What is Karakuri?
Karakuri specializes in the design, manufacturing, and installation of advanced robotic automation systems tailored for restaurants, commercial kitchens, and large-scale catering operations. By leveraging sophisticated engineering, the company addresses critical inefficiencies in food preparation and service. Positioned at the intersection of robotics and food-tech, Karakuri aims to redefine operational standards in the hospitality industry. The company was established by industry veterans Simon Watt and Barney Wragg, drawing on their extensive technical backgrounds to build a scalable, high-performance automation platform that integrates seamlessly into existing commercial environments.
How much funding has Karakuri raised?
Karakuri has raised a total of $13.3M across 2 funding rounds:
Other Financing Round
$4.9M
Other Financing Round
$8.4M
Other Financing Round (2019): $4.9M with participation from Ocado and Founders Factory
Other Financing Round (2020): $8.4M led by Taylor Brothers, Future Fund, firstminute Capital, Hoxton Ventures, and Ocado Group
Key Investors in Karakuri
Hoxton Ventures
Hoxton Ventures is a London-based early-stage venture capital firm that targets European technology startups with the potential to become global market leaders.
Future Fund
The Future Fund is an Australian sovereign wealth fund established to invest for the benefit of future generations and support long-term public sector financial stability.
Founders Factory
Founders Factory is a UK-based incubator and accelerator that provides strategic support and capital to help early-stage companies achieve rapid, sustainable growth.
What's next for Karakuri?
With this major strategic investment, Karakuri is well-positioned to transition from its initial development phase into a period of rapid commercial deployment. The company is expected to focus on expanding its manufacturing capacity and refining its robotic solutions to meet the growing demand for labor-efficient, high-precision kitchen technology. As the food-service sector continues to grapple with operational challenges, Karakuri's ability to provide reliable, automated workflows will be a key differentiator. Future growth will likely center on deepening partnerships with major industry players and scaling its footprint across international markets, solidifying its status as a leader in the automation of the global food supply chain.
See full Karakuri company page
