Humanoid robotics company 1X Technologies announces Series A2 fundraise led by OpenAI to pursue producing androids at commercial scale.
NORWAY, March 23rd, 2023. 1X, previously named Halodi Robotics, a manufacturer and inventor of androids, announced today the successful close of its Series A2 funding round, raising $23.5 million. This round was led by the OpenAI Startup Fund, with participation from Tiger Global and a consortium of Norway-based investors, including Sandwater, Alliance Ventures, and Skagerak Capital.
“1X is at the forefront of augmenting labor through the use of safe, advanced technologies in robotics,” said Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s COO and manager of the OpenAI Startup Fund. “The OpenAI Startup Fund believes in the approach and impact that 1X can have on the future of work.”
Tiger Global partner Griffin Schroeder also expressed enthusiasm for 1X’s mission: “We believe 1X’s androids are revolutionizing the field of robotics and are excited to be investing alongside OpenAI to support their continued growth.”
The company intends to use the funds to increase the efforts of building its upcoming bipedal android model NEO, as well as scale manufacturing of its first commercially available android EVE in Norway and North America.
“1X is thrilled to have OpenAI lead this round because we’re aligned in our missions: thoughtfully integrating emerging technology into people’s daily lives. With the support of our investors, we will continue to make significant strides in the field of robotics and augment the global labor market,” says Bernt Øyvind Børnich, CEO and founder of 1X Technologies.
Børnich highlights the necessity of having androids deployed in the real world.
“Deploying our wheeled android EVE at an unprecedented commercial scale gives us a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities the robotics community has yet to address. If androids are going to work in our world, they need to experience our world.”
Torkel Engeness, Partner, Sandwater
Torkel Engeness, partner at Sandwater, sees tremendous value in 1X’s vision and next-generation model.
“We are excited to support 1X as they launch their bipedal android NEO, while scaling their first-generation android EVE in Norway and North America. 1X is providing value now, and the potential for their androids looks limitless.”
Arne Tonning, Partner, Alliance Venture
“Demographic changes will cause a labor shortage, and androids could help fill the gap. Goldman Sachs predicts a 150 BUSD market potential in 2035. Solving the right use cases is key to success, and we believe 1X Technologies is constructing a winning alliance.”
Espen Kjellsen, Partner, Skagerak Capital
“1X now deploys Androids in North America before entering the global market while maintaining a “safety first” mindset, making product design and development even more challenging. It is exciting for Skagerak to support 1X with their disruptive technology now that they enter this ambitious commercialization phase.”
List of key participants
OpenAI
Tiger Global
Sandwater
Alliance Ventures
Thursday Ventures
Skagerak Capital
Trevor Blackwell
Type One
About 1X
1X is an engineering and robotics company producing androids capable of human-like movements and behaviors. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Norway, with over 60 employees globally. 1X’s mission is to create robots with practical, real-world applications to augment labor globally.
For more information about 1X, visit www.1x.tech.
PR Contact
Hege Nikolaisen
hege@1x.tech
