Slovenian Startup Sunrise Robotics Secures €7.3 Million Funding For Their Simulation-Trained Robots

The money will help grow its team across Europe and improve its AI technology as it begins scaling up production of its first robot fleet.

The funding round was led by Plural, with support from Tapestry, Seedcamp, Tiny.vc, and Prototype Capital.

Tomaz Stolfa, Co-founder of Sunrise, said: “The future of manufacturing lies in accessible automation, augmenting humanity through intelligent systems driven by simulation and digital replicas. Our smart, flexible robot cells empower businesses by automating repetitive tasks, closing employment gaps and allowing workers to focus on higher-value activities, whilst ensuring Europe has the industrial prowess and capabilities that it sorely needs. Together with our customers and investors, we’re building a more efficient and sustainable manufacturing landscape for Europe.”

The company uses a simulation-first approach to build smart robotic cells. Each robot has dual arms, advanced sensors, and perception systems. Sunrise creates a virtual version of the customer’s workspace, then trains the robot’s AI in that simulated environment.

This process speeds up automation, making it up to 10 times faster and more affordable to deploy—helping more manufacturers access high-quality automation.

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These robotic cells work together as a connected fleet and receive regular over-the-air updates to continuously improve performance and add new features.

The founding team brings deep experience in robotics and software, having shipped over 100 million consumer tech products and built platforms used by more than 150 million users. They've also brought in top talent from companies like Amazon, Google, Red Bull Formula 1, Unity, and Waymo. In just 18 months, they’ve gone from founding the company to having systems live with customers.

Sunrise’s robots are already operating in electronics manufacturing sites across Europe. They’ve also signed letters of intent with over 10 customers in industries like supercar production, high-performance batteries, and consumer electronics, with more opportunities ahead in precision manufacturing.

Carina Namih, Partner at Plural, said: “The Sunrise team are world leaders in simulation-trained robots. These inexpensive robots boost productivity and solve hiring challenges right out of the box. I look forward to supporting them as they build a new era in European industrial manufacturing.”

Industrial manufacturing accounts for 15% of Europe’s GDP, with over 2 million manufacturers employing 32 million people and generating €2.4 trillion in value. But the sector is facing a major challenge: 32% of its workforce aged 50–64 is set to retire in the next decade, while only 14% of Gen Z is interested in industrial careers—mainly due to concerns about low pay, poor flexibility, and safety.

This labour shortage is hurting productivity at a time when global challenges and geopolitical tensions are pushing for stronger local supply chains.

The smart robotics market is expected to grow from €65.9 billion in 2024 to €130 billion by 2034. However, current automation options are too expensive and slow to implement for most small and mid-sized manufacturers. Those producing a wide variety of products struggle to justify the cost of traditional robotics.

Andrew Buss, Managing Director at Asteelflash Bedford, added: “Asteelflash is a global leader in Electronic Manufacturing Services, and we are constantly seeking innovative, game-changing solutions that enhance the quality and reproducibility of our offering, while giving us a competitive edge. Sunrise has proven to be an outstanding partner, enabling us to adopt cutting-edge innovation at remarkable speed. Just a few months after initial data collection, we had a fully trained, operational intelligent robot up and running within hours of delivery. We’re genuinely excited about what the future holds.”

About Sunrise Robotics

Founded in 2023, Sunrise Robotics was started by Tomaz Stolfa (CEO, previously at vox.io and Layer), Marko Thaler (CTO, founder of Airnamics), and Joe Perrott (CCO, former Head of Global Program Management at PCH International).

Sunrise aims to close this gap by offering flexible, cost-effective robotic solutions that are easier and faster to deploy—making automation accessible to more manufacturers.