Oslo-based startup 1X Technologies, formerly Halodi Robotics, has closed $23.5 million in a Series A2 funding round 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. The startup produces androids capable of human-like movements and behaviors. The funds will be allocated towards intensifying the development of their bipedal android model NEO, and expanding the production of their first commercially available android EVE in both Norway and North America.
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.
“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.”
“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. “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.”
“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.” says Torkel Engeness, Partner, Sandwater.
Arne Tonning, Partner, Alliance Venture states “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 says “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.”
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