Carbon Robotics, a Seattle-based startup, recently raised $70 million in a Series D round of funding, bringing their total amount raised since their launch in 2018 to $157 million. The investment was led by BOND, a San Francisco firm, and also included Nvidia’s venture capital arm. The company’s agriculture technology platform helps farmers eliminate weeds without the use of herbicides. The funds will be used to scale the business, which has doubled its revenue over the past 12 months. The company’s flagship product is the “LaserWeeder,” a machine that attaches to a tractor and uses AI-powered technology to detect and eliminate weeds with lasers while preserving the soil microbiology.
The CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics, Paul Mikesell, a seasoned entrepreneur and technologist with experience at companies like Isilon Systems and Uber, emphasized the importance of AI in improving farmers’ lives and addressing challenges such as herbicide-resistant weeds and labor shortages in agriculture. The company’s focus on customer service and close collaboration with farmers have set them apart in the agtech industry, which has seen a decrease in venture capital funding in recent years. Investors have praised Mikesell’s leadership and vision, with one calling him a “once-in-a-generation talent.” Carbon Robotics is also expanding its operations globally, with customers in the U.S., Europe, and Australia, and plans to enter the Asian market.
The “LaserWeeder” machine developed by Carbon Robotics offers farmers a cost-effective and sustainable solution to weed control, with some farmers recouping the cost of the machine within a year based on savings from reduced herbicide use. The company also provides a software platform that offers details on weeds and crops in the field, along with customer support and regular software updates for an annual fee. The company has gained traction with agriculture banks, who are increasingly willing to provide loans for their products. Carbon Robotics is also investing in expanding their manufacturing capabilities and is set to open a new 24,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in Richland, Washington to support their growth.
Carbon Robotics’ success in the agtech industry is attributed to their innovative approach to using AI and robotics to address real-world challenges faced by farmers. The company’s focus on developing practical solutions that directly benefit farmers has set them apart from other agtech startups that have struggled to scale. Mikesell’s hands-on approach and commitment to spending time in the field with farmers have been key to the company’s success. With plans to develop new robots for farms and potentially other industries, Carbon Robotics aims to continue leading the way in AI robotics technology. The company’s growth and success have also been recognized by their ranking on the GeekWire 200 list of top privately held startups in the Pacific Northwest.
Overall, Carbon Robotics’ AI-powered “LaserWeeder” machine represents a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture practices, offering farmers a cost-effective and efficient solution to weed control without the use of harmful herbicides. The company’s commitment to customer service, collaboration with farmers, and innovative use of technology have positioned them as a leader in the agtech industry. With continued investment and expansion into new markets, Carbon Robotics is poised to make a lasting impact in the agriculture sector and beyond with their AI robotics technology.
