Vikas Enti

Outrider just raised $62M to scale up in autonomous yard operations. This is noteworthy because one of the best use cases for autonomous transportation is in closed-loop transportation networks, where there is not a risk of hitting pedestrians. We've seen self-driving tractors in mines, military applications, and now yard operations. Outrider's investors include Koch Disruptive Technologies, New Enterprise Associates (NEA), 8VC, ARK Investment Management LLC, B37 Ventures, FM Capital, Interwoven Ventures, NVIDIA's nVentures, and Prologis Ventures. Some of these firms are strategics, e.g. Prologis, who can help with adoption. Kudos to Andrew Smith and all involved. The future is bright for transportation innovation! #supplychain #transportation #technology #investment https://lnkd.in/eZ9t7Zhy

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𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗫 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 $𝟭 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁: DesignX, a startup on a mission to digitize manufacturing, just pulled in $1 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘦-𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘈 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘗𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭 𝘍𝘶𝘯𝘥. This round follows a $300,000 raise in 2021 with backing from Modular Capital, Accel, and manufacturing heavyweights. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗫 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁? 𝗖𝗼-𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘃𝗮, DesignX is at the forefront of hyper-automation for manufacturing floors. Its flagship product, 𝗗𝗳-𝗢𝗦, is a digital operating system designed to enhance productivity, cut waste, and boost sustainability across industries like automotive, FMCG, and consumer electronics. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗣𝗜 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗳𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. With over 10,000 digitized processes, 500+ factories, and 1,400 machines connected in real-time, DesignX is transforming the factory landscape, helping big names like Unilever, Hero Moto, and Dabur streamline operations and reduce CO2 emissions. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀: 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗔𝗜-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀 DesignX plans to use the new funding to: • Expand Df-OS into APAC, Japan, and Europe. • Focus on AI-driven analytics and sustainability to help more factories achieve 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 (the gold standard for cutting-edge manufacturing). • Double its customer base over the coming years. CEO Rajat Srivastava shared, “This funding will help ensure the world knows about our innovative solutions.” Meanwhile, CTO Nishant Srivastava is set on boosting Df-OS’s performance for faster global adoption. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 With the factory process application market estimated at $34 billion annually and growing, 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗫 𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝟱𝟬% 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲. 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 With fresh capital and an ambitious growth plan, DesignX is gearing up to be a major player in the digital manufacturing revolution. It’s not just about software; it’s about reshaping how factories run - smarter, faster, and greener. Read more about the startup: https://lnkd.in/gVnraXuD

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Three years ago, Stage Venture Partners backed Ariyan Kabir, Brual Shah , and Satyandra K. (SK) Gupta's startup, GrayMatter Robotics. Today, GrayMatter revealed their $45 million Series B, led by Wellington. In the past three years, GrayMatter's robots have handled 7.5 million square feet of products, streamlining tasks such as sanding, grinding, and finishing high-performance surfaces. This innovative automation addresses urgent labor shortages, enabling U.S. manufacturers to meet demand efficiently. Technology like GrayMatter's is crucial for American factories, and the company is just scratching the surface in revolutionizing high-tech production processes. https://lnkd.in/gJaUfDZq

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Autonomous Vehicle (AV) funding is surging, according to PitchBook with Q2 2024 seeing $2.9 billion invested in AV startups - the highest since Q3 2021. While self-driving cars grab headlines, innovative startups are finding unique applications beyond passenger vehicles. Key developments: - Supply chain optimization: Outrider is revolutionizing yard operations with autonomous electric vehicles, addressing a $60 billion market. - Specialized transport: Pyka's autonomous planes for cargo and Gatik's local distribution trucks are gaining traction. - Safety & efficiency: Evitado Technologies automates airside operations, mitigating airport collision risks. Of course, more established companies such as Lyft & Uber are working on AV rideshare integration via partnerships with Waymo, BYD, Zoox, and others. The AV sector is focusing on gradual integration and specific use cases. While concerns about job displacement exist, proponents argue that automation could shift human capital to higher-value roles. What those roles are remains to be seen. As the AV landscape evolves, it's clear that the future of transportation extends far beyond just self-driving cars on city streets. Check out the full article by Nadine Manske here: https://lnkd.in/g3HJXZHc? And access the PitchBook Mobility Tech Report here: https://lnkd.in/g4_xP5pr #VentureCapital #AutonomousDriving #FrontierTech #FutureMobility

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Excited to * publicly * share some of our roadmap @ Cofactr‎ 🎉 As our customer base has grown, we’re shipping a TON of new features based on real-time feedback across different teams. Here’s the plan: 1) Enhanced workflows In the coming months, we’re introducing a dedicated “smart buy” option for engineers to streamline their purchasing process and minimize distractions. Critically, procurement and supply chain teams will benefit from a completely revamped procurement app designed * specifically * for their workflow. 2) Actionable insights  Our data collection on electronic supply chains is getting more and more valuable as we scale.  Using Cofactr, teams will now be able to get access to actionable insights from past trends to predict (and proactively reduce) ongoing risks. 3) Embedded AI ⚡ We’re rolling out a new AI-powered feature that extracts information from a PDF datasheets – this will provide even better spec data and set the groundwork for alt recommendations and part discovery tools. Moving forward, I’m * incredibly * excited about the potential to expand Cofactr to more parts beyond electronics based on positive customer feedback + advancements in AI. To learn more about our roadmap and what we’re building, shoot me a note!

