Barcelona-based AI robotics firm Theker has secured a landmark $85 million Series A, Europe's largest ever for a robotics company. Led by American VC firm CRV, the round includes strategic investors like Samsung and an LVMH-linked fund. This capital will accelerate Theker's mission to deploy its AI-native generalist robots in complex industrial settings worldwide.
A New Generation of Industrial Automation
Theker is pioneering a new category of automation with robots designed for the dynamic reality of modern production. Unlike traditional machines built for a single task, Theker's systems are adaptable and can be reconfigured for various functions. This flexibility allows them to handle complex sorting, packing, and logistics tasks that frequently change.
The company's AI-native robots operate in complex settings, managing mixed products and irregular shapes without manual reprogramming. Co-founder Carla Gómez Cano emphasizes that most industrial processes are not simple, and Theker's technology is built to learn and improve in these real-world scenarios. This approach directly addresses the limitations of rigid, conventional automation systems.
Strategic Backing and Market Validation
The funding round is notable for its size and the strategic breadth of its backers, signaling strong market conviction. The investment marks a milestone as CRV's first in Spain and the first Spanish investments for both Samsung and LVMH. This diverse support from venture capital, tech, and luxury giants underscores the company's broad appeal.
This Series A follows a record-breaking Spanish seed round less than a year ago, highlighting the company's rapid progress. Early support from Inditex, Zara's parent company, provided initial validation, with new industrial leaders like Henkel joining this round. This strategic backing demonstrates the practical demand for Theker's solutions across retail, logistics, and manufacturing.
Ambitious Plans for Global Expansion
With the new capital, Theker will accelerate robot deployments with major industrial operators and enhance its proprietary technology stack. The company focuses on shipping robots that deliver value from day one, bypassing innovation pilots to engage directly with operations departments. This practical approach has been key to its early commercial traction and rapid growth.
Team expansion is a top priority, with plans to grow to 120 employees by year-end across engineering and deployment roles. To support this growth, Theker will open new showrooms in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. This global presence will help showcase its technology directly to potential clients in key industrial markets.
Barcelona's Rising Robotics Profile
Theker's success reinforces its commitment to its Barcelona headquarters, a city emerging as a significant hub for AI and robotics. Co-founder Carla Gómez Cano noted that being based in Europe has been an asset, not a barrier, to the company's acceleration. The team is leveraging the strengths of the local and continental tech ecosystem to its advantage.
Theker's record-breaking $85 million funding round marks a pivotal moment for the company and the European robotics industry. With its innovative generalist robots and the backing of powerful global investors, the startup is poised to redefine industrial automation. This strategic capital will enable Theker to scale its operations, meet growing demand, and solidify its position as a leader in intelligent robotics.