Industrial robotics are stepping into the construction industry spotlight, and PaintJet is at the forefront, introducing game-changing robots for significant paint jobs. In the United States alone, the construction industry, valued at $2 trillion, employs around eight million individuals, nearly equivalent to the population of New York City. Yet, these roles often face challenges in retention due to physical demands and safety risks.
The realm of industrial painting presents a ripe opportunity for automation. With larger projects involving substantial machinery, PaintJet is showcasing their innovation through videos featuring their Bravo robotic painter. Resembling a mobile elevated work platform, this automated painter retains elements of traditional heavy machinery, now integrated with robotic functionalities. CEO Nick Hegeman emphasizes, “We have created 100% of the robotic system,” highlighting that essential components like paint hoses, nozzles, and pumps are sourced from industry suppliers. This strategic approach enables seamless integration with established equipment rental providers, facilitating scalability.
In a significant milestone, PaintJet announces a $10 million Series A funding round led by Outsiders Fund, joined by Pathbreaker Ventures, MetaProp, Builders VC, 53 Stations, and VSC Ventures. This follows a previous $3.5 million seed round led by Dynamo Ventures, elevating the total funding to $14.75 million.
CEO Nick Hegeman sees the investment as a solution to ongoing staffing challenges, stating, “It’s not solely about automation; it’s about reshaping industry standards, tackling labor shortages, and offering cost-effective solutions that redefine traditional painting norms.” He expresses gratitude to investors for supporting the mission to expand both geographically and across diverse sectors.
In conjunction with Bravo’s debut, PaintJet introduced Alpha Shield paint, designed to prolong surface durability against weather elements, potentially extending the duration between repaints.
While PaintJet leads the charge in industrial robotic painting, competitors like Gray Matter and industry giant Fanuc from Japan also vie for market share. However, PaintJet’s Bravo stands out, capable of reaching heights that surpass existing solutions.
Targeting construction companies as its primary clientele, PaintJet has secured partnerships with prominent industry players like Prologis, Clayco, Layton Construction, and Brinkmann Constructors.
Despite its current small workforce of 24 full-time employees, PaintJet plans to use the latest funding to bolster sales and operational teams. Additionally, a strategic shift from Nashville to Virginia aims to expand into the marine industry and augment engineering capabilities to facilitate broader technology distribution, as Hegeman explains.
