MassRobotics Teams Up with Thomas H. Lee Partners to Accelerate AI & Robotics Startups

MassRobotics has agreed a strategic partnership with private equity company Thomas H. Lee Partners.

The partnership aims to bring together their extensive market knowledge, expertise, and networks to advance the scaling of automation-related businesses across robotics and artificial intelligence startups.

Based in the Boston area, MassRobotics is one of the first and largest robotics startups escalator in the world.

The collective work of this group of engineers, rocket scientists, and entrepreneurs is focused on the needs of the robotics industry.

THL is a leading private equity firm with a dedicated practice “exclusively focused on automation”.

Fady Saad, MassRobotics co-founder and VP of strategic partnerships, says: “The automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence industry is a rapidly expanding market, and one that will define the future of many industry verticals on a global basis.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with such a well-established investment firm and key player in the private equity space.”

Thomas Ryden, MassRobotics executive director, says: “MassRobotics has substantial knowledge and built a deep network in the robotics industry, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with THL to support the scaling of the next generation of thriving robotics companies.”

Mike Kaczmarek of THL says: “We are thrilled to support MassRobotics as they fuel the next generation automation and robotics companies.

“We look forward to collaborating with MassRobotics and their network of promising companies and accomplished executives.”

Kaczmarek will serve on MassRobotics’ advisory board and aims to “help further establish Massachusetts as a thought leader in the automation and robotics sector”.

Robotics is emerging as a key technology among companies large and small, and across myriad industries. As a result, MassRobotics has increased its strategic partnership relationships, bringing significant companies and organizations into the MassRobotics community.

These corporate partners provide strategic guidance, helped fund MassRobotics’ new expansion facility, and fuel the organization’s programming.

MassRobotics’ partners represent a range of companies and industries pursuing innovative robotics solutions, and include:

• Amazon Robotics;
• Cowen;
• Harmonic Drive;
• Husqvarna;
• Mitre;
• AeroVironment;
• Festo;
• Panasonic; and
• Mitsubishi Electric.

In January, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, MassRobotics’ founders, partners, residents and the regional robotics industry joined in a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the grand opening of MassRobotics’ new world-class facility.

MassRobotics is currently leading a cluster of the highest concentration of robotics companies in the world with approximately 350 companies, 47 resident startups and 40 strategic partners.