Grishin Robotics

Grishin Robotics is a pioneering venture capital firm, established in 2012 by Dmitry Grishin, co-founder and former CEO of Mail.ru Group. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, the firm was one of the earliest dedicated venture funds to focus exclusively on the burgeoning fields of robotics, smart hardware, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Its inception marked a significant recognition of the potential for consumer-facing robotics and connected devices to transform daily life, moving beyond traditional industrial applications. The firm's unique value proposition stems from Grishin's deep operational experience in building large-scale consumer internet businesses, which he leverages to support portfolio companies navigating the complexities of hardware development and market adoption.

The firm initially launched with a $25 million fund, specifically targeting early-stage opportunities in the robotics ecosystem. Building on its early success and the increasing maturity of the sector, Grishin Robotics subsequently raised a larger, $100 million second fund in 2017, significantly expanding its capacity for investment. This capital enables the firm to typically write initial checks ranging from $500,000 to $5 million, primarily focusing on seed to Series A rounds. Their investment thesis centers on disruptive technologies that combine advanced hardware with intelligent software and artificial intelligence, seeking out companies poised to redefine consumer experiences or create new market categories.

Grishin Robotics has built a notable portfolio of companies that exemplify its strategic focus. Key investments include Ring, a smart home security company acquired by Amazon; Zipline, a leader in autonomous drone delivery; and Starship Technologies, known for its autonomous last-mile delivery robots. Other significant ventures include Savioke, which develops hospitality robots, and Sphero, a company specializing in robotic toys. The firm actively supports its portfolio companies not only with capital but also with strategic guidance, leveraging its network and expertise in scaling technology businesses. Grishin Robotics maintains its position as a specialized and influential investor within the robotics and IoT landscape, consistently identifying and backing innovative companies at the forefront of technological advancement.