Paris, 16 January 2023 – Today, Shark Robotics (“Shark”), a technology company specialising in firefighting, defence and nuclear robotics, has announced a EUR10m financing round with pan-European growth equity investor Move Capital Fund I.
This financing will enable Shark Robotics to strengthen its position as market leader by increasing its investments in R&D, accelerating its internationalisation, already initiated through its subsidiary Shark Asia, and improving its production facilities.
Founded in 2016 in La Rochelle, France, Shark Robotics designs and manufactures ground robots for hostile environments, with expertise in the entire robotics value chain: hardware, software & artificial intelligence, and batteries. Awarded in France and in the United States, Shark robots increase operational efficiency, preserve human lives and reduce environmental impact.
The company has now delivered more than 100 robots in 15 countries. Shark Robotics robots are used by public institutions in civil security and defence (French Ministry of the Armed Forces, Paris Fire Brigade, SDIS 33, and Ministries of the Interior internationally) and by the industrial sector (Orano, ArianeGroup). Shark Robotics is notably the creator of the Colossus firefighting robot, which intervened for more than 10 hours at 800 degrees during the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral fire in 2019.
"This round of financing will enable Shark Robotics to accelerate its development at a time when robotics is taking on a growing role in our societies. As tools for the common good, our robots provide added operational and protective value for dangerous tasks. We are delighted to welcome Move Capital, whose expertise and values fully match Shark's DNA. Moreover, this fundraising will contribute to the reindustrialisation and creation of high value-added jobs", commented Cyril Kabbara, founder and CEO of Shark Robotics.
"Shark Robotics combines cutting-edge technology with a positive impact, the confidence of leading institutions and a strong potential for international development. At a time when terrestrial robotics is providing new solutions to human and environmental safety issues, we are delighted to stand alongside Cyril and his teams to support Shark in this new stage of its development and consolidate its leadership," said Sophie Sursock and Hervé Malaussena, co-founders of Move Capital Fund I.
About Shark Robotics:
Shark Robotics is a leader in terrestrial robotics for hostile environments. It designs and manufactures catalogue robots and custom robots for the fire safety, nuclear, defence and space sectors. Founded in La Rochelle in 2016, Shark Robotics masters the entire value chain of robotics - hardware, software & AI, and batteries for extreme environments. Its multi-mission robots - firefighting, mine clearance, mule - are now used in more than 15 countries.
Many thanks to Reed Smith LLP, AlixPartners, EY, eCAP PARTNER, MALAFOSSE-VEDEL and EthiFinance for their support on the transaction process.