Top 6 Venture Capital Firms for Industrial Automation Startups

For founders in Industrial Automation, finding the right investor is about more than just securing capital. The best partners bring deep industry knowledge and a network that can open doors. Knowing which venture capital firms specialize in areas like robotics, advanced manufacturing, or industrial IoT is the first step to building a strong syndicate for your fundraise.

To help you focus your efforts, our team at Rho has curated this overview of the top venture capital firms investing in the industrial technology space. Use this guide to quickly identify investors who understand your business and are actively funding companies like yours.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho also provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding in industrial automation is about more than capital; it’s about gaining a partner with deep industry knowledge and a network to help you grow.

• Venture firms like Silent Ventures, Construct Capital, SE Ventures, and Bee Partners are notable backers of startups in the industrial technology sector.

• Once you've closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Industrial Automation Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're raising your first round or preparing for an exit, knowing who to talk to is critical. Here is a quick overview of the key venture capital firms investing in industrial automation, broken down by stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Industrial Automation

This initial stage is for founders developing a core idea and building an early product. For those building deep tech or robotics startups, firms like Bee Partners and Construct Capital focus on writing the first checks, while KEC Ventures is also a key seed investor in the space.

Early Stage VC Firms in Industrial Automation

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B, is for companies with product-market fit that need capital to scale their team and operations. Industrial technology venture capital firms like Silent Ventures and Construct Capital are active at this stage, backing companies in advanced manufacturing and AI.

Late Stage VC Firms in Industrial Automation

Late-stage capital supports established companies as they expand into new markets, make acquisitions, or prepare for an exit. Some of the major venture capital firms that participate in later rounds for industrial automation companies include SE Ventures and Xplorer Capital.

Keep in mind that some venture capital firms invest across multiple stages. As you build your fundraising strategy, Rho Capital can also help you access non-dilutive financing like venture debt to give you more options for growth.

To help you identify the right partners, here is a more detailed overview of the top VC firms in industrial automation. We've outlined their investment stages, geographic focus, and the specific value each firm brings to founders.

1. Silent Ventures

Silent Ventures is a Dallas-based firm providing "stealth capital for elite operators." They focus on companies building foundational technologies for national security and industrial resilience.

The firm has a clear thesis around defense tech and advanced manufacturing, backing ambitious companies like Anduril Industries. Their portfolio also includes Hadrian, which is building AI-powered factories with a recent $260 million raise.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders with deep operational or technical experience in the defense and industrial sectors. Once you secure funding from specialized investors, Rho can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking and corporate cards.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: National Security, Industrial Automation, AI, Manufacturing, Drones
• Geographical presence: Dallas, Texas
• Founded: 2022
• Notable investments: Anduril Industries, Hadrian, and Saronic Technologies, an autonomous maritime firm cited by Business Insider
• Investment approach: Contrarian strategy focused on backing "elite operators" in the defense and industrial base

You can refer to their website here.

2. Construct Capital

Based in Washington, D.C., Construct Capital invests in founders building technology for foundational sectors of the economy. The firm supports companies that are modernizing core industries like manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management.

Construct focuses on seed and early-stage rounds, showing a commitment to getting in on the ground floor with new companies. Their portfolio features notable companies like logistics platform Veho, which reached a $1.5 billion valuation, and has seen successful exits with companies like The Rounds and Outgo.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are building software or hardware for core sectors like industrial automation or logistics. Once you secure your early-stage round, Rho can help you manage the funds with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial Automation, Supply Chain Management, Enterprise Software
• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 2020
• Notable investments: Veho, Hadrian, and Copia
• Investment count: 42

You can refer to their website here.

3. SE Ventures

SE Ventures is a global venture capital fund backed by Schneider Electric, managing over $1 billion in capital. Based in Menlo Park, the firm operates as a corporate venture arm, investing in companies that are shaping the future of energy and industrial efficiency.

The firm invests across seed, early, and late stages, with a clear focus on sustainability, electrification, and industrial automation. As a corporate VC, SE Ventures offers more than just funding; it provides startups with access to Schneider Electric's global market presence and deep technical expertise. Their portfolio includes industrial cybersecurity leader Claroty and computer-vision unicorn Scandit, reflecting a strategy of backing high-growth companies in their core sectors.

SE Ventures is a great match for founders whose technology aligns with Schneider Electric's strategic interests in climate tech and industrial innovation. If you're looking for a partner that can provide both capital and a significant strategic advantage, this firm should be on your list. Once you secure funding from a strategic investor, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage your new capital with business banking and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial Automation, Sustainability, CleanTech, AI, Energy Storage
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2017
• Notable investments: Claroty, Scandit, Proterra, and AutoGrid
• Investment count: 45

You can refer to their website here.

