Persona AI Secures $27 Million in Oversubscribed Seed Funding for Humanoid Robotics Future
Deal News | May 15, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision Persona AI Inc
Persona AI, based in Houston, has announced the closure of an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round, securing $27 million. Founded by Nic Radford, Jerry Pratt, and Jide Akinyode in 2024, Persona AI focuses on embodied artificial intelligence, particularly humanoid robots. These robots aim to address labor shortages and enhance workplace safety in demanding industries such as shipbuilding and industrial manufacturing. A significant partnership with HD Hyundai has been established to deploy these robots in the shipbuilding sector, with deliveries expected in 18 months. The funding round involved various investors, led by Unity Growth and Tides Ventures, and underscored the transformative potential of humanoid robotics, as noted by investors like Shankar Gupta Boddu and Mike Loretz. The global market potential for humanoid robotics is estimated by Morgan Stanley to reach $3 trillion due to AI advancements.
Sectors
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Industrial Automation
Geography
- United States – Persona AI is based in Houston, reflecting significant activity within the U.S. market.
- South Korea – HD Hyundai, a key partner of Persona AI, is based in South Korea, demonstrating international collaboration in the robotics sector.
Industry
- Artificial Intelligence – Persona AI develops products within the artificial intelligence sector, focusing on humanoid robotic solutions.
- Robotics – The article centers on humanoid robotics, highlighting Persona AI's innovations tailored towards industrial and shipbuilding applications.
- Industrial Automation – Persona AI's humanoid robots are designed to enhance automation in industrial settings, notably in shipbuilding and manufacturing.
Financials
- $27 million – The total funding amount raised in Persona AI's oversubscribed pre-seed financing round.
- $3 trillion – Estimated potential market size for humanoid robotics in the U.S., as forecasted by Morgan Stanley.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persona AI | Target Company | Company | A robotics company specializing in humanoid robotics to tackle labor shortages and improve safety in industrial operations. |
| HD Hyundai | Partner Company | Company | A global leader in shipbuilding partnering with Persona AI for humanoid robots deployment. |
| Unity Growth | Lead Investor | Company | Led the funding round for Persona AI, indicating active involvement in AI and robotics advancements. |
| Tides Ventures | Lead Investor | Company | Co-led the funding round supporting Persona AI’s vision for automation through robotics. |
| Nic Radford | CEO | Person | Co-founder and CEO of Persona AI, leading the company’s strategic initiatives. |
| Jerry Pratt | CTO | Person | Co-founder and chief technology officer of Persona AI, driving technological developments. |
| Jide Akinyode | COO | Person | Co-founder and chief operations officer managing Persona AI’s operations. |
| Shankar Gupta Boddu | General Partner | Person | General partner at Unity Growth, advocating for Persona AI’s innovative strides in humanoid robotics. |
| Mike Loretz | General Partner | Person | General partner at Tides Ventures, supporting Persona AI's advances in humanoid automation. |
| Katherine Garcia | Director of Executive Affairs | Person | Handles media inquiries for Persona AI. |