Opentrons is a Brooklyn-based life sciences automation company revolutionizing laboratory workflows through robotics. Its flagship products, the OT-2 and Opentrons Flex, automate complex pipetting and fluid-handling tasks, dramatically improving efficiency for scientists. Founded in 2013 by Nicholas Wagner and Will Canine, the company employs around 177 professionals and focuses on making lab automation accessible, scalable, and open-source.
Operating at the intersection of AI, biotechnology, and robotics, Opentrons empowers researchers to accelerate discoveries while reducing manual errors and costs in life sciences experimentation.
What Is Opentrons and What Does It Do?
Founded in 2013 by Nicholas Wagner and Will Canine, Opentrons is a Brooklyn-based life sciences company developing automated pipetting robots for laboratory research.
With a team of around 177 employees, it builds accessible, open-source solutions that automate fluid handling in labs. The company’s products, including OT-2 and Opentrons Fle,x enable scientists to perform experiments with greater speed, accuracy, and consistency.
By combining robotics and open-source software, Opentrons bridges the gap between automation technology and research affordability.
How Much Funding Has Opentrons Raised?
*Pre-Seed Round* • Amount Raised: $25K
• Date: July 2014
• Lead Investors: SOSV
• Motivation: To initiate development of pipetting robot technology.*Seed Round (1)* • Amount Raised: $7.2M
• Date: March 2016
• Lead Investors: Y Combinator
• Motivation: To further develop and market initial products.*Seed Round (2)* • Amount Raised: $10M
• Date: March 2018
• Lead Investors: Khosla Ventures
• Motivation: To expand product line and scale operations.*Venture Round* • Amount Raised: $2.3M
• Date: November 2019
• Motivation: To support ongoing research and development.*Series B* • Amount Raised: $20.6M
• Date: August 2020
• Lead Investors: SOSV
• Motivation: To expand market reach and enhance product capabilities.*Series C* • Amount Raised: $200M
• Date: September 2021
• Lead Investors: SoftBank Vision Fund
• Motivation: To invest in global expansion and develop new robotic tools.
Total Funding Raised: $241M
Current Valuation: $1.8 Billion (as of September 2021)
Latest Funding Date: September 2021
Key Investors
*SoftBank Vision Fund* • Details: One of the world’s most significant technology investment funds, backing transformative innovation across AI, robotics, and life sciences.
• Investment Focus Areas: Technology, AI, robotics, healthcare.
• Notable Investments: Uber, WeWork, ARM Holdings, Opentrons.*SOSV* • Details: A global venture capital firm running deep-tech accelerators supporting early-stage startups.
• Investment Focus Areas: Biotechnology, hardware, and sustainability.
• Notable Investments: Formlabs, NotCo, Opentrons.*Khosla Ventures* • Details: Venture capital firm investing in early-stage companies leveraging transformative technology.
• Investment Focus Areas: Clean tech, healthcare, IT.
• Notable Investments: Square, DoorDash, Impossible Foods.*Y Combinator* • Details: Startup accelerator offering seed funding, mentorship, and growth programs for early-stage startups.
• Investment Focus Areas: Software, hardware, biotech.
• Notable Investments: Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe.*Sands Capital* • Details: Investment management firm focusing on high-growth technology and consumer companies.
• Investment Focus Areas: Technology, healthcare, consumer.
• Notable Investments: Amazon, Netflix, Tesla.
Where Is Opentrons’ Headquarters?
Opentrons is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, a hub for biotech and tech innovation. The location provides access to a thriving ecosystem of startups, research universities, and venture investors. This strategic position enables Opentrons to collaborate closely with scientists and tech pioneers, while attracting top engineering talent in the life sciences automation sector.
What’s Next for Opentrons?
With its $200 million Series C funding, Opentrons aims to enhance its biofoundry network, launch new robotic tools, and expand globally. The company is investing heavily in R&D to develop more intelligent and adaptable lab automation systems.
As demand for scalable, cost-effective lab robotics grows, Opentrons is well-positioned to become a key enabler of scientific innovation worldwide, simplifying complex experiments and democratizing access to cutting-edge laboratory automation.
Get Investor & Funding Insights with TexAu
TexAu helps sales and business teams uncover detailed fundraising information on companies like Opentrons. Use the platform to research investors, track funding rounds, and gather actionable insights to strengthen prospecting and business strategy.
Sign Up for Free on TexAu and start uncovering detailed funding insights that give your business a competitive edge.