4. Bee Partners

Based in San Francisco, Bee Partners leads pre-seed investments for deep tech startups. The firm writes the first checks for founders developing new technologies in AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.

The firm is defined by its early conviction, backing founders at the very beginning and guiding them toward significant outcomes. Their portfolio includes major exits like BuildingConnected, acquired by Autodesk, and TubeMogul, acquired by Adobe.

Bee Partners is a strong match for technical founders seeking a lead investor for their pre-seed round in industrial automation or a related field. Their focus on writing the first check makes them a critical partner for getting a new company off the ground.

Once you’ve secured that first check, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage your capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: AI, Robotics, Industrial Automation, Manufacturing
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2009
• Notable investments: BuildingConnected (acquired by Autodesk), TubeMogul (acquired by Adobe), Rapid Robotics
• Portfolio size: 127 investments, 17 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. KEC Ventures

KEC Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York that invests from seed to early-stage rounds. The firm backs companies across several foundational industries, including financial services, construction, and industrial automation.

While they invest in industrial sectors, their portfolio features major consumer and fintech successes like FanDuel and Teampay. This track record highlights their ability to identify high-growth companies with clear paths to scale in both B2B and B2C markets.

KEC Ventures is a solid choice for founders seeking an early-stage partner with experience guiding companies toward major exits. After securing an early-stage investment, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking and corporate cards—can help you manage and deploy your new capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial Automation, Financial Services, Agriculture, Construction, Oil and Gas
• Geographical presence: New York, NY
• Founded: 2011
• Notable investments: FanDuel, TechStyle Fashion Group, The Bouqs Company, Teampay
• Portfolio size: 71 investments, 13 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. Xplorer Capital

Xplorer Capital is a Menlo Park-based firm that invests in B2B technology companies from seed to late stage. They focus on sectors like AI, robotics, and industrial automation, backing companies with strong technical foundations.

The firm has a track record of backing major technology platforms, with a portfolio that includes Uber, Square, and drone-delivery pioneer Zipline. Their portfolio also highlights successful exits in the robotics space, such as Canvas Technology's acquisition by Amazon.

Xplorer Capital is a good fit for founders building ambitious B2B companies with the potential for large-scale market disruption. Once you secure a round, Rho can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and spend controls.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: AI, Big Data, Industrial Automation, IoT, Robotics
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2011
• Notable investments: Zipline, Uber, Square, and Canvas Technology (acquired by Amazon)
• Portfolio size: 38 investments, 11 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Industrial Automation Companies

This overview shows that the investor community for industrial automation is quite diverse. You'll find active firms beyond Silicon Valley, with key players in Texas, New York, and Washington, D.C. This geographic spread gives you more flexibility when building your fundraising strategy.

The list also highlights a strong concentration of capital at the pre-seed and early stages, which is great news if you're just starting out. As you plan for future growth, it's helpful to know that your financing options can expand beyond equity. Our team at Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive funding like venture debt to complement your rounds and support your long-term goals.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Knowing which investors to approach saves you critical time and energy during a fundraise. A focused list helps you build momentum and close your round with greater confidence, so you can get back to building your company.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. Once capital is secured, our integrated tools—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy funds efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Industrial Automation

Which industrial automation venture capital firms are in Europe?

Yes, Europe has a growing number of VCs focused on industrial technology. Firms in Germany and the UK are particularly active in funding startups in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and IoT, reflecting the continent's strong industrial base.

Which Boston venture capital firms invest in robotics?

Boston is a major hub for robotics and AI. Many local firms focus on deep tech, backing companies that originate from its strong university ecosystem. Look for investors with a track record in hardware and enterprise software.

What do seed venture capital firms look for in an industrial tech startup?

Seed-stage investors want to see a strong technical team and a clear problem. As you prepare your pitch, Rho Capital can also connect you to non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your financial position before an equity round.

Are there VCs that only fund hardware startups?

While many firms are software-focused, dedicated hardware venture capital firms do exist. They understand the unique challenges of building physical products, from supply chain to manufacturing, and provide specialized support for capital-intensive hardware startups.

How can I find emerging venture capital firms for 2025?

To find new firms, follow industry publications, attend sector-specific conferences, and monitor announcements from limited partners. Many emerging managers are active on social platforms, sharing their investment theses and connecting with founders directly.

How can Rho help me after I secure funding?

Once your round is closed, Rho helps you manage and deploy capital efficiently. Our integrated platform offers business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, giving you full control over your company's finances.