The round was co-led by Lavrock Ventures and Squadra Ventures, with notable participation from the Scottish National Investment Bank, Ericsson Ventures, and Lockheed Martin Ventures. This is in addition to the $2.5 million (c. £1.86m) in grant funding previously awarded to Launchpad by Scottish Enterprise.

The funds will be used to accelerate the development of Launchpad’s innovative technology whilst meeting demand from existing and new customers in the US, UK and Europe.

Launchpad is transforming manufacturing by combining AI and advanced robotics to support critical automation strategies. Its technology helps companies build products faster, smarter, and more affordably.

Unlike traditional robot installations that can be costly and rigid, Launchpad’s system can cut automation time and expense in half. This is especially valuable for smaller firms that don’t have internal automation and robotics expertise and have limited budgets. The company’s customers also benefit from Launchpad’s focus on building robots that adapt along with a business.

In a sector facing significant challenges attracting and retaining talent, Launchpad is making automation more accessible, helping businesses to tackle labour shortages, stay competitive, and adapt quickly to change.

Last year, it opened a new R&D centre in Edinburgh, choosing the city for its access to a skilled workforce and connections to university AI research and expertise.

Jon Quick, CEO of Launchpad, said: “Launchpad has built a technology that is helping manufacturers manage the optimal integration of humans and robots. We see AI tools, such as those being pioneered by Launchpad, as reimagining the manufacturing industry and revitalising local economies.”

Anthony Kelly, investment director at the Scottish National Investment Bank, said: “Launchpad is fast becoming a leader in robotics, with its new R&D centre reinforcing Scotland’s reputation for innovation. We’re backing a high-calibre team whose cost-efficient solution shows strong potential to scale across multiple industries.”

Steve Smoot, managing partner at Lavrock Investors, said: “We are proud to invest our capital and time in support of Launchpad’s quest for a more innovative, automated, resilient future in advanced manufacturing.

“The company has an impressive track record, proven management team, and clear vision of what it will take to make a lasting impact in this dynamic and extremely important industry.” 

Guy Filippelli, managing partner at Squadra Ventures, said: “Since 2020, America has lost more than a quarter of its manufacturing jobs.

“The message is clear: cost matters. With Launchpad, we’re rewriting that story – using AI to build a new era of globally competitive domestic manufacturing that can win and lead the future.”

Adrian Gillespie, CEO of Scottish Enterprise, said: “With its R&D centre in Edinburgh, Launchpad is able to draw on Scotland’s long-standing academic, technical and entrepreneurial strengths.

“The company has quickly become an influential part of the Scottish innovation community, and we look forward to supporting its next growth phase.”