Robotics startup Karakuri raises £7m in funding round led by Ocado
Online supermarket Ocado has made its first technology startup investment, leading a seed funding round to raise £7 million for robotics firm Karakuri.
UK-based Karakuri uses robotics, machine learning, optics and sensors to personalise food preparation.
The technology can be used by restaurants and retailers to prepare food for customers with food intolerances or diet plans, and to cut down on waste.
Karakuri co-founders Barney Wragg and Simon Watt. Source: Karakuri
“Consumer eating habits in and out of the home are changing rapidly,” said Barney Wragg, chief executive and co-founder of Karakuri. “This growth in menu personalisation is putting huge pressure on restaurants, cafés and other food retailers.”
Karakuri plans to use the funds to further develop its technology, strengthen its intellectual property, and expand its team.
Investors in the round also include Hoxton Ventures, firstminute capital and Taylor Brothers.
Karakuri was founded in 2018 by Wragg and Simon Watt.
The company received investment from incubator Founders Factory in 2018, with Brent Hoberman – co-founder of lastminute.com, firstminute capital and Founders Factory – joining the Karakuri board as chairman.
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