Human-Level Dexterity to Robots: Swiss Startup mimic Raises €13.8 Million

At IGF, we love seeing startups bringing their ideas to life and transforming technologies. This week, we’re here to tell you about a startup mimic that has recently secured €13.8 million in Seed funding. The Swiss startup is about to advance its physical AI technology as the demand for robots that perform complex tasks is growing. In the article, you’re going to find out more about the startup and its ideas. So, let’s start!

The startup was established in Zurich together with Stefan Weirich (CEO), Stephan-Daniel Gravert (CPO), Elvis Nava (CTO). The startup includes a team of 25 engineers and researchers. The company focuses on developing AI-powered humanoid robotic hands that, combined with proven industrial robot arms, can handle intricate tasks in manufacturing, assembly, logistics, and other labor-intensive sectors.

“Humanoids are exciting, but not all industrial applications require a full-body robot,” says Gravert. “Our approach pairs dexterous hands with reliable hardware, delivering human-level capabilities that are simpler, more deployable, and industrially relevant.”

Bringing Human-Like Dexterity to Real-World Automation

The Seed round was led by Elaia, alongside Speedinvest, with participation from Founderful, 1st kind, 10X Founders, 2100 Ventures, and Sequoia Scout Fund. This Seed round is about to bring mimic startup funding over €17 million. Clément Vanden Driessche, Partner at Elaia, notes: “mimic’s proprietary robotic hands, foundation models, and novel training methods tackle one of the most challenging problems in physical AI: dexterous manipulation.”

When starting the project, there was one problem that included the scarcity of real-world robotics data. To overcome this issue, mimic startup decided to use skilled operators wearing proprietary data-collection devices. This approach helped them to show how to perform daily tasks. Moreover, these demonstrations helped the AI learn how to do daily human-like tasks. What makes these robots special is the ability to adapt autonomously, self-correct, and work safely in human-designed environments.

The approach that a startup uses helps with global labor shortages and industries’ reshoring production. This way, intelligent automation becomes a reality. Robots are already piloting with top-tier manufacturers and logistics providers. The startup showed that human-like performance is now something that can be really performed in real life.

As Andreas Schwarzenbrunner, General Partner at Speedinvest, says, “Europe has the talent and infrastructure to lead in AI and robotics. mimic shows that world-class engineering and foundational research can solve billion-dollar problems today.”

At IGF, we’re glad to see startups like this one bring their ideas to life. We also support startups to meet investors and vice versa. Contact us now!