Launchpad, an AI-focused robotics company specializing in real-world assembly automation, announced the completion of a Series A funding round totaling USD $11 million.
The capital will accelerate development of advanced automation technology and support growing demand from customers across the US, UK, and Europe. The round was co-led by Lavrock Ventures and Squadra Ventures, with additional participation from Ericsson Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Cox Exponential, and the Scottish National Investment Bank. The funding complements a USD $2.5 million grant previously awarded by Scottish Enterprise.
Launchpad’s AI-powered robotics are reshaping manufacturing processes by enabling scalable and efficient automation strategies in an industry facing severe workforce shortages. According to Deloitte, up to 1.9 million manufacturing positions in the United States may remain unfilled by 2033.
Although robotics offer a potential solution to this labor challenge, traditional systems often remain cost-prohibitive for small and mid-sized enterprises. Data from the International Federation of Robotics reported a 9% decline in US robot installations in 2024. Launchpad’s new research and development center in Edinburgh, Scotland, utilizes cutting-edge AI capabilities that reduce the time and cost of automation implementation by an estimated 50%.
“Launchpad has built a technology that is helping manufacturers manage the optimal integration of humans and robots. We see AI tools, such as those being pioneered by Launchpad, as reimagining the manufacturing industry and revitalizing local economies,” said Jon Quick, CEO of Launchpad.
“We are proud to invest our capital and time in support of Launchpad’s quest for a more innovative, automated, resilient future in advanced manufacturing. The company has an impressive track record, proven management team, and clear vision of what it will take to make a lasting impact in this dynamic and extremely important industry,” said Steve Smoot, Managing Partner at Lavrock Investors.
“Since 2020, America has lost more than a quarter of its manufacturing jobs. The message is clear: cost matters. With Launchpad, we’re rewriting that story – using AI to build a new era of globally competitive domestic manufacturing that can win and lead the future,” said Guy Filippelli, Managing Partner at Squadra Ventures.
“With its R&D center in Edinburgh, Launchpad is able to draw on Scotland’s long-standing academic, technical and entrepreneurial strengths. The company has quickly become an influential part of the Scottish innovation community, and we look forward to supporting its next growth phase,” said Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Enterprise.