A US-headquartered developer of robots for retailers has inaugurated its first international office in the United Kingdom and appointed a new managing director.
The establishment of the new office in Sheffield and the appointment of Red McKay as UK managing director coincide with the firm’s recent $29 million funding round. The company’s robots, currently utilised by major retailers, significantly enhance operational efficiency by automating the collection and analysis of on-shelf inventory data.
Following the successful deployment of its robots within US stores, the company aims to address the growing demand for its technology in the UK market. According to Martin Hitch, co-founder and chief business officer, the UK presents a natural expansion opportunity for its retail service solutions, with expectations of rapid growth under McKay’s leadership. Hitch emphasised McKay’s extensive experience with retailers and suppliers as a key factor for a successful UK launch.
In its official statement, the company revealed its choice of Sheffield due to the city’s outstanding universities and access to world-class talent in robotics. The firm plans to deepen its collaboration with the UK robotics industry, leveraging Sheffield’s reputation for excellence in this domain.
Graham Stuart, the minister for investment, commended the move, stating that Sheffield’s access to premier talent and its global standing in robotics make it an ideal location. Stuart underscored that this development is indicative of the UK’s favourable investment environment, especially outside of London, for leading tech companies.
In June, the company announced it had secured $29 million in a funding round led by Cota Capital, with contributions from China Walden Ventures, LG Electronics, and existing investors. This brought the company’s total funding to $70 million. Bobby Yazdani, founder of Cota Capital, remarked that the company’s technology is revolutionising the retail sector by enabling retailers to rethink traditional processes.
The inauguration of the UK office marks a significant step in the company’s global expansion strategy, leveraging the country’s expertise in robotics to enhance retail operations.
