Mowito, an Indian robotics startup focusing on industrial robot learning, has raised $3 million in a pre-seed round led by Version One Ventures. The capital will accelerate its expansion into the US, scale manufacturing deployments, and advance its physical AI platform in automotive and electronics sectors.
- Raised $3M pre-seed round led by Version One Ventures
- Focus on physical AI to enable robot learning without coding
- Expanding operations in the US automotive and electronics sectors
What happened
Mowito, a robotics startup headquartered in Bengaluru, has closed a $3 million pre-seed funding round. The investment was spearheaded by Version One Ventures, with support from All In Capital, Unisol, and iSeed. Several influential angel investors from technology and robotics backgrounds also participated in the round. The fresh capital is earmarked for expanding Mowito's footprint into the US market, enhancing its engineering team, and bolstering go-to-market functions.
Founded in 2024 by Puru Rastogi and Adityanag Nagesh, the company specializes in developing AI-driven software that allows standard industrial robot arms to learn new tasks by observing human operators. This approach departs from conventional robot programming by enabling robot training directly on the factory floor. Presently, Mowito's technology is deployed with clients in automotive and electronics manufacturing across Bengaluru and Detroit.
Why it matters
Mowito's innovation in physical AI represents a significant evolution in industrial automation by simplifying how robots acquire new skills. This technology promises to reduce reliance on programmers, speed up automation adoption, and increase flexibility in manufacturing environments. The company’s ability to work with large automotive and electronics manufacturers underscores the strong market demand for more adaptable robotics solutions.
The investment coincides with growing momentum in India’s advanced manufacturing and AI adoption ecosystems. It also signals increasing international interest in Indian deeptech startups capable of competing globally, particularly in the US market. The backing from notable investors reflects confidence in Mowito’s capacity to scale and lead in AI-based industrial robotics.
What to watch next
Mowito’s ability to successfully expand its operations and partnerships in the United States will be critical to watch. Progress in scaling deployments with automotive and electronics manufacturers will showcase the commercial viability of its physical AI platform. The company’s expansion will likely intensify competition among robotics startups harnessing AI for industrial automation.
Additionally, broader trends such as India’s push to become a manufacturing and AI innovation hub will influence Mowito’s growth trajectory. Developments like Google's interest in making AI servers in India and other tech giants entering the sector could create synergies or competitive pressures. Observers should monitor how Mowito leverages investment to advance physical AI capabilities and penetrate global manufacturing markets.