From Coffee to Public Launch
Some decisions take time. You analyze the market, assess the team, calculate the risk.
And then there are moments when you just know — when everything clicks instantly.
That’s how it was with Sunrise Robotics.
I still remember sitting down for coffee with Tomaž. He had just started outlining the idea: intelligent, modular robotic systems tailored for small-batch, high-variation production. Fast to deploy, easy to adapt, and smart enough to learn new tasks visually — no lengthy coding, no massive setup costs.
I was in before the coffee got cold.
People sometimes ask me: Why so quickly?
Because this was exactly the kind of solution I would have immediately bought in my previous role as a CEO. The problem was real — automation in flexible manufacturing was expensive, slow, and often unscalable. And here was a system that flipped that equation.
It Wasn’t Just the Idea — It Was the Team
After meeting Joe and Marko, my decision felt even more right.
It’s rare to see this mix:
- Technical depth and real-world experience
- A builder’s mindset with clarity on product-market fit
- A culture of trust, humility, and drive
There was chemistry between them — and it extended to how they worked with partners and advisors. I knew I wasn’t just investing in a tech idea, I was backing a team that could go the distance.
From there, I came on board as one of Sunrise’s first angel investors. Since then, I’ve had the privilege to contribute to shaping the go-to-market strategy, giving product feedback through a customer lens, and acting as a trusted reference for other investors.
Tomaž later shared this reflection on our work together:
“Uroš joined us at an early stage as one of our angel investors, recognizing the potential of intelligent robotics right away. Drawing from his experience, he played a key role in shaping our go‑to‑market strategy, providing invaluable feedback on product development, and serving as a trusted reference for our investors.”
The Big Reveal
After a year in stealth mode, Sunrise Robotics has now presented publicly for the first time — unveiling its approach to the world and announcing an $8.5 million seed round led by Plural Capital.
Their modular robotic cells, built with mostly off-the-shelf components and powered by AI-based learning, can be fully deployed in less than 10 weeks — compared to the 6–8 months typical of traditional automation setups. It’s not just impressive — it’s transformative.
As Fortune Magazine highlighted, this kind of solution is a lifeline for manufacturers facing labor shortages, aging workforces, and the need for flexibility. It opens automation to small and midsize companies who previously couldn’t justify the cost or time.
Still Just the Beginning
The early results are exciting. But what’s even more exciting is what’s ahead.
Would I back Sunrise Robotics again? No question.
I already am — because I believe in the product, and I believe in the people behind it.
To Tomaž, Joe, Marko, and the entire team: thank you for your trust, your dedication, and your vision.
Proud to be part of this journey — and even more excited for what’s next.