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This is what I mean when I say AI x DEEPTECH A revolution is coming. Upending entire swaths of our economy that have been previously ignored. Nearly $10 Trillion of our GDP rebuilt with AI and software.

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🔊 How is a trailblazing startup reshaping sustainable biomanufacturing with cutting-edge tech? 🌍💡🚀   Tune in for the latest #Tech4Climatepodcast episode with Edward Shenderovich, the visionary Co-Founder & CEo of Synonym Bio, as we explore how they're leveraging innovative "fermentation farms" to revolutionize the biotech industry! 🌱   Edward's transition from mathematics and philosophy to a leader in synthetic biology is truly inspiring. Discover his mission to integrate sophisticated digital tools like Capacitor and Scaler to streamline biotech production and foster a sustainable future. 🌐   🔍 Dive deep into the nuances of biomanufacturing innovation: 🧬 Advancements in synthetic biology 💻 The role of digital tools in biotech 🌿 The strategic integration of sustainability in biotech processes 🔬 Challenges and breakthroughs in the field 🎓 Insights for budding biotech entrepreneurs and much more!   ✨ Key Highlights: 🌏 Synonym Bio's innovative approach 🛠️ Technology impact on biomanufacturing 🔄 Transforming Biotech production 🌟 Sustainable practices in the industry ⚖️ Navigating the biotech landscape   🔗 For the full episode, check the comments below! ⬇️ #climatetech #startups #syntheticbiology #sustainability #technology #biotech #biomanufacturing #innovation #podcast #entrepreneurship #digitaltools Startup Basecamp

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#ObsessivelyEnthusiasticInvestor #UnreasonablyEnthusiasticInvestor #IrrationallyEnthusiasticInvestor at REFASHIOND Ventures: The Industrial Transformation Fund. We look for the people we believe are doing the best work in Industrial Transformation & Supply Chain Technology; Attempting the impossible. Then we go all-in on them. With obsessive and unreasonable enthusiasm. Join us. #IndustrialTransformation #SupplyChain #Innovation #Technology #Startups #VentureCapital #DemandTheImpossible #UnreasonableEnthusiasm #ObsessiveEnthusiasm #IrrationalEnthusiasm 

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Waymo's recent doubling of its paid ride volume is an impressive business result. But what does the feat say about the state of the self-driving industry? And how does Waymo stack up against self-driving rivals like Tesla, and ride-hailing giants like Uber? We dive into these questions on the latest episode of TWIST

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The most impactful technology augments human capability. Take assembly line work as an example: Robots enhance speed and precision but still require human oversight. This dynamic mirrors our evolving relationship with AI, especially within the service-as-software paradigm shift. As Jaya and I wrote in our recent blog post, AI's evolution from a basic tool into an autonomous agent isn't about replacing jobs. It's about reshaping them. This shift is part of a $4.6 trillion opportunity where AI not only boosts efficiency but also creates new roles, blending tech with human insights. AI doesn’t just replace—it reinvents how we work, creating more value than ever.

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Little can be added to those statements. Hardware can be one of your best competitive advantages, if done right.

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👀 Looking at our recent investments at Draper Associates, here’s what standout founders nailed, making our decision to invest much easier (and faster): 💥 Visionary Tech with a Bold Vision – These founders are not here for incremental wins; they’re reimagining what’s possible in across tech - biotech, robotics, aerospace, and beyond. Their vision is big and audacious, tackling complex problems that demand breakthrough solutions, others have not been willing to try. 👊 Clear Passion & Purpose – The drive in these founders is undeniable. They’re committed to their mission with a depth of purpose that shapes every choice. One founder, for example, took two years completely off to learn and meet everyone in longevity biotech. This level of grit and dedication is rare but essential for the most impactful founders. 🌟 Assembling All-Star Teams – They bring together top-tier talent from diverse disciplines: experienced business leaders with successful exits or industry experience at top companies, technical co-founders with deep expertise, often PhDs or industry pioneers, and even published authors. It’s a complementary team, unified by a shared vision. They make the: "Why this team?" obvious - at a glance. 💻 Data-Driven to the Core – These founders present data insights that show why their approach is unique, especially against a competitive field of companies. This data is delivered with clarity and they make the complex simple. Many are published in top journals, adding depth and credibility to their approach, and reinforcing that they know their tech inside out. ⚡️ Memorable, Clear Vision – They don’t just pitch; they make the future feel tangible, with a vision that’s both compelling and concise. If I can relay their pitch in under 30 seconds to my team, they’ve killed it. 📣 Transparent & Proactive Communication – The best founders don’t wait for questions. They come prepared, often with a comprehensive FAQ doc, give timely updates to our questions, and are candid about challenges. This level of openness builds trust and strengthens our partnership. 💸 Milestone-Driven Funding Strategy – Each funding stage aligns clearly with already achieved or upcoming achievable milestones. They’ve mapped out a roadmap that minimizes risk at every step, giving us confidence in their journey. 💰 Revenue Milestones Along the Way – Even if it'll take a decade to hit revenue on their big vision, these founders find revenue generation stops along the way to profitability. They share a trajectory that connects early wins to revenue, showing how every step is a building block toward their bigger vision. Overall, the best founders are incredibly thoughtful, prepared, and fantastic verbal / written communicators. #founders #startups #fundraising #VC

