Key Takeaways:
- Odd.Bot, a Dutch startup specializing in autonomous weeding robots, has raised €2 million in pre-Series A funding.
- The round was led by Iconic Ventures with support from PolKa Capital Management, Horizon, regional farmers, and private investors.
- The first 16 Maverick weeding robots for 2025 have already sold out, reflecting strong market demand.
- The Maverick robot autonomously weeds high-density crops, reducing chemical use and promoting biodiversity.
- Odd.Bot plans to scale production while maintaining high-quality service in collaboration with local partners.
How Will Odd.Bot Use the €2 Million in Funding?
Odd.Bot, a Lelystad-based startup pioneering autonomous agricultural robots, has secured €2 million in growth capital during a pre-Series A funding round. The investment will fuel further development of Odd.Bot’s flagship product, the Maverick weeding robot, and facilitate its broader market introduction.
The funding round was spearheaded by Iconic Ventures and included contributions from PolKa Capital Management, Horizon (Flevoland’s development agency), regional farmers, and private investors. This influx of capital arrives at a crucial juncture, as Odd.Bot’s first 16 Maverick units slated for 2025 have already sold out.
Why Is There High Demand for Odd.Bot’s Weeding Robots?
CEO Martijn Lukaart highlighted the market’s readiness for sustainable weeding solutions, stating, “The demand for our weeding robots confirms that we are responding to an urgent need in the agricultural sector. We have chosen to deliberately limit our production capacity for the time being in order to guarantee high quality and excellent service, together with our local partners.”
What Inspired the Development of Odd.Bot’s Maverick Robot?
Founded in 2018, Odd.Bot originated from a collaboration with the Technical University of Delft and RoboHouse, where a student team developed the first proof of concept. The Maverick robot, Odd.Bot’s core innovation, autonomously identifies and removes weeds without relying on harmful chemicals. This mechanical in-row weeding system operates continuously, day and night, contributing to healthier crops, soil preservation, and biodiversity.
What Are Odd.Bot’s Key Milestones and Achievements?
Odd.Bot’s progress has been marked by significant milestones, including:
- 2020: Demonstration of the first proof of concept.
- 2021: Performance validation of the ‘Weed Whacker’ by Wageningen University & Research.
- 2022: Testing of the second-generation machine, ‘Quirky.’
- 2023: Deployment of the first two ‘Weed Whacko’ robots as a weeding service for farmers.
- 2024: Market launch of the Maverick robot, now sold to OEMs and system integrators.
Where Has Odd.Bot Expanded Internationally?
Expanding internationally, the company has secured sales in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France. The Maverick robot is designed to weed approximately one hectare per day and targets crops like carrots, onions, and chicory. Priced between €90,000 and €120,000, the robot uses AI vision to autonomously navigate crop rows without external signals.
Why Did Iconic Ventures Invest in Odd.Bot?
Dirk Kronemeijer, partner at Iconic Ventures, emphasized the alignment between Odd.Bot and Iconic Ventures’ sustainability goals, stating, “Odd.Bot is a perfect example of an innovative company addressing climate and sustainability challenges through technology. Their smart agricultural robot offers a viable alternative to chemical herbicides.”
What Are The Company’s Future Product Plans?
Looking ahead, Odd.Bot plans to introduce the Odd.Bot Weader, a detachable AI vision-controlled weeding element compatible with standard tractors. This option allows farmers to upgrade existing equipment, enhancing flexibility.
