Hong Kong tech startup Rice Robotics raises $7M in funding to build production plant and expand its footprint in Japan

Despite the ongoing funding crunch faced by many tech startups, billions of dollars continue to flow into generative artificial intelligence (AI) robotics startups. The latest startup to benefit from this influx of funding is Rice Robotics, a Hong Kong-based startup building the software and hardware infrastructure to help the next generation of businesses deploy autonomous robots at scale.

Today, Rice Robotics announced it has closed $7 million in pre-Series A funding to build its production plant in Hong Kong and also enhance its manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, positioning itself for future growth and expansion, particularly in the promising Japanese market.

With this latest cash infusion, Rice Robotics has set up a new production plant in Hong Kong. The facility, located in the industrial area of Tsuen Wan, spans an impressive area of 13,000 square feet and has been operational since the first quarter of 2023. This expansion has quadrupled the company’s annual production capacity, enabling them to meet the increasing demand for their products and services not just in Hong Kong, but also on a global scale. The state-of-the-art facility signifies a significant step forward for Rice Robotics as it continues to innovate and cater to the growing market needs.

Founded in 2019 by founder and CEO Victor Lee, Rice Robotics is building the software and hardware infrastructure to help the next generation of businesses deploy autonomous robots at scale. The startup has positioned itself as a trailblazer in the realm of workforce automation, revolutionizing various industries with its advanced delivery and disinfection robots. These state-of-the-art robots are equipped with remarkable capabilities, enabling them to navigate complex environments, operate elevators, and autonomously recharge, thereby minimizing the need for human involvement.

The impact of Rice Robotics’ innovative solutions is evident through its successful deployment of robots in diverse settings. These locations span across malls, offices, hotels, and residences in Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand. By bringing automation to these environments, Rice Robotics is actively shaping a future where robots are as indispensable and ubiquitous as smartphones in today’s world. Its customers include some of top of Japan’s top companies such as Toyota, Softbank, Japan Post, and Mitsui Group, among others.

“We aspire to showcase to the world that Hong Kong possesses a robotics company capable of producing first-tier service robots. Our aim is to nurture talent locally and contribute to the advancement of Industry 4.0 in our hometown,” Lee said in a statement.

Rice Robotics’ plans to build a production plant in Hong Kong and expand its footprint in Japan have also received strong support from its investors.

Billy So, Founder of Soul Capital and one of the early investors in the company, said: “We invested in Rice Robotics because of Victor’s unwavering passion, visionary leadership, and ability to navigate challenges to bring about the mass adoption of robots.” So also added, “It’s an honor to support Victor and his team as they continue to innovate and lead the way in the robotics industry.”