Boulder edtech and robotics giant Sphero has announced a new spin-off startup that will focus on intelligent robots and AI-based software applications for first responders, government, defense and those who work in dangerous situations.
The startup, Company Six, originally started as Sphero’s Public Safety Division before spinning off into its own independent company based in Boulder.
In connection with the spinout, Company Six closed a $3 million seed investment round led by Spider Capital, with participation from existing Sphero investors including Foundry Group, Techstars, as well as new investor GAN Ventures.
Company Six, led by former Sphero COO Jim Booth as its new CEO, aims to develop advanced robotic platforms with a highly secure cloud-based technology suite, transforming the way first responders operate in dangerous environments.
“Our team is excited to build critically-needed robotic hardware and advanced software solutions that help first responders and people with dangerous jobs,” Booth said in a statement. “Our mission is to build powerful and affordable technology that we can put in the hands of as many people as possible.”
The Company Six spin-off marks an important next step for Sphero, as CEO Paul Berberian switches roles to become chairman of both companies after more than a decade at the helm.
“In my time as Sphero’s CEO I was amazed by the number of kids’ lives we positively affected by bringing our robots into classrooms and living rooms worldwide,” Berberian said in a statement. "As Chairman of both Sphero and Company Six, this is an opportunity to continue to bring revolutionary robotics technology to new markets to improve the lives of more people, our future leaders, and people with essential and sometimes dangerous job functions.”
Paul Copioli, former president and CEO of Sphero acquisition LittleBits, has been named CEO of Sphero in Berberian's vacant spot.
“It’s an honor to lead the Sphero team as we continue to pave the way for accessible robots, STEAM and computer science education for kids around the world,” Copioli said in a statement. “With our focus on education and our mission to inspire the creators of tomorrow, Sphero has a long-standing place in our school systems and beyond.”
Company Six is keeping its product development quiet with the recent launch, saying that it will lean on Sphero's experience bringing more than 4 million robots to market as a guide.
The startup believes it can create products that are not only robust and feature-rich enough for professional applications, but also affordable enough to be adopted by the majority of civilian and military personnel.
