepreneurs. Polaris focuses on early-stage investments across various sectors, with a notable emphasis on technology. In recent transactions, Polaris has been involved in funding Automni, a Brazilian company that specializes in solutions with autonomous mobile robots in enclosed environments. Automni has received significant investments, including a R$ 5.5 million round led by MSW Capital, which positions it as a potential global competitor in the autonomous mobile robot market. This involvement highlights Polaris's engagement in the factory automation space, particularly in innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiency.

16. Wollef

• Website: wollefvc.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: jaguar-ventures

Wollef is a venture capital firm based in Mexico City, Mexico, founded in 2013. The firm focuses on financing technology startups in Latin America, providing capital and advisory services to early-stage companies across various sectors, including fintech and e-commerce. Notably, Wollef participated in a seed funding round for Pulsar, an analytics startup that raised $3.6M for manufacturing analytics. This investment highlights Wollef's engagement in the factory automation space, as manufacturing analytics is a critical component of modern factory operations. Their mission is to support entrepreneurs in overcoming funding challenges and achieving growth, which aligns with their investment strategy in technology-driven sectors.

Factory Automation Insights: Key Investors in Latin America

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