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CloudNC raises $20M to automate manufacturing’s most pressing bottlenecks
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CloudNC, a UK-based manufacturing software startup, has secured $20 million in a Series B extension round, significantly boosting its total funding to $128 million. The company, co-founded in 2015 by Theo Saville and Chris Emery, specializes in AI-powered CAM Assist software designed