Founders Fund

Founders Fund is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that backs science and technology companies across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage. It pursues transformative technologies and follows a founder-friendly investment approach that provides substantial support with minimal interference. The firm invests in ventures solving difficult problems across sectors such as aerospace and transportation, artificial intelligence, advanced computing, energy, healthcare, biotechnology, cybersecurity, fintech, consumer internet, software, robotics, and related technology fields. It has backed notable companies early, including SpaceX, Palantir, and Facebook, reflecting a history of partnering with ambitious founders to scale breakthrough technologies.

Jennifer Campbell

Partner

Lauren Gross

Partner and COO

Bridget Harris

Associate

Joey Krug

Partner

Sean Liu

Partner

Past deals in Robotics

Biosphere

Seed Round in 2025
Biosphere engages in manufacturing commercial-scale fermentation products and robotic greenhouses.

Anduril Industries

Series F in 2024
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that designs, develops, and deploys hardware and software to address national security challenges for the United States and its allies. It offers the Lattice Platform, an AI-based system that fuses real-time data from computer vision, machine learning, and mesh networking into a single autonomous operating picture; Sentry Tower, which integrates data across the electromagnetic spectrum; Ghost sUAS, an unmanned autonomous, man-portable drone capable of performing missions with limited human intervention; and Anvil sUAS, a precision kinetic intercept that autonomously navigates to counter potential drone threats with visual verification by a human operator. Founded in 2017, Anduril is based in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Orange County, California; Washington, D.C.; and Seattle, Washington.

Hextronics

Seed Round in 2024
Hextronics is an engineering company that develops drone systems and accessories for autonomous operations. It specializes in Drone-in-a-Box solutions with rapid battery exchange to enable continuous aerial activity. The company offers a range of drones for fast response, security, inspection, construction, agriculture, and conservation, as well as battery-swapping drones and related components. It provides computer vision algorithms for commercial drones and comprehensive support, training, and resources covering installation, maintenance, and operation to help clients automate their workflows.

Hadrian

Series B in 2024
Hadrian is a machine parts startup that manufactures precision components for technology companies, including aerospace and defense programs. It builds autonomous, software-defined precision component factories and an autonomous manufacturing platform that integrates software, robotics, and full-stack capabilities to scale mission-critical programs across space, aviation, and maritime sectors. By enabling aerospace startups, suppliers, and defense contractors to produce essential components with lower costs and greater efficiency, Hadrian aims to accelerate development timelines and reduce manufacturing complexity.

Gecko Robotics

Series C in 2023
Founded in 2013, Gecko Robotics specializes in industrial inspection services using robotics and AI-powered data platforms. Serving power, oil & gas, pulp & paper industries, they provide real-time insights for efficient operations and infrastructure maintenance.

Mendaera

Series A in 2023
Mendaera is a medtech startup specializing in advanced healthcare technologies, focusing on robotics and diagnostic tools. Its platform integrates robotics, AI, real-time imaging, and connectivity to enable consistent medical interventions at scale, aiming to make high-quality care accessible to all patients.

Giraffe360

Series A in 2022
Giraffe360 develops robotic 360 photography cameras and related cloud services for real estate professionals. Its flagship system captures true-to-life virtual tours, wide-angle photographs and downloadable floor plans, supported by cloud processing, data storage and a content management system for file management and analytics. The company targets real estate agents and agencies, enabling cost-efficient, streamlined property photography, improved online listings and easier viewings, and an enhanced online property experience for buyers. Based in London, the company serves real estate markets with technology that combines hardware, cloud software and analytics to support property marketing and sales.

ISEE

Series B in 2022
ISEE develops AI-based solutions for autonomous driving in logistics. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ISEE's autonomous yard trucks help businesses like Maersk automate their logistics hubs, improving safety, reducing costs, and enhancing driving performance.

Built Robotics

Series C in 2022
Built Robotics develops automation technology for the construction industry by turning heavy equipment into autonomous robots with AI-guided software that integrates sensors such as GPS, cameras, and Lidar. The systems retrofit onto earthmoving equipment to enable autonomous operation on job sites, supporting projects such as wind farms, oil and gas pipelines, mining, and housing developments, and they are used to automate repetitive tasks in solar projects to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

Hadrian

Series A in 2022
Hadrian is a machine parts startup that manufactures precision components for technology companies, including aerospace and defense programs. It builds autonomous, software-defined precision component factories and an autonomous manufacturing platform that integrates software, robotics, and full-stack capabilities to scale mission-critical programs across space, aviation, and maritime sectors. By enabling aerospace startups, suppliers, and defense contractors to produce essential components with lower costs and greater efficiency, Hadrian aims to accelerate development timelines and reduce manufacturing complexity.

