FORT Robotics Secures $18.9M Series B for AI & Robotics Safety
FORT Robotics, a company specializing in safety and security solutions for intelligent machines, has successfully concluded an additional Series B funding round, securing $18.9 million. This latest infusion of capital elevates the company’s total funding to $60.5 million to date, signaling robust investor confidence in its pivotal role within the rapidly expanding realms of robotics and physical AI. The round was led by Tiger Global, with significant participation from both new and returning investors, underscoring the market’s belief in FORT’s crucial contributions to an increasingly automated world.
This growth comes at a pivotal moment for the robotics industry, which is experiencing a critical inflection point. As autonomous systems see large-scale deployments across diverse sectors—including autonomous vehicles, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, defense systems, factory automation, and emerging humanoid robotics—the reliance on robust safety and security protocols becomes paramount. The newly acquired capital is poised to accelerate FORT’s mission: to empower machine builders and users with safe, secure, and dynamically controlled systems, especially as intelligent machines become an ever-present feature across global worksites.
“Robotics and physical AI are rapidly transforming every worksite globally,” commented Samuel Reeves, CEO of FORT Robotics. He emphasized the escalating need for robust functional safety as robot fleets expand and increasingly operate in close proximity to human workers. Reeves noted a sharp acceleration in new customer acquisition and sustained growth from long-time users of the FORT platform, expressing enthusiasm for new investors who share the company’s vision for the evolving workplace, alongside deep appreciation for the continued commitment from existing partners like Tiger Global.
Further bolstering its leadership and strategic direction, FORT Robotics has welcomed three new members to its board: Kirk D. Brown, formerly COO of Overwatch Geospatial (acquired by Textron) and current COO and CFO of SportsMedia Technology; Jorge Heraud, CEO of TerraBlaster and former CEO of Blue River Technology (acquired by John Deere); and Benjamin G. Wolff, President and CEO of Palladyne AI and co-founder of Clearwire Corporation (acquired by Sprint). Their collective deep experience across entrepreneurial ventures, robotics, and advanced technology is expected to be instrumental as FORT navigates its next phase of expansion.
This significant funding round represents a strong vote of confidence in FORT’s foundational role in enabling the safe scaling of the burgeoning robotics ecosystem. The investment will be strategically allocated across several key areas. A portion of the capital will be directed towards enhancing its existing product lines, aiming to boost versatility through new communication protocols, API integrations, and broader international compliance. Crucially, the investment will also accelerate the development of next-generation safety solutions, expanding FORT’s platform with robust data analytics and comprehensive systems designed to address the complex, evolving challenges inherent in physical AI, moving beyond conventional safety paradigms. Finally, the funding is earmarked to accelerate the overall growth and implementation of FORT’s technology, empowering machine builders and users with enhanced safe, secure, and dynamic control capabilities.
The Series B expansion saw continued support from a roster of returning investors, including Tiger Global, Prime Movers Lab, Mark Cuban, FundersClub, Creative Ventures, GRIDS Capital, and Ahoy Capital. They are joined by new investors such as Neman Ventures, Mana Ventures, Gaingels, and Ryuu Co. of Japan. Shane Neman, CIO and General Partner of Neman Ventures, articulated his firm’s strategic rationale, stating, “At Neman Ventures, we strategically invest in companies at the forefront of transformative technologies. FORT Robotics’ commitment to safety for physical AI and intelligent machines directly aligns with our vision for the future of work and advanced automation.” He underscored the platform’s role as a crucial enabler for the next generation of robotics, including emerging areas like humanoids, expressing excitement to support FORT as it expands its comprehensive safety solutions.