Carbon Robotics

Company Overview

Carbon Robotics is a Seattle-based agricultural robotics startup founded in 2018. The company builds innovative agricultural tools that empower farmers to operate more efficiently using sophisticated AI technology. Their flagship product is the LaserWeeder, an AI-powered implement that uses computer vision and lasers to kill weeds with high precision.

Products Overview

Carbon Robotics’ main product is the LaserWeeder, which utilizes computer vision and AI deep learning models to identify weeds and crops in real time and kill the weeds with high-powered lasers. Key features include:

• Kills up to 300,000 weeds per hour
• Sub-millimeter accuracy
• Kills up to 99% of weeds
• Covers 2 acres per hour at 1 mph
• Works on 100+ crops and all weeds in all soil types
• Operates day or night in all conditions
• Certified for organic farming

The company also offers:

• Carbon Ops Center - A data platform providing crop and weed spatial data
• Operator App - For controlling and monitoring the LaserWeeder
• Companion App - For team communication and performance tracking
• LaserThinning capability - For precision crop thinning

Founding Team

The company was founded by Paul Mikesell, who serves as CEO. Mikesell previously co-founded Isilon Systems.

Problem and Market Fit

Carbon Robotics is addressing the significant challenges farmers face with weed control, which is often their largest annual expense. Traditional methods like manual labor, herbicides, and mechanical weeding have major drawbacks in terms of cost, environmental impact, and effectiveness. The LaserWeeder provides a chemical-free, labor-saving alternative that improves crop yields and soil health.

Business Model

Carbon Robotics sells its LaserWeeder implements directly to large vegetable growers. The company touts a 1-3 year payback period for farmers purchasing the equipment. They also offer data services through their Carbon Ops Center platform.

Funding and Runway

The company has raised $97 million in funding to date: - $27 million Series B round in September 2021 led by Anthos Capital - $30 million Series C round in April 2023 led by Acre Venture Partners - $8 million additional funding in December 2023 - $32 million Series D round in May 2024 including investment from NVIDIA

Competitive Landscape

Carbon Robotics competes with traditional weed control methods as well as other ag-tech startups developing autonomous weeding solutions. Their laser-based approach appears to be unique in the market.

Customers

The company’s customers include large specialty crop growers in the United States and Canada. Some named customers include:

• Grimmway Farms
• Hungenberg Produce Co.
• Duncan Family Farms
• Kerr Farms
• Carzalia Valley Produce
• Triangle Farms
• JV Farms

Relevant News

• May 2024: Named to CNBC’s Disruptor 50 list
• May 2024: Announced investment from NVIDIA’s NVentures fund
• March 2024: Named one of America’s Top GreenTech Companies by TIME
• February 2024: Introduced new tracked version of LaserWeeder for muck soil conditions
• April 2023: Raised $30 million Series C funding round
• March 2023: Named to Fast Company’s list of World’s Most Innovative Companies
• February 2023: Added LaserThinning capability to LaserWeeder product

The company has seen rapid growth and increasing adoption of its technology among specialty crop growers. Its innovative approach has garnered significant media attention and industry recognition.