Aldebaran Robotics, worldleader in humanoid robotics, raises US$13 million in round led by Intel Capital

Intel, world leader in silicon innovation, demonstrates its interest in robotics by investing in Aldebaran Robotics, the world-leading company in humanoid robotics.

Paris, France -- Aldebaran Robotics SA, the world-leading European humanoid robotics company, announced today that the company has raised US$13 million in new venture funding. The series C round of financing was led by Intel Capital, with additional participation from its current investors, CDC Innovation, iSource and Crédit Agricole Private Equity.

Aldebaran Robotics currently manufactures and sells advanced, programmable humanoid robots, with the aim of contributing to the well-being of humans, through solutions addressing Personal services, Healthcare and Assistance to Autistic kids. Its products combine a range of facial and voice recognition technologies with location awareness capabilities, providing a flexible platform for application development.

The new funds will play a key role in allowing the business to develop its product offering into additional vertical sectors such as health and social care. The investment will also help Aldebaran streamline its production operations and increase its research and development capabilities.

 “Working with Intel Capital is a step we believe will propel the business and help the technology we have developed reach its full potential. Our products have the flexibility to provide solutions across a range of applications and this investment will play a huge role in helping drive manufacturing efficiencies and further our research capabilities to help the business’ expansion into new markets. Intel products are ideally suited for the processing demands required by robotics. This investment from Intel Capital enables Aldebaran to become a key player in this nascent industry.” , Bruno Maisonnier, founder and CEO of Aldebaran Robotics said; “It is primarily for us, a fantastic mark of recognition and trust from a group that has always favored innovation and has risen in recent years at the top of the global computer market”.

Marcos Battisti, Managing Director Intel Capital Western Europe and Israel, commented: “Robotics is an area that Intel Capital has been interested in for some time. Aldebaran’s work in areas such as voice interaction and video analytics really highlights the advances made in perceptual computing and has the potential to offer innovative products and solutions across a range of sectors.”

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About Aldebaran Robotics

Founded in 2005 by Bruno Maisonnier, and with offices in France, China, Japan and the United States, ALDEBARAN Robotics designs, produces and commercializes autonomous humanoid robots with the aim of contributing to the well-being of humans. Today over 1500 NAOs are utilized throughout the world as research and educational platforms in 35 countries. ALDEBARAN Robotics brings together more than 120 people—including 45 engineers and PhDs—that are involved in the development and production of the robot. For further information, visit www.aldebaran-robotics.com/en

About Intel Capital

Intel Capital, Intel's global investment organization, makes equity investments in innovative technology start-ups and companies worldwide. Intel Capital invests in a broad range of companies offering hardware, software, and services targeting enterprise, home, mobility, health, consumer Internet, semiconductor manufacturing and cleantech. Since 1991, Intel Capital has invested more than US$10 billion in over 1,140 companies in 49 countries. In that timeframe, 191 portfolio companies have gone public on various exchanges around the world and 268 were acquired or participated in a merger. In 2010, Intel Capital invested US$327 million in 119 investments with approximately 44 percent of funds invested outside the United States and Canada. For more information on Intel Capital and its differentiated advantages, visit www.intelcapital.com.

About iSource www.isourcevc.com  

iSource is a French venture capital firm dedicated to investing in early stage companies in Information and Communication Technologies, stemming from public or private research. With more than 70 investments the last 10 years, 10 funds and €185M under management, iSource is specialized in: Corporate Software and Internet infrastructure, Multimedia content and Technologies, Communication systems, Managed Services, Embedded systems, Eco-Technologies, and associated services. The company is managed by a team of highly professional investors with in-depth experience in technology, R&D, marketing, business development, sales and management in IT sectors.

iSource was the initial investor in companies like K-Mobile acquired by American Greetings in 2004, Calendra acquired by BMC Software in 2005, SmartJog acquired by TDF in 2006, NotreFamille listed on NYSE Alternext in 2007, Polyspace Technologies acquired by The Mathworks in 2007, ScreenTonic acquired by Microsoft in 2007, Netia acquired by Globecast in 2008, OpenPlug acquired by Alcatel-Lucent in 2010, and Sequans Communications listed on NYSE in 2011.  Contact : press@isourcegestion.fr    www.isourcevc.com

About CDC Innovation

Founded in 1996, CDC Innovation is an international venture capital firm with its head office in Paris and a local presence in the Silicon Valley and in Switzerland.
With over 415 M€ currently under management, our focus is on venture investments at both the early and late stage, in two sectors: information technologies and life sciences. 
Our aim is to create value by providing talented entrepreneurs with the resources, experience, and network necessary to turn world-class technologies into great businesses. www.cdcinnovation.com

About Crédit Agricole Private Equity

Crédit Agricole Private Equity is an AMF-accredited asset-management subsidiary of Crédit Agricole, specialising in direct private-equity investment in non-listed companies. A multi-specialist player, Crédit Agricole Private Equity’s team of 100 professionals manages €3.3 billion with specific expertise in LBO & Expansion, Venture Capital, Mezzanine, Co-Investment, Renewable Energy and PPP Infrastructure. The 11-strong venture capital team manages €470 million through FCPIs invested in young companies with high growth potential in 2 sectors: information technology and life sciences. Crédit Agricole Private Equity has signed up to the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Investment.. www.ca-privateequity.com/en

Press contact : Bastien Parent – bparent@aldebaran-robotics.com – 0034656767446

Pictures : ftp://ftp3.aldebaran-robotics.com login : aldeb-mkt-press       password: FhYT45x

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