This week’s VentureFizz podcast features Daniel Theobald, Founder of Vecna Robotics, and Trevor Zimmerman, Co-Founder of Blackthorn Ventures and investor in Vecna Robotics. This interview is the first at Venturefizz to include both an investor and company founder, providing a full perspective on the true value of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The two interviewees jointly discuss the technology and strategy that sets Vecna Robotics apart from others in the field, and the major issues in the global supply chain that can be mitigated by advanced warehousing and manufacturing robots.
The VentureFizz Podcast · Episode 225: Daniel Theobald – Vecna Robotics & Trevor Zimmerman – Blackhorn Ventures
Listen to the full podcast to learn about
- What the future holds for mobile robots and autonomous vehicles.
- The founding story of Vecna and why they spun out Vecna Robotics.
- Use cases of Vecna’s warehouse and manufacturing robots
- Why the market is ready for the solutions provided by Vecna Robotics, plus the company’s growth plans.
- The details on Blackthorn Ventures and what Trevor is targeting for investments.
- Common pitch mistakes entrepreneurs make while raising funding for robotics companies.
- And so much more.
Vecna Robotics is a stand-out company from both an investor and customer perspective, this can be partly attributed to how and why the company was founded. The strategy that Vecna Robotics has pursued since its creation has led to a heightened value proposition and the most advanced AMRs in the industry. Zimmerman, who has expertise in business, science and technology, explains why Blackthorn Ventures recognizes the value of investing in robotics and the technology that made Vecna Robotics the right choice. “Vecna Robotics has a viable business model today, and they solve a pain point for their customers today.” he says.
A great deal of the company’s success can be attributed to setting long-term goals, an immense focus on investing in technology, and waiting until the market was ready. “This strategy is working out very well for us. Timing is important.” Theobald says on the initial decision to bootstrap the venture, “We built the company in such a way that we could invest more in our product and wait to scale when the time was right. Now, a number of our competitors are working very hard to redo their technology and catch up.”
The two also discuss how automation creates a better working environment, making note of the way it reshapes job roles. “It frees the worker up to have their best day at work by automating away the tasks that are dangerous or unenjoyable,” says Zimmerman on how this technology is applied in real situations. Theobald agrees and emphasizes that the future of automation will be focused on assistance, not a replacement. “The best results always come when you have the optimal pairing of humans and technology.” says Theobald, “Workers aren’t going away, they’re just going to be able to do more.”
Vecna Robotics’ goal is to provide distinct solutions that make automation a vehicle for good and greatly improve the lives of customers and communities. On his decision to enter into supply chain robotics, Theobald says, “Anyone can make money. The more challenging goal is to make money and have a positive impact on the world”. He describes an unsuccessful, initial search for a company to invest in and work with that fit this description. “I couldn’t find that company, so I made it.”
Read more about manufacturing robots and the workforce here.
See Vecna Robotics autonomous Forklift, Pallet Truck and Tugger.
