Key Takeaways:
- Carbon Robotics secures $70 million in Series D funding, bringing its total raised to $157 million.
- Led by BOND, the round included participation from NVIDIA’s NVentures, Anthos Capital, Fuse Venture Capital, and more.
- The funds will help scale Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder™ business and expand into new markets.
- The company plans to grow into Eastern and Southern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
- Mood Rowghani, General Partner at BOND, joins Carbon Robotics’ Board of Directors.
Carbon Robotics Secures $70M to Drive AI Innovations in Farming
Carbon Robotics, an industry leader in AI-powered farming technology, has announced the closing of a $70 million Series D funding round. The round was led by new investor BOND, with participation from returning investors NVentures (NVIDIA’s venture capital arm), Anthos Capital, Fuse Venture Capital, Ignition Partners, Revolution, Sozo Ventures, and Voyager Capital. This brings the company’s total funding to $157 million, positioning it to continue reshaping the agricultural sector with its cutting-edge AI technology.
As part of the investment, Mood Rowghani, General Partner at BOND, will join the Carbon Robotics Board of Directors. Rowghani shared his enthusiasm for the company’s potential, stating, “Its proven ability to execute and scale, combined with a visionary leadership team, makes it a clear standout in the space. This investment reflects our strong conviction in the central role Carbon Robotics will play in shaping the future of farming.”
Scaling the LaserWeeder™ and Expanding Global Reach
With this new capital, Carbon Robotics plans to expand its flagship LaserWeeder™ business, an AI-driven solution that has already made significant inroads in sustainable agriculture by eliminating weeds without chemicals, hand labor, or soil disruption. The company also aims to introduce new software and hardware products while enhancing its state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities in Eastern Washington. Additionally, the funding will accelerate Carbon Robotics’ growth into new regions, particularly in Eastern and Southern Europe, as well as the Asia-Pacific region.
Paul Mikesell, CEO and Founder of Carbon Robotics, emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, “This funding represents a pivotal milestone not just for our company but for farmers and consumers worldwide. We’re leading a transformative shift, and this investment accelerates our ability to pioneer AI and robotics that will reshape farming for generations to come. I’m excited to have the strong backing of BOND and existing investors like NVentures and to welcome Mood Rowghani to our Board.”
Revolutionizing Agriculture with AI-Powered Solutions
Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder™ has already been deployed by growers across North America, Europe, and Australia, eliminating more than 10 billion weeds across 100 crop types without using chemical herbicides. This achievement reflects the company’s role as an innovation leader in the agricultural industry, transforming farming practices with sustainable and efficient solutions.
Mood Rowghani, General Partner at BOND, highlighted the significance of Carbon Robotics’ work, noting, “Carbon Robotics is uniquely positioned to deploy AI to transform the massive agriculture industry at a critical time. Its proven ability to execute and scale, combined with a visionary leadership team, makes it a clear standout in the space.”
Carbon Robotics Latest News
Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeders™ Reach Milestone of 10 Billion Weeds Eliminated (2024/06/27)
Carbon Robotics, a leader in AI-powered farming solutions, has successfully eradicated over 10 billion weeds across North America, Australia, and Europe since its introduction in 2022. The LaserWeeder fleet, capable of targeting over 100 crops, has reduced costs and increased profitability for farmers. The Western Growers Center of Innovation and Technology published a case study showing a 50% increase in crop yield after one year of using the LaserWeeder. Carbon Robotics has also been featured on the 2024 CNBC Disruptor 50 list and secured a notable investment from NVIDIA’s NVentures.
Named To 2024 CNBC Disruptor 50 List
Carbon Robotics has been named to the 2024 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, recognizing its role in revolutionizing farming and sustainability. In 2024, the company expanded its reach and introduced advancements to its AI field robotics and farm operations products. It also received recognition from TIME and NVIDIA’s venture capital arm. The LaserWeeder, the company’s flagship product, uses AI and laser technology to eliminate weeds without herbicides, promoting environmental sustainability and increasing crop yield. CEO Paul Mikesell expressed pride in the recognition, stating that AI is revolutionizing agriculture and ensuring the quality and availability of food for consumers worldwide.
Read the complete list here.
Secures Investment from NVentures to Advance AI in Farming (2024/05/08)
Carbon Robotics announced a new investment from NVentures today for their AI-powered farming technology, highlighting the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in agriculture. The company’s pioneering product, the LaserWeeder™, utilizes 24 NVIDIA GPUs to process high-resolution images for precise plant detection and weed elimination. This technology can target and destroy up to 5,000 weeds per minute with sub-millimeter accuracy. It also collects real-time data on crop and weed growth to provide farmers with valuable insights for improved farming decisions and operational efficiency.
Unveils The Track LaserWeeder (2024/02/13)
Carbon Robotics has launched Track LaserWeeder, a custom track system that offers a sustainable alternative to herbicides and supports row spacing of 64” to 90”. The software updates feature spatial data intelligence and support multiple languages. The introduction of LaserWeeder technology has cut weed control costs by 80% while boosting crop yield and quality. In 2023, Carbon Robotics experienced significant growth, with a record number of units shipped and expansion into new markets in Europe and Australia.
LaserWeeder™ Wins AI Breakthrough Award (2023/06/22)
Carbon Robotics, a pioneer in AI-powered robotics, has been recognized for its revolutionary LaserWeeder™ as the “Best AI-based Solution for Agriculture” in the prestigious AI Breakthrough Awards program. The annual awards, conducted by AI Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization, acknowledge exceptional companies, technologies, and products in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) market.
Secures $30 Million in Series C Funding (2023/04/12)
Carbon Robotics announced receiving $30 million in Series C funding from current investors Anthos Capital, Fuse Venture Capital, Ignition Partners, Liquid2, Voyager Capital, and new lead investor Sozo Ventures. The money will be used to create new software and hardware products, scale up manufacturing, extend sales areas in North America, and enter overseas markets. Carbon Robotics’ total investment has now reached $67 million.
Image provided by Carbon Robotics
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