Apptronik Series A (2025)

Austin-based humanoid-robotics company, founded 2016 as a spinout of the Human Centered Robotics Lab at the University of Texas at Austin. Its humanoid [Apollo](/models/apptronik-apollo) (1.7m, 73kg, replaceable battery, modular design) is built for repetitive, physically demanding tasks in logistics, manufacturing, and retail, and is notable for the breadth of its enterprise engagements. Deployments/partnerships: Apollo has simultaneous engagements with Mercedes-Benz (automotive), [GXO](/companies/gxo) (logistics), and Jabil (electronics manufacturing, which is also a contract-manufacturing partner), plus [Google DeepMind](/companies/google-deepmind) (AI) and [NVIDIA](/companies/nvidia) (compute): broader multi-industry validation than most single-platform competitors. Financials: In February 2026 Apptronik closed a $520 million Series A extension, bringing its total Series A to over $935 million and total funding to roughly $1 billion, at a ~$5.5 billion valuation. Key investors include Google, Hyundai, Schaeffler, B Capital, and others.

Google (Alphabet, NASDAQ: GOOGL) develops AI, cloud computing, and autonomous driving technology. [Waymo](/companies/waymo) is Alphabet's autonomous driving division. Google's DeepMind leads AI research, and Google Cloud provides AI infrastructure for robotics and physical AI companies.

B Capital, [Global](/companies/global-ai) venture capital and private equity firm co-founded by Eduardo Saverin.

Austin-based startup accelerator and venture fund, self-described as "the most active investor in Texas." Founded in 2009 by Joshua Baer (1975–2026), Capital Factory operates the Texas Fund I and II, writing first checks into frontier-technology companies. Its portfolio includes several on-axis physical-AI companies: [Apptronik](/companies/apptronik) (humanoid robots), [Saronic](/companies/saronic) (autonomous ships), [Diligent Robotics](/companies/diligent-robotics) (service robots), [Hylio](/companies/hylio) (agricultural drone swarms), [Darkhive](/companies/darkhive) (autonomous systems), [Vatn Systems](/companies/vatn-systems) (autonomous underwater vehicles), and [Allen Control Systems](/companies/allen-control-systems) (autonomous weapon stations). The firm focuses on four frontiers: defense, AI/robotics, aerospace, and deep tech. Founder Joshua Baer died in a plane crash near Laredo, Texas on June 16, 2026.