Cinema Tech Startup Axibo secures $12M to launch Humanoid Robotics Division

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Axibo, a Canadian cinema tech startup known for its AI-powered camera automation tools, has raised $12 million CAD to launch a new division focused on building humanoid robots.

The all-equity round was led by an undisclosed U.S.-based strategic angel investor, with additional backing from Balaji Srinivasan (former Coinbase CTO) and a $1 million CAD commitment from Axibo’s co-founders.

This funding round values Axibo at approximately $41.5 million CAD.

From Film Sets to Robotics Labs

Founded in 2019 by Anoop Gadhrri, Reiner Schmidt, and Sohaib Al-Emara, Axibo originally gained recognition for its AI-powered camera mounts, securing major clients such as Netflix and Apple. Its technology was notably used in productions like Aquaman 2: The Lost Kingdom.

Axibo’s success in the virtual production space, including consumer-level adaptations of technologies like Disney’s The Volume, helped the team bootstrap its way to profitability — without traditional venture funding, until now.

“We would’ve found a way regardless, but the capital lets us move much faster,” said CEO Anoop Gadhrri.

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Reigniting the Founders’ Original Passion

While Axibo’s cinema tech products gained traction, the founders’ original dream was always broader: building general-purpose robotics. With fresh capital, the company is pivoting to pursue that vision, aiming to debut its first humanoid robot prototype in 2026.

Plans include:

  • Tripling the team from 8 to nearly 30 employees
  • Opening a new 10,000–15,000 sq. ft. facility near the University of Waterloo to tap into local robotics talent
  • Manufacturing the robots in Canada, supporting domestic supply chains

Areas of application include agriculture—a personal passion for Gadhrri, who grew up on a farm—and elder care, addressing global labor shortages in critical sectors.

No Fear of Local Competition

The company enters a competitive market that includes players like Vancouver’s Sanctuary AI, which has raised over $140 million to date. But Gadhrri sees the real competition elsewhere:

“The real competition is China, not Canadian companies. Building robotics here strengthens everyone.”

Gadhrri emphasized Axibo’s mission to build for Canada, crediting the country for giving his immigrant family opportunities and aiming to give back through innovation and job creation.

With its roots in cinema automation and a new vision for humanoid robotics, Axibo is set to become a homegrown force in Canada’s emerging robotics sector — and this $12M raise is just the beginning.

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