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Draft:Bright Machines

Bright Machines is a privately held company specializing in industrial automation through the integration of software and robotics.[1] Established in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company aims to modernize manufacturing processes by providing flexible automation solutions.[2]

History

Bright Machines was founded in May 2018 as a spin-off of Flex Ltd., initially operating under the stealth startup name AutoLabs AI. In October 2018, the company rebranded as Bright Machines and raised $179 million in a Series A funding round led by Eclipse Ventures.[3] In June 2019, Bright Machines introduced its first software-defined microfactory, designed to automate electronics assembly and inspection by integrating cloud-based software with modular robotic cells. [4] By mid-2020, the company had deployed over 100 microfactories globally, serving both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and contract manufacturers.[5] In October 2022, the company announced a $100 million Series B funding round led by Eclipse Ventures, along with an additional $32 million in debt financing led by Silicon Valley Bank and Hercules Capital.[6] In June 2024, the company raised $126 million in Series C funding, with $106 million in equity led by investments from funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, with participation from NVIDIA, Microsoft, Eclipse, Jabil, and Shinhan Securities, and $20 million in venture debt from J.P. Morgan.[7] In September 2024, the company announced Chris Stori as the new CEO.[8]

References

  1. ^ Stewart, Rosalie Chan, Julie Bort, Ashley. "47 enterprise startups to bet your career on in 2020". Business Insider. Retrieved 2025-03-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "Bright Machines". Technology Pioneers 2019. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
  3. ^ "Bright Machines lands $179M to bring smarter robotics to manufacturing". techcrunch.com. Oath Tech Network. October 23, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  4. ^ Nellis, Stephen (June 26, 2019). "U.S. manufacturing veterans launch 'microfactories' to assemble electronics". Reuters.
  5. ^ Wilshire, Michael (14 July 2020). "BNEF Pioneers 2020" (PDF).
  6. ^ Heater, Brian (31 October 2022). "Manufacturing firm Bright Machines raises $132M after unfulfilled SPAC deal". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  7. ^ Cherney, Max. "AI-focused manufacturing startup raises $106 million, from Nvidia and others". Reuters.
  8. ^ Albergotti, Reed. "Nvidia-backed robotic manufacturing startup taps new CEO with an eye to AI".

Category:2018 establishments in California Category:Companies based in San Francisco Category:Corporate spin-offs Category:Software companies based in the San Francisco Bay Area Category:Software companies established in 2018 Category:Manufacturing companies established in 2018 Category:American companies established in 2018 Category:Software companies of the United States Category:Robotics companies of the United States