AI-first robotics company Launchpad has secured $11 million (£8.2 million) in Series A funding to accelerate the development of its advanced automation platform. The round was co-led by Lavrock Ventures and Squadra Ventures, with backing from the Scottish National Investment Bank, Ericsson Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures and Cox Exponential. It follows a $2.5 million grant from Scottish Enterprise, reflecting strong public and private sector confidence.
Launchpad’s core product, Digitool, integrates AI and robotics to streamline manufacturing by simplifying automation, reducing costs and cutting time to market. The company aims to help manufacturers build products faster and more efficiently, with scalable applications across sectors in the UK, US and Europe. The firm recently opened a research and development centre in Edinburgh, chosen for its skilled workforce and proximity to leading university AI research. Adrian Gillespie, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said Launchpad’s arrival adds to Scotland’s “long-standing academic, technical and entrepreneurial strengths” and strengthens its innovation community.
Anthony Kelly, investment director at the Scottish National Investment Bank, praised the company’s rise as a robotics leader and said its scalable solutions offer “strong potential across multiple industries.” He emphasised the importance of such investments in cementing the UK’s role in responsible AI innovation. CFO Jon Quick said Scotland serves as a “gateway to the UK, Europe, and Middle East/Northern Africa,” underlining the company’s global ambitions and commitment to scaling its technology from a strong local base.
Launchpad’s growth signals a broader boost to the UK’s advanced manufacturing and AI robotics sectors, showcasing Scotland’s growing role in fostering innovation. While challenges remain in scaling complex technologies, the investment reflects global confidence in the UK’s digital infrastructure and ambition to lead in responsible industrial automation.
Created by Amplify: AI-augmented, human-curated content.
