Startup Trends: 5 robotics companies drawing investor attention
As artificial intelligence, sensors and actuation systems advance, a new generation of robotics companies is emerging — not just creating machines that move, but building systems that think, learn and collaborate alongside humans.
This new wave of private innovators is transforming the industries and communities they serve — and investors are taking notice. In fact, venture capital funding for robotics surpassed $2.26 billion in the first quarter of 2025, with more than 70% of that capital directed toward task-specific robotics companies.1
Rather than backing general-purpose platforms, investors are increasingly drawn to verticalized, AI-enabled robots designed for clear commercial use cases — from logistics and warehousing to infrastructure and enterprise automation. These trends are exemplified by five private companies listed on Forge Global that are redefining intelligent automation and capturing growing investor attention.
Neura Robotics, a cognitive robotics company
Headquartered in Germany, Neura Robotics is pioneering what it calls cognitive robotics: robots that work alongside humans and can perceive their environment and understand context. One of Neura’s products, MAiRA, combines AI-enabled technology and sensory systems to recognize gestures, voices and objects in real time.2
Founded in 2019, Neura Robotics serves businesses in industries such as manufacturing, logistics and healthcare. Recently, it was reported that Germany-based Schaeffler Group is partnering with the robotics company to jointly develop key components for its humanoids. Furthermore, Schaeffler will integrate thousands of Neura’s humanoids into its own global production network by 2035.3 The research and development from the partnership, and the application data that will be gathered, have the potential to increase the thinking speed of robots according to The Schaeffler Group.
Neura Robotics has raised over $280 million in 5 rounds. The private company’s most recent fundraise was a Series B round in January of 2025, hauling in $123 million.4 Its notable investors include BlueCrest Capital Management, Volvo Cars Tech Fund, Delta Electronics and Lingotto Investment Management.
Apptronik, a general-purpose robotics company
Based in Austin, Texas, Apptronik is a robotics company that offers general-purpose humanoid robots to industries such as logistics, manufacturing and retail. Apptronik’s flagship product, “Apollo,” can perform tasks like case picking, palletization and machine tending. According to the private company, its goal is to address labor shortages and improve how people live and work.5
Founded in 2016, Apptronik secured $350 million from Google in February of 2025 in a deal it says will help scale its artificially intelligent robots. The firm also hopes to sell its humanoid robots to individuals for the price one would pay for a car to help them with everyday tasks.6 In 2023, Apptronik partnered with NASA and developed the space administration’s humanoid robot dubbed “Valkyrie.”7
Apptronik’s Forge Price™ as of November 5, 2025, is $36.97, implying a valuation of $5.47 billion. Its investors include B Capital, Mercedes-Benz, Grit Ventures and Capital Factory. Apptronik was named as one of CNBC’s top 50 disrupting technology companies for 2025.8
Gecko Robotics, providing inspecting machines
Pittsburgh-based Gecko Robotics has carved out a niche for itself and its robots. Gecko develops machines that can inspect critical infrastructure and provide insight into asset health for commercial buildings and real estate. Its robots can climb walls and use ultrasound sensors and visual cameras to perform their inspections.
Founded in 2013, Gecko partners with the U.S. Navy to inspect its fleet of ships and destroyers to ensure their long-term health.9 Recently, the private company signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to provide inspections for its equipment and improve operational efficiency for the multinational firm.10
Gecko Robotics’ Forge Price™ as of November 5, 2025, is $45.45, implying a valuation of $1.15 billion. The private company’s notable investors include Founders Fund, Mark Cuban, Cox Enterprises and Y Combinator.
Agility Robotics, humanoid assistance robotics
Founded in 2015, Agility Robotics is another firm that offers its humanoid, bipedal robots to businesses for help in their logistics and manufacturing areas. The private company’s main product, known as “Digit,” is designed to navigate its environment and perform tasks like package handling and warehouse organizing.11
Headquartered in Tangent, Oregon, Agility raised $400 million in June of 2025 as part of a Series C funding round.12 The news came at the same time the robotics company announced advancements in the work Digit was able to perform. These new tasks included docking into charging stations, new flexible limbs and end sensors, and a wider range of grasping.13
Agility Robotics’ price per share is $66.15 as of its latest funding round in June of 2025, placing its post-money valuation at $2.12 billion. Its notable investors include Playground Global, TDK Ventures, Sony and Amazon.
Figure AI, commercial and household robots
Figure AI is a humanoid robotics developer whose mission is to automate the manual labor process. Founded in 2019, the firm’s technology aids businesses with volume manufacturing, warehousing, transportation and logistics. In September, the firm was valued at $39 billion as of its latest Series C funding round.14
Based in San Jose, California, the company has been known for its commercial use machines, but has made strides towards home use, according to the company.15 The private company has designed its flagship robot, “Helix,” capable of doing everyday tasks that people perform, such as folding laundry and loading a dishwasher.16
Figure AI’s Forge Price™ is $174.00 as of November 5, 2025, implying a valuation of $34.22 billion. The private company’s notable investors include Microsoft, Nvidia, Bezos Expeditions and Brookfield Asset Management.
$39B
$2.12B
$5.47B
