Robotics firm Launchpad raises £8.26m led by Lavrock Ventures and Squadra Ventures
This article covers a Series A funding round on 15 October 2025 for Launchpad, an AI-first robotics company powering real-world assembly automation, founded by Jon Quick. It raised £8.26m in a round led by Lavrock Ventures with participation from Squadra Ventures.
What does Launchpad do?
Launchpad provides AI and robotics systems for assembly automation in manufacturing. The systems automate repetitive assembly tasks to lower deployment time and cost on factory production lines.
Why is Launchpad useful?
Problem
Manufacturers face growing workforce shortages and difficulty attracting skilled staff, risking production gaps and higher costs. They also find traditional robotic systems expensive and slow to deploy, limiting small and medium firms' uptake.
Solution
Launchpad explains that it uses AI-driven robotics and tools to halve time and cost of delivering automation solutions. This makes automation more affordable and faster for manufacturers, helping fill labour gaps and boost production.
How much did Launchpad raise?
Launchpad raised £8.3m ($11m) in a Series A round, co-led by Lavrock Ventures and Squadra Ventures. This makes it the 11th largest funding round in October 2025 (44 recorded). It stands 183rd for 2025 (516 total) in the Startupmag database, as of 15 October 2025.
For details on how Startupmag compiles its rankings, view our Methodology.
Who invested in Launchpad?
Key investors in the funding round included the following organisations:
- Lavrock Ventures: A venture firm investing in industrial and deep-technology companies, focusing on advanced manufacturing and enterprise robotics.
- Squadra Ventures: A US venture firm that invests in early-stage industrial and enterprise technology companies, including those serving manufacturing and supply-chain markets.
- Ericsson Ventures: The corporate venture arm of Ericsson that invests in network, connectivity and enterprise software startups with a global remit.
- Lockheed Martin Ventures: The corporate venture arm of Lockheed Martin that invests in aerospace, defence and national security-related technology companies.
- Cox Exponential: The venture arm of Cox Enterprises investing in mobility, connectivity and digital services startups.
- Scottish National Investment Bank: A government-backed bank that provides long-term capital to Scottish businesses across sectors to help support economic development.
In the funding announcement, Steve Smoot from Lavrock Investors said:
We are proud to invest our capital and time in support of Launchpad's quest for a more innovative, automated, resilient future in advanced manufacturing. The company has an impressive track record, proven management team, and clear vision of what it will take to make a lasting impact in this dynamic and extremely important industry.
In the funding announcement, Guy Filippelli from Squadra Ventures said:
Since 2020, America has lost more than a quarter of its manufacturing jobs. The message is clear: cost matters.
The investor added that the firm expects Launchpad's use of AI to help make domestic manufacturing more competitive.
If you're researching potential backers in this space:
- Explore our list of automation venture capital firms in the UK
- Browse our directory of automation angel investors in the UK
Who founded Launchpad?
Jon Quick is the founder of Launchpad.
In the funding announcement, Jon Quick explained:
Launchpad has built a technology that is helping manufacturers manage the optimal integration of humans and robots. We see AI tools, such as those being pioneered by Launchpad, as reimagining the manufacturing industry and revitalizing local economies.
Where is Launchpad based?
Launchpad is based in Edinburgh, UK.
What sector is Launchpad in?
Launchpad operates in the Automation sector. It makes machines and software that do repetitive tasks for people. This can help factories and offices save time and reduce errors.
Key trends and challenges in Automation:
Workforce shortage
Deloitte estimates 1.9 million unfilled US manufacturing jobs by 2033, pushing firms towards automation.
Cost and adoption barriers for SMEs
High costs limit automation uptake, especially among small and medium firms. Robot installations in the US fell 9% during 2024, showing slower adoption.
AI-driven automation and integration
AI tools make robots easier to program and quicker to deploy. Cobots are a common example used on factory floors.
For a deeper look at innovation in this space, see the automation startups in the UK.
They've invested in Launchpad
Get to know these automation investors
| Investor | Sector | Stage | Activity | Team | Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lavrock Ventures | 3 investment(s) investment(s) | more info | |||
 Squadra Ventures | 1 investment(s) investment(s) | more info | |||
 Ericsson Ventures | 1 investment(s) investment(s) | more info | |||
 Lockheed Martin Ventures | 2 investment(s) investment(s) | more info | |||
 Scottish National Investment Bank | 5 investment(s) investment(s) | more info |
Click here for a full list of 7,233+ startup investors in the UK