Key Takeaways:
- Small Robot Company announces liquidation due to the inability to secure the necessary investment for scaling.
- The company developed a revolutionary grass weed detection technology, marking significant savings in herbicides and fertilizers.
- Despite commercial viability, the company was deemed too early for the market, leading to its premature end.
- Kroll appointed an administrator to facilitate the sale of the company’s assets, aiming to preserve its innovative technology and the team’s future.
- Gratitude extended to the team, supporters, and community for their unwavering support and dedication to sustainable farming.
Small Robot Company’s liquidation due to the inability to secure the necessary investment for scaling
The End of an Agritech Innovator’s Journey
Small Robot Company, a trailblazer in the agricultural technology industry, has been forced into liquidation, a decision shared with profound sadness. “It is with great sadness that after a long fight, Small Robot Company today proceeds into liquidation,” the company stated on a LinkedIn post, highlighting the struggle to secure the investment needed to scale their operations despite having “technology that delivered value at a profit, with customers waiting.”
Breakthrough in Weed Detection Technology
In its six years, Small Robot Company achieved a significant milestone by co-designing a service that tackled a longstanding issue: grass weed detection at scale with farmers. This innovation was described as delivering farmers’ ‘Holy Grail,’ going commercially live with the potential to address the UK’s £400 million annual loss due to blackgrass. The service demonstrated remarkable efficiency, “demonstrating up to 90% herbicide and 24% fertilizer savings,” showcasing the potential impact on agriculture.
Ahead of Its Time
The company reflected on its timing, acknowledging the innovative nature of its service but also its premature introduction to the market. “We believe we developed something that will be a cornerstone of how farms are run in the future, but unfortunately, with this attempt, we were too early for the market,” the announcement read. This acknowledgment highlights the challenge of pioneering new technologies in traditional sectors.
Efforts to Secure a Future for the Technology
With Kroll taking over as administrator, there is a concerted effort to find acquirers for the company’s valuable assets. The aim is not only to find a new home for the technology but also to ensure some future for the dedicated team behind it. “We have worked with them to find potential acquirers, ideally to find a future for some of the team and the technology which continues to benefit farmers and the planet,” the company expressed, underlining their commitment to sustainable agriculture and the wellbeing of their team.
A Thankful Farewell
In its closing remarks, Small Robot Company extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported their vision of sustainable farming. “We would like to thank everyone who has supported us in our mission to make farming sustainable,” emphasizing the collective effort from the team, financial supporters, and the broader community that stood by them. Despite the unfortunate end, the company remains hopeful that its journey has inspired others to continue innovating for a sustainable future in agriculture.
Image provided by the Small Robot Company
