- Sidewalk delivery robot pioneer Starship Technologies raised $90 million.
- It plans US and European expansion to meet demand.
- Starship eyes growth in partnerships with Bolt, Co-Op, and Grubhub.
Starship Technologies, one of the earliest movers in autonomous sidewalk delivery robots, has raised $90 million in fresh funding as it passes key milestones like 6 million deliveries completed and first-time profitability.
Ready to expand markets in the U.S. and Europe
The Estonia-based startup plans to use the capital injection to meet growing demand, including expanding its geographic footprint beyond existing markets in the U.S. and Europe.
Despite high-profile failures and restructurings amongst robot delivery competitors, Starship has seen its wheeled robots collectively log over 11 million miles on neighborhood sidewalks and university campuses over the past decade.
Major partnerships
Major partners today include transportation giant Bolt, grocery chain Co-Op, and food service providers Aramark and Grubhub.
Starship says its robots operate highly autonomously while maintaining local community support, with residents often endeared by the novel technology.
Gained municipalities approval
As alternatives to polluting vehicles, energy-efficient delivery bots have been embraced by municipalities seeking innovative mobility solutions.
The company also plans manufacturing enhancements allowing accelerated production.
Starship’s renewed focus on European opportunities under recently reinstated founding CEO Ahti Heinla follows a profitable 2022, substantiating the niche business model.
