Starship Technologies lands $50m Series C with focus on US city autonomous deliveries

Autonomous delivery specialist, Starship Technologies, reports the completion of a $50 million funding round led by Plural.

The company, founded by Skype co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, has now raised more than $280 million in total funding as it looks to replicate its progress in European cities and US university campuses across American urban markets.

“Delivery robotics is the next wave of urban logistics, shaping a once-in-a-generation shift in how goods move through cities,” says Heinla. “We own European urban markets, we own US campuses. Now it’s time to replicate this proven success in American cities. Millions of US consumers will soon experience sub-30-minute delivery by Starship robots  as the new standard.”

“Starship has quietly built the most successful autonomous technology company in the world,” says Taavet Hinrikus, Partner at Plural. “They’re already deployed, already profitable, and already changing how goods move through cities. We’ve doubled down on our investment because the team has proven they can scale globally, and the opportunity in American urban markets is enormous.”

In addition to Plural, the funding round includes participation from Karma.vc, Latitude, Coefficient Capital, SmartCap (funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU), and Skaala. The cash will accelerate US market penetration, expand the robot fleet, and strengthen partnerships with major retailers seeking autonomous delivery infrastructure.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Autonomous delivery will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.