Ex-Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt’s robotics startup secures an additional $150M investment
The Bot Company Scores a $150 Million Boost
Step right up, folks! The Bot Company, the groovy robotics start‑up helmed by ex‑Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt, just closed a $150 million funding round. The deal was spearheaded by Greenoaks, and reporters hand‑picked this scoop from a handful of behind‑the‑scenes sources.
Who’s Behind the Robot Revolution?
- Kyle Vogt – the same maverick who teamed up with Cruise in 2013 and later tossed his CEO hat in 2023.
- Paril Jain – ex‑Tesla AI guru turned robotics alchemist.
- Luke Holoubek – Cruise’s former software brain who now helps shape the Bot’s circuitry.
When Vogt stepped down from Cruise, the autopilot drama didn’t slow him down. In May, he rolled out The Bot Company and secured a $150 million seed from a squad of tech heavyweights.
Who’s Investing in the Future of Housework?
- Nat Friedman – the ex‑GitHub CEO who’s now a big believer in robo‑hygiene.
- Daniel Gross – the Pioneer juggernaut who sees Robot Sweat as the next frontier.
- Nabeel Hyatt – Spark Capital’s mastermind pulling the strings.
- Patrick Collison & John Collison – Stripe’s dynamic duo, betting on shiny, chore‑loving machines.
- Quiet Capital – the venture fund that quietly makes rooms cleaner.
All this money is aimed at birthing a robot that’s all about ho-ho-hum… sorry, household chores! Think cleaning, tidy‑housing, and maybe even a sprinkle of Amazon‑Alexa humor.
The “Whoa” Moment That Sparked a New Career Path
Vogt’s pivot came a few months after a nasty incident: an autonomous Cruise car, following a human‑driven vehicle, ended up ramming a pedestrian 20 feet—yes, you read that right—while towing them like it was a bad yoga pose. It was a painful reminder that even the best AI still can’t resist the urge to misplace a human.
Shortly after that eye‑opening episode and his resignation, Vogt re‑imagined the future of robots—this time not on the road but in the living room.
What’s Next for The Bot Company?
With pockets lined by top-tier investors and a team that’s blended automotive wisdom with AI flair, The Bot Company plans to push out a robot that can handle dust bunnies and maybe throw a joke or two. If all goes well, your fridge might even start humming a lullaby while cleaning!
