AI supply chain technology specialist Kargo raises $18m and reports Armada computer vision roll-out

Kargo, a specialist in industrial artificial intelligence (AI) technology, has announced an $18.4 million investment led by Matter Venture Partners, with participation from previous backers Sozo Ventures and Founders Fund, as well as existing customers and new strategic investors Lineage and Armada Supply Chain Solutions.

Kargo also reports the roll-out of its computer vision solution at 240 Armada dock doors to automate inventory management across the food supply chain provider’s network of warehouse hubs.

“Comprehensive, proprietary data is the key to unlocking the full potential of AI. Kargo has become the trusted provider of inventory data to leading global supply chains. AI plays a critical role in supply chain integrity and we’re helping customers across industries build their AI stack to connect their warehouses, back offices and customers,” says Sam Lurye, Founder and CEO at Kargo. “This capital investment enables Kargo to develop new products that connect supply chain data and rapidly expand our customer base.”

Kargo provides Kargo Towers and Kargo Lifts, integrated hardware and software solutions that automate freight data capture and verification. Kargo Towers are installed at warehouse loading docks or gateways, and use AI powered cameras to gather information on freight labels, cases and product condition.

Kargo’s LLM structures the image data into coherent inventory information to flag exceptions (i.e. overages, shortages, damage or compliance concerns) in real-time. The Kargo Lift is purpose built for forklifts and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and extends Kargo’s AI capabilities to a new vantage point.

"Kargo played a critical role in our ability to successfully implement AI in a meaningful way. We were live in under a month, significantly enhancing our inventory management. Our clients - predominantly large, multi-unit restaurant companies - benefited almost immediately from increased accuracy and traceability.” says Rick Rover, President at Armada’s warehouse division. “Our commitment to reliability, agility, and resilience ensures exceptional service that consistently benefits our clients.”

“Kargo is redefining how supply chains operate by making freight data visible, reliable, and actionable at scale,” says Haomiao Huang, Founding Partner at Matter Venture Partners. “Their rapid customer adoption, real-world impact, and deep technical moat make them a category defining company in logistics AI. We’re proud to back Kargo as they build the modern infrastructure layer for the physical economy.

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.