Gecko Robotics

Series C in 2022
Founded in 2013, Gecko Robotics specializes in industrial inspection services using robotics and AI-powered data platforms. Serving power, oil & gas, pulp & paper industries, they provide real-time insights for efficient operations and infrastructure maintenance.

Coco

Series A in 2021
Founded in 2020, Coco operates human-controlled sidewalk robots for last-mile deliveries. Serving thousands weekly in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Austin, and Houston, it partners with local businesses like restaurants to deliver goods efficiently.

AREVO

Venture Round in 2021
AREVO, based in Silicon Valley, California, is a technology company specializing in direct digital additive manufacturing of ultra-strong, lightweight composite parts for high-volume end-use applications. The company combines advanced materials, powerful design and build software, and free motion robotics to achieve true three-dimensional construction. This innovative approach allows AREVO to move beyond prototyping, facilitating the design and production of large, mass-manufactured parts and structures. By leveraging the unique properties of composite materials, AREVO provides designers and manufacturers with exceptional flexibility and strength, targeting sectors such as aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, transportation, and consumer goods. With its cutting-edge technology, AREVO is positioned to optimize additive manufacturing services for original equipment manufacturers worldwide.

Osaro

Series C in 2021
Osaro, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software aimed at automating manual picking and assembly tasks in distribution centers and manufacturing environments. Founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California, Osaro's solutions integrate advanced machine learning and vision-based technology to enhance the efficiency of robotic systems. The software is designed to automatically process complex, unstructured data, enabling machines to learn and adapt in real-time, thereby improving decision-making capabilities. By enhancing the intelligence and adaptability of machines, Osaro aims to increase industrial productivity while allowing human workers to concentrate on more complex tasks, ultimately contributing to a safer workplace and more resilient supply chains.

Anduril Industries

Series D in 2021
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that designs, develops, and deploys hardware and software to address national security challenges for the United States and its allies. It offers the Lattice Platform, an AI-based system that fuses real-time data from computer vision, machine learning, and mesh networking into a single autonomous operating picture; Sentry Tower, which integrates data across the electromagnetic spectrum; Ghost sUAS, an unmanned autonomous, man-portable drone capable of performing missions with limited human intervention; and Anvil sUAS, a precision kinetic intercept that autonomously navigates to counter potential drone threats with visual verification by a human operator. Founded in 2017, Anduril is based in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Orange County, California; Washington, D.C.; and Seattle, Washington.

Hadrian

Seed Round in 2021
Hadrian is a machine parts startup that manufactures precision components for technology companies, including aerospace and defense programs. It builds autonomous, software-defined precision component factories and an autonomous manufacturing platform that integrates software, robotics, and full-stack capabilities to scale mission-critical programs across space, aviation, and maritime sectors. By enabling aerospace startups, suppliers, and defense contractors to produce essential components with lower costs and greater efficiency, Hadrian aims to accelerate development timelines and reduce manufacturing complexity.

Multiply Labs

Series A in 2021
Multiply Labs develops robotic-enabled manufacturing for personalized pharmaceutical capsules, combining pharmaceutical science with robotics to produce tailor-made capsules that align with individual patient metabolic needs. The company operates a robotic manufacturing facility and has introduced 3D-printed capsules, aiming to address scaling challenges in biotech and improve the efficiency and cost of producing patient-specific medicines.

Osaro

Series B in 2020
Osaro, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software aimed at automating manual picking and assembly tasks in distribution centers and manufacturing environments. Founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California, Osaro's solutions integrate advanced machine learning and vision-based technology to enhance the efficiency of robotic systems. The software is designed to automatically process complex, unstructured data, enabling machines to learn and adapt in real-time, thereby improving decision-making capabilities. By enhancing the intelligence and adaptability of machines, Osaro aims to increase industrial productivity while allowing human workers to concentrate on more complex tasks, ultimately contributing to a safer workplace and more resilient supply chains.

