Embody's Xavier Chi on Building and Funding an AI Robotics Startup

Xavier Chi, co-founder of Embody, joins Build Mode to discuss the company's AI software that lets users teach industrial robots new skills through natural language. He shares lessons from winning the ABB AI startup challenge, going through Y Combinator, and raising a seed round.

■ Embody's technology and market
- Natural language robot programming for industrial and collaborative robots
- Addressing manual tasks in warehouses and factories, such as picking and packing

■ Go-to-market and scaling challenges
- Partnership with ABB and winning its AI startup challenge
- The difficulty of scaling robotic software and the role of system integrators

■ Fundraising and team building
- Journey from a small pre-seed to a seed round after Y Combinator
- Advice for robotics founders on convincing investors and allocating resources

The episode also touches on the future of robotics, including humanoids, foundation models, and consumer robots. It is suited for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the practical deployment of AI in robotics.