Venture capital investment in robotics is roaring back in 2025

According to Pitchbook’s Emerging Tech Research on Robotics, venture capital investment is skyrocketing (170.5% QoQ and 263.2% YoY in Q2). Fueled by mega-rounds in defense robotics and autonomy software, the market is shifting toward scale-stage bets on proven platforms.

Executive Summary

Robotics investment is rebounding in 2025. Deal value surged in Q2 2025 to $8.8 billion, up 170.5% QoQ and 263.2% in the trailing 12 months (TTM) across 221 deals, highlighting the return of mega-rounds and investor confidence in late-stage startups. 

The market is set to grow. The global robotics market is projected to expand from $357 billion in 2025 to between $1.2 trillion and $1.5 trillion by 2030. 

Defense robotics and autonomy software are the primary growth engines. Defense robotics has attracted $6.7 billion across 138 deals in the TTM, while