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WAYMO: THE BIGGEST SUPPLY CHAIN TECH INVESTMENT OF THE YEAR The supply chain technology markets are heating up. In the biggest transportation tech investment of the year, Waymo just announced a $5.6 billion financing. The investment, led by Alphabet Inc. (which owns the majority already), also included Andreessen Horowitz, Fidelity Investments, Perry Creek Capital, Silver Lake, Tiger Global Management and T. Rowe Price. Waymo will use the capital to pursue leadership in the autonomous vehicle arena, with a focus on its Waymo One robotaxi offering. Would you get in a self-driving taxi? Most people don't realize this, but there are already 100,000 weekly trips in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Atlanta and Austin. I predict robotaxis will be in most major markets within 3 years. What other winners are you seeing in the autonomous transportation arena? #supplychain #transportation #tech #autonomous https://lnkd.in/e8HAhReY

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Who Will Win the Race for Next-Generation Battery Technologies? The race to dominate next-generation battery technologies is intensifying, driven by venture capital, governments, startups, and established players, all vying to control key innovations and raw materials. https://lnkd.in/gTnUfFz4 Innovative battery technologies are a key focus area for us at Ventioneers #Venture #Capital #Startups #Battery #Ventioneers

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With Elon Musk’s aggressive push towards launching robots in the next few years, the robotics sector is quickly becoming an area of massive growth. We’re seriously considering expanding our strategic partnerships to support this sector. The rise of robotics isn’t just an exciting technological shift—it’s opening new doors for industries that will need top-tier tech talent to make it happen. The question we’re asking ourselves is: How can we position ourselves to be ready for this coming wave? Robotics will likely touch every corner of tech—from AI and machine learning to IoT and cloud computing. It’s not just about building the robots; it’s about the software, systems, and infrastructure behind them. This shift could reshape industries like manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and even household services. We’re already seeing signs of what’s to come, with AI playing a huge role in automation and robotics development. That means keeping an eye on where tech talent demand is headed. With Musk and other innovators pushing boundaries in robotics, we expect a surge in the need for specialists in robotic systems, AI integration, and real-time data processing. Our next move could be expanding our partnerships to accommodate this growth, bringing in the best minds in tech to support companies diving into robotics. The question is, how far will this trend go? And what sectors will feel the most impact as robots enter our daily lives? For us, this represents an incredible opportunity to not only be part of the robotics revolution but to help drive it by connecting businesses with the tech talent they need to succeed in this evolving space. How should companies prepare for the rise of robotics development? #Robotics #StrategicPartnerships #TechTalent #AI #Automation #HireOdesa #BuildInPublic

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🧠 AI will be pervasive in manufacturing 🏭 whether we accept it or not. It's time to embrace the technology and drive meaningful value with its usage. 💡 If you are starting this journey or have tried but have yet to quite succeed in generating value, this blog is for you.

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Smart execution is the key to success in hardware startups Boom Supersonic's Blake Scholl discusses: - The importance of leveraging existing technologies - Refinement over reinvention - Prioritizing practical and user-centered design

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Open AI GPT-4o announced yesterday, fascinating. Omni modal, one mind with text, image, video 2x faster 50% cheaper 5x higher rate limits AI is moving so fast. I'm thinking about what it means for manufacturing and enterprise data. Used another of my favorite software tools Loom to record a quick 'Opinion' while watching some of their Youtube video demo, showing it reading a temperature variation chart and acting as a simple data analyst. What do you think GPT 4o and the direction implies for enterprise data stacks and manufacturing AI? My takeaway - we need to rethink data architectures from 'how do I design for crazy busy humans' to 'how do I design for AIs with near infinite time to read charts and reports and finally summarize/interact with humans'. Reflecting on how much human-work goes into defining the simplest possible red/yellow/green KPI from a mountain of data, like getting everything into MQTT for a final OEE score. We do so much to help a human make a decision spending 10 seconds or less glancing at a final graph or number. When instead imagine using those 10 seconds the human has to be able to ask/interact with an AI that can have read 1000's of graphs/reports in advance, built on rich contextualized data, just to best answer your question. Wow. https://lnkd.in/eSgZAbjx

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🤖 Robotics: What's new, and why now is the time to pay attention 🤖 The robotics sector is undergoing transformative changes, fuelled by advancements in AI, machine learning, and automation. 🚀 Read the latest MMC Ventures research to learn more. My colleagues Advika Jalan and Alexandra Reinert outline what’s driving the new wave of robotics innovation and why now is the perfect time to engage in the space. 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 🤖 #Automation #Robotics #AI

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