Grishin Robotics fund, a venture fund launched in 2012 by Mail.ru Group’s CEO Dmitry Grishin, has purchased a minority share in Orbotix, a manufacturer of robotic toys.
The exact size of the recently acquired stake has not yet been specified, but what we do know, is that together with The Foundry Group and Shea Ventures, Grishin invested $15.5 million.
With the funds received, the company plans to invest in the development of new products as well as the launch of new robotic games and educational apps.
Orbotix already produces several thousand robots every year. The company’s biggest product is the waterproof robotic orb “Sphero”, which can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet and for which more than 30 apps have been developed. Later this year, the company also plans to release pre-programmed cylinder “Ollie”, designed for multiplayer games.
Grishin has explained the reasons for his interest in the purchase, commenting that “Orbotix is a unique example of synergy between Robo-technology and the entertainment industry. It has every chance of changing traditional ideas about gaming and creating an entirely new type of gadget.”
Grishin Robotics’ latest investments went to Petnet, a Los Angeles based startup that develops connected pet devices, and to Boombotix, a San Francisco-based startup developing audio hardware and software.
