Flexion Robotics, a newly established artificial intelligence robotics company, has secured $57 million in Series B funding to accelerate its technology development and international expansion. The Zurich-based startup was founded in 2024 by David Hoeller and Nikita Rudin, both former employees of Nvidia, and counts the chip manufacturer among its key investors.
The funding will support Flexion Robotics’ efforts to advance AI technology designed specifically for robotic applications, while enabling the company to establish a stronger presence in North America. The startup has already opened an office in San Francisco as part of this geographic expansion strategy, marking an important step toward serving the broader US market.
From Checkpoint to Flexion Robotics
The company’s journey from inception to current status includes a notable branding decision that shaped its public identity. Originally operating under the name “Checkpoint,” the startup underwent a rebranding process that involved input from industry leaders. According to co-founder Nikita Rudin, the change came after guidance from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. “I think we changed the name because of his comment,” Rudin explained, suggesting that feedback from one of the technology sector’s most influential figures played a decisive role in the decision to adopt the Flexion Robotics name.
This connection to Nvidia reflects the strong relationship between the founders and their former employer, a partnership that extends to the funding support the company has received. The backing from Nvidia demonstrates confidence in the technical capabilities and market potential of Hoeller and Rudin’s venture.
Building AI for Robotics
Flexion Robotics positions itself within the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and robotics, sectors that have attracted considerable attention and investment as enterprises seek to automate complex tasks and improve operational efficiency. The company’s focus on developing AI specifically tailored for robotic systems reflects a targeted approach to a market segment with distinct technical requirements.
The $57 million Series B funding provides the startup with substantial resources to invest in research and development, expand its engineering team, and establish the infrastructure necessary to support its growing international operations. The decision to establish a San Francisco office signals ambition to tap into the US robotics and AI ecosystem while maintaining its Swiss roots.
European Robotics Innovation
Flexion Robotics’ emergence exemplifies a broader trend within the European startup ecosystem, where companies in the robotics and AI sectors are increasingly attracting significant capital investment and competing on a global stage. Switzerland, in particular, has established itself as a hub for advanced technology development, with companies leveraging the country’s reputation for engineering excellence and proximity to established tech corridors.
The startup’s successful fundraising and rapid expansion underscore the appeal of European-founded companies addressing the intersection of artificial intelligence and robotics, particularly when led by engineers with deep experience at major technology firms. As the sector continues to mature, companies like Flexion Robotics will likely play an important role in shaping how AI and automation technologies are deployed across industries.