Theker Secures €85M Series A for AI Industrial Robots

Barcelona-based industrial robotics firm Theker has successfully closed an €85 million Series A funding round, signaling strong investor confidence in its AI-driven automation solutions. The significant capital infusion was spearheaded by prominent US venture firm CRV, with crucial participation from global industrial powerhouse Samsung and luxury conglomerate LVMH. This strategic backing underscores the growing demand for adaptable robotics in complex industrial settings.

The funding round also saw robust support from a syndicate of experienced investors, including Cathay Innovation, 20VC, Henkel Ventures, Korelya, and Bright Pixel Capital. Existing backers, such as Spanish retail giant Inditex and venture capital firms Kfund and Kibo Ventures, also reinvested, demonstrating continued belief in Theker's trajectory. This substantial Series A follows a notable €18 million seed round less than a year ago, highlighting the company's rapid progress and market traction.

Theker is addressing a critical gap in industrial automation by developing robots powered by deep learning and computer vision. Unlike traditional robots confined to repetitive, pre-programmed tasks, Theker's systems are engineered to learn and adapt in real-time to dynamic and unpredictable environments. This capability is particularly valuable across sectors such as waste management, logistics, food processing, manufacturing, and retail, where operational conditions frequently shift.

The company's commitment to practical deployment is evident in its ongoing work with Inditex, where its robots are actively automating tasks within the retailer's extensive logistics network. Theker's co-founder, Carla Gómez Cano, emphasized this focus, stating, "We didn’t build Theker to run pilots. We built it to ship robots that work the day they arrive and continue improving every day after." This pragmatic approach aims to deliver immediate value and continuous enhancement, differentiating Theker in a competitive market.

The European robotics sector is experiencing a significant upswing, with startups collectively raising approximately €1.5 billion in 2025, a doubling from the previous year. Theker's funding contributes to this momentum, positioning Barcelona as an emerging hub for advanced robotics innovation, with four such deals recorded in the region since early 2025. This growth reflects a broader industry trend towards intelligent automation solutions capable of handling complex, real-world challenges.

With this new capital, Theker plans to accelerate the deployment of its robotic solutions with industrial partners, further refine its core technology, and expand its engineering and deployment teams. The focus will be on bolstering expertise in software, electronics, and mechanical engineering to support global scaling efforts and meet the increasing demand for intelligent, adaptable automation.