LOS ANGELES—Tombot, a manufacturer in health and wellness robotic companion animals, announced the closing of a $7 million Series A3 financing round. The round includes investments from Caduceus Capital Partners, Wavemaker 360, the Lutheran Foundation for Long Term Living and Florida Community Health Network.
The company said it has already secured more than 23,000 pre-order and waitlist customers for its flagship product named “Jennie."
Tombot said its robotic companion animals are designed to provide comfort, engagement and emotional connection for older adults and others who can benefit from animal companionship but are unable to care for a live pet.
"This financing represents an important milestone as we transition from product development to commercial scale," said Tombot founder and CEO Tom Stevens. "We are fortunate to have investors who recognize both the significant market opportunity and the positive social impact of companion robotics. Their support will enable us to meet growing customer demand, execute a successful market launch and continue building a broader portfolio of products that set the bar for emotional support through technology."
The investor group brings a unique combination of healthcare providers, aging-services, and innovation expertise to Tombot's growth strategy.
"Within minutes of our conversation with Tom and seeing his robotic companion come to life, the potential impact of this technology for older adults and individuals facing cognitive challenges became immediately apparent,” said Mark Gusek, president and CEO of the Lutheran Foundation. “Given our organization’s longstanding commitment to enhancing the quality of care and well-being of older adults, we were pleased to provide launch funding to Tombot, Inc. to support the development and advancement of its lifelike robotic dog. This innovative product has the potential to transform the daily lives of individuals, families and communities affected by mental health and cognitive challenges who are unable to safely or practically care for a live pet."