Anduril Industries

Series C in 2020
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that designs, develops, and deploys hardware and software to address national security challenges for the United States and its allies. It offers the Lattice Platform, an AI-based system that fuses real-time data from computer vision, machine learning, and mesh networking into a single autonomous operating picture; Sentry Tower, which integrates data across the electromagnetic spectrum; Ghost sUAS, an unmanned autonomous, man-portable drone capable of performing missions with limited human intervention; and Anvil sUAS, a precision kinetic intercept that autonomously navigates to counter potential drone threats with visual verification by a human operator. Founded in 2017, Anduril is based in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Orange County, California; Washington, D.C.; and Seattle, Washington.

Gecko Robotics

Series B in 2019
Founded in 2013, Gecko Robotics specializes in industrial inspection services using robotics and AI-powered data platforms. Serving power, oil & gas, pulp & paper industries, they provide real-time insights for efficient operations and infrastructure maintenance.

ISEE

Series A in 2019
ISEE develops AI-based solutions for autonomous driving in logistics. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ISEE's autonomous yard trucks help businesses like Maersk automate their logistics hubs, improving safety, reducing costs, and enhancing driving performance.

Osaro

Series B in 2019
Osaro, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software aimed at automating manual picking and assembly tasks in distribution centers and manufacturing environments. Founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California, Osaro's solutions integrate advanced machine learning and vision-based technology to enhance the efficiency of robotic systems. The software is designed to automatically process complex, unstructured data, enabling machines to learn and adapt in real-time, thereby improving decision-making capabilities. By enhancing the intelligence and adaptability of machines, Osaro aims to increase industrial productivity while allowing human workers to concentrate on more complex tasks, ultimately contributing to a safer workplace and more resilient supply chains.

Built Robotics

Series B in 2019
Built Robotics develops automation technology for the construction industry by turning heavy equipment into autonomous robots with AI-guided software that integrates sensors such as GPS, cameras, and Lidar. The systems retrofit onto earthmoving equipment to enable autonomous operation on job sites, supporting projects such as wind farms, oil and gas pipelines, mining, and housing developments, and they are used to automate repetitive tasks in solar projects to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

Anduril Industries

Series B in 2019
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that designs, develops, and deploys hardware and software to address national security challenges for the United States and its allies. It offers the Lattice Platform, an AI-based system that fuses real-time data from computer vision, machine learning, and mesh networking into a single autonomous operating picture; Sentry Tower, which integrates data across the electromagnetic spectrum; Ghost sUAS, an unmanned autonomous, man-portable drone capable of performing missions with limited human intervention; and Anvil sUAS, a precision kinetic intercept that autonomously navigates to counter potential drone threats with visual verification by a human operator. Founded in 2017, Anduril is based in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Orange County, California; Washington, D.C.; and Seattle, Washington.

Gecko Robotics

Series A in 2018
Founded in 2013, Gecko Robotics specializes in industrial inspection services using robotics and AI-powered data platforms. Serving power, oil & gas, pulp & paper industries, they provide real-time insights for efficient operations and infrastructure maintenance.

Anduril Industries

Series A in 2018
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that designs, develops, and deploys hardware and software to address national security challenges for the United States and its allies. It offers the Lattice Platform, an AI-based system that fuses real-time data from computer vision, machine learning, and mesh networking into a single autonomous operating picture; Sentry Tower, which integrates data across the electromagnetic spectrum; Ghost sUAS, an unmanned autonomous, man-portable drone capable of performing missions with limited human intervention; and Anvil sUAS, a precision kinetic intercept that autonomously navigates to counter potential drone threats with visual verification by a human operator. Founded in 2017, Anduril is based in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Orange County, California; Washington, D.C.; and Seattle, Washington.

CTRL-Labs

Series B in 2018
CTRL-Labs develops neural interface technologies that enable humans to interact with machines using natural movements and thoughts. Their flagship product, CTRL-kit, is a wireless, non-invasive electromyography device that translates neural signals into control for applications in XR, robotics, productivity, and clinical research.

Cobalt

Series A in 2018
Cobalt Robotics, Inc. designs and manufactures indoor security robots that collaborate with human security personnel. These robots are capable of patrolling various environments, including warehouses, schools, offices, hospitals, data centers, and museums, while detecting intruders and identifying anomalies. Equipped with advanced mapping and sensing technologies, as well as features for human-robot interaction, Cobalt's robots enhance security measures by providing real-time monitoring and response capabilities. Founded in 2016 by Erik Schluntz and Travis Deyle, the company is headquartered in San Mateo, California.

Counsyl

Venture Round in 2017
Counsyl is a health technology company specializing in DNA screening services for individuals and families. The company focuses on providing critical information that can significantly influence health outcomes, enabling proactive measures and informed decision-making. With a strong commitment to accessibility, Counsyl has screened over 500,000 patients and collaborated with more than 6,000 healthcare professionals through its accredited clinical laboratory. It employs sophisticated technology and custom robotic automation to analyze blood and saliva samples with precision and efficiency. The platform not only aids in family planning through its Family Prep Screen but also encompasses informed pregnancy and cancer screening. Recognized for its innovative approach, Counsyl has received accolades such as the Wall Street Journal’s Innovation Award for Medicine and has been listed among Scientific American's "Top 10 World Changing Ideas." The company combines the expertise of scientists, engineers, and clinical professionals to enhance communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding medical results.

Built Robotics

Series A in 2017
Built Robotics develops automation technology for the construction industry by turning heavy equipment into autonomous robots with AI-guided software that integrates sensors such as GPS, cameras, and Lidar. The systems retrofit onto earthmoving equipment to enable autonomous operation on job sites, supporting projects such as wind farms, oil and gas pipelines, mining, and housing developments, and they are used to automate repetitive tasks in solar projects to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

Anduril Industries

Seed Round in 2017
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that designs, develops, and deploys hardware and software to address national security challenges for the United States and its allies. It offers the Lattice Platform, an AI-based system that fuses real-time data from computer vision, machine learning, and mesh networking into a single autonomous operating picture; Sentry Tower, which integrates data across the electromagnetic spectrum; Ghost sUAS, an unmanned autonomous, man-portable drone capable of performing missions with limited human intervention; and Anvil sUAS, a precision kinetic intercept that autonomously navigates to counter potential drone threats with visual verification by a human operator. Founded in 2017, Anduril is based in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Orange County, California; Washington, D.C.; and Seattle, Washington.

Brud

Seed Round in 2017
Brud Inc. is a transmedia studio based in Los Angeles that specializes in the development of digital and robotic characters which are designed to engage audiences across various social platforms. Founded in 2014 and originally known as Miquela Media, the company focuses on creating virtual influencers and character-driven story worlds. Brud combines expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance media experiences, enabling the creation of innovative and popular digital personalities. The company is dedicated to leveraging technology in creative ways to redefine storytelling in the digital age.

Moon Express

Series B in 2017
Moon Express, established in 2010, is a pioneering commercial space company based in Cape Canaveral, Florida, with facilities in Huntsville, Alabama. It specializes in manufacturing and operating robotic spacecraft designed for lunar exploration and commercial development. The company's flagship product, the MX-1 commercial lunar lander, is a versatile space vehicle capable of delivering scientific and commercial payloads to the Moon. Moon Express serves NASA as both a collaborator and customer, with a focus on opening up the Moon's resources for humanity and establishing new avenues for commercial space activities beyond Earth orbit.

Plethora

Venture Round in 2015
Plethora Corporation is a precision machining company that specializes in CNC machining, milling, and turning of various materials, including aluminum alloys, copper alloys, plastics, steels, and stainless steels. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Marietta, Georgia, Plethora serves a diverse range of industries, such as robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer packaged goods, in the United States. The company offers innovative manufacturing systems that transform customer designs into custom parts by utilizing robotics and proprietary in-house software. Plethora also provides design feedback by analyzing CAD models directly within the client's CAD software, ensuring optimized manufacturing processes.

Vicarious

Series B in 2014
Vicarious is an artificial intelligence company that utilizes the principles of neuro and cognitive science to create general intelligence for robots. Founded in 2010 by Dr. Dileep George and D. Scott Phoenix, Vicarious develops technology that mimics the functions of the human brain, aiming to achieve human-level intelligence in areas such as vision, language, and motor control. The company's algorithmic architecture focuses on visual perception challenges, including recognition, segmentation, and scene parsing. This innovative approach enables robot manufacturers to design robots that exhibit advanced intelligence and enhanced task efficiency, positioning Vicarious as a leader in the advancement of intelligent robotic systems.

