Planys Technologies, a deep-tech startup specializing in underwater robotics, has secured approximately $12 million in a primary funding round. This capital injection, led by investors Ashish Kacholia and Lashit Sanghvi, is earmarked to fuel the company's ambitious global expansion. The strategic focus of this growth will be scaling its advanced industrial inspection services across the Middle East.
Strategic Investment for Regional Growth
The funding round saw participation from existing backers like Pratithi Investment and 3i Partners, underscoring confidence in the company's trajectory. This new capital provides the resources for Planys to enhance its operational capabilities and market presence. The investment is a critical enabler for the firm's next stage of market penetration in the region.
Planys will direct the funds towards expanding its business in key sectors such as ports, refineries, and petrochemical complexes. The company also aims to deepen its involvement with desalination plants and power infrastructure, critical to the GCC economy. This targeted approach will allow Planys to deploy its specialized robotics-led inspection technologies more widely.
Innovative Technology for Critical Infrastructure
At the core of Planys' offerings are its hybrid remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and an AI-powered 3D Inspection Twin. These technologies enable high-uptime, in-service inspections of vital assets without disrupting operations. This capability helps asset owners improve safety, reduce shutdown durations, and optimize overall lifecycle costs.
The company is set to launch its internationally certified explosion-proof ROV, named TankRover, a significant development for the region. This robot is designed for the in-service inspection of hydrocarbon storage tanks and other critical process industry assets. Its introduction is expected to set new safety and efficiency benchmarks for asset integrity management.
Beyond its robotic platforms, Planys offers unique capabilities in underwater concrete testing and advanced non-destructive testing (NDT). The company excels in performing these complex assessments in ultra-turbid and challenging conditions typical of marine infrastructure. This expertise distinguishes Planys as a comprehensive solution provider for complex maintenance needs.
Proven Track Record and Strategic Positioning
Planys has built a formidable track record, with over 25,000 hours of deployment across more than 500 sites in ten countries. Its client roster includes industry giants like ExxonMobil, Shell, Saudi Aramco, and SABIC, demonstrating trust from leading operators. This experience validates the reliability of its non-invasive inspection solutions in demanding industrial settings.
The company is strategically deepening its regional presence from its base at Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, a global tech ecosystem. This location provides invaluable access to a network of investors, corporate partners, and regulators essential for growth. Leveraging the Hub71 platform is a key component of Planys' strategy to solidify its foothold across the GCC.
Fostering strategic partnerships is central to the company's expansion model, as shown by its collaboration with Applus Velosi in Qatar. Such alliances enable Planys to combine its technological prowess with established local expertise and market access. These collaborations are crucial for delivering tailored solutions and driving deeper penetration into regional markets.
This $12 million funding round marks a pivotal moment for Planys Technologies, equipping it to meet the growing demand for advanced asset integrity management. By combining its proven underwater robotic technology with a strategic Abu Dhabi base, the company is well-positioned for leadership. Planys is now poised to redefine industrial inspection standards across the Middle East's critical infrastructure sectors.