Rivian spinoff Mind Robotics secures $400 million in latest funding round

Mind Robotics, a spinoff of electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, has secured an additional $400 million in a fresh funding round led by Kleiner Perkins. The investment, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, includes contributions from the venture arms of Volkswagen and Salesforce, further deepening the capitalisation of the industrial robotics firm.

The latest injection of capital brings the company’s total funding to more than $1 billion and values Mind Robotics at over $3 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. This follows a significant $500 million raise just two months prior, as well as an earlier $115 million investment from Eclipse after the entity was established in 2025.

Originally developed under the name Project Synapse, the company was created to build industrial robotics with human-like skills designed to automate factory operations. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, who serves as chairman of Mind Robotics, stated in March that he established the venture because he believed other startups were not fully equipped to handle the complexities of industrial automation.

Volkswagen’s participation in the round aligns with its broader strategic partnership with Rivian, which includes a software joint venture. Salesforce’s venture arm also joined the investment, marking its entry into this specific industrial automation initiative. The company’s focus remains on developing advanced robotics to enhance manufacturing efficiency.

Scaringe has previously demonstrated an interest in spinning out new ventures, having also helped create and spin out the micromobility company Also, which has raised more than $300 million to date. Mind Robotics continues to operate as a distinct entity within the Rivian ecosystem, targeting the industrial sector with its automated solutions.