Plethora

Series A in 2014
Plethora Corporation is a precision machining company that specializes in CNC machining, milling, and turning of various materials, including aluminum alloys, copper alloys, plastics, steels, and stainless steels. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Marietta, Georgia, Plethora serves a diverse range of industries, such as robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer packaged goods, in the United States. The company offers innovative manufacturing systems that transform customer designs into custom parts by utilizing robotics and proprietary in-house software. Plethora also provides design feedback by analyzing CAD models directly within the client's CAD software, ensuring optimized manufacturing processes.

Plethora

Seed Round in 2013
Plethora Corporation is a precision machining company that specializes in CNC machining, milling, and turning of various materials, including aluminum alloys, copper alloys, plastics, steels, and stainless steels. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Marietta, Georgia, Plethora serves a diverse range of industries, such as robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer packaged goods, in the United States. The company offers innovative manufacturing systems that transform customer designs into custom parts by utilizing robotics and proprietary in-house software. Plethora also provides design feedback by analyzing CAD models directly within the client's CAD software, ensuring optimized manufacturing processes.

Strateos

Seed Round in 2012
Strateos specializes in automating chemistry, biology, and tissue analysis in closed-loop robotic labs, accelerating drug discovery programs for pharmaceutical partners. By combining advanced robotics, software for imaging and analytics, and remote cloud laboratories, Strateos enables more rapid and efficient discovery of new drug candidates. The company was formed through a merger of Transcriptic, which developed the first robotic cloud laboratory platform for life science research, and 3Scan, which specialized in automating tissue analysis. Strateos aims to express life science methods as data, enabling infrastructure virtualization and driving the next generation of discovery with significant time and cost efficiencies.

Vicarious

Series A in 2012
Vicarious is an artificial intelligence company that utilizes the principles of neuro and cognitive science to create general intelligence for robots. Founded in 2010 by Dr. Dileep George and D. Scott Phoenix, Vicarious develops technology that mimics the functions of the human brain, aiming to achieve human-level intelligence in areas such as vision, language, and motor control. The company's algorithmic architecture focuses on visual perception challenges, including recognition, segmentation, and scene parsing. This innovative approach enables robot manufacturers to design robots that exhibit advanced intelligence and enhanced task efficiency, positioning Vicarious as a leader in the advancement of intelligent robotic systems.

Vicarious

Venture Round in 2012
Vicarious is an artificial intelligence company that utilizes the principles of neuro and cognitive science to create general intelligence for robots. Founded in 2010 by Dr. Dileep George and D. Scott Phoenix, Vicarious develops technology that mimics the functions of the human brain, aiming to achieve human-level intelligence in areas such as vision, language, and motor control. The company's algorithmic architecture focuses on visual perception challenges, including recognition, segmentation, and scene parsing. This innovative approach enables robot manufacturers to design robots that exhibit advanced intelligence and enhanced task efficiency, positioning Vicarious as a leader in the advancement of intelligent robotic systems.

Counsyl

Private Equity Round in 2011
Counsyl is a health technology company specializing in DNA screening services for individuals and families. The company focuses on providing critical information that can significantly influence health outcomes, enabling proactive measures and informed decision-making. With a strong commitment to accessibility, Counsyl has screened over 500,000 patients and collaborated with more than 6,000 healthcare professionals through its accredited clinical laboratory. It employs sophisticated technology and custom robotic automation to analyze blood and saliva samples with precision and efficiency. The platform not only aids in family planning through its Family Prep Screen but also encompasses informed pregnancy and cancer screening. Recognized for its innovative approach, Counsyl has received accolades such as the Wall Street Journal’s Innovation Award for Medicine and has been listed among Scientific American's "Top 10 World Changing Ideas." The company combines the expertise of scientists, engineers, and clinical professionals to enhance communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding medical results.

Moon Express

Venture Round in 2010
Moon Express, established in 2010, is a pioneering commercial space company based in Cape Canaveral, Florida, with facilities in Huntsville, Alabama. It specializes in manufacturing and operating robotic spacecraft designed for lunar exploration and commercial development. The company's flagship product, the MX-1 commercial lunar lander, is a versatile space vehicle capable of delivering scientific and commercial payloads to the Moon. Moon Express serves NASA as both a collaborator and customer, with a focus on opening up the Moon's resources for humanity and establishing new avenues for commercial space activities beyond Earth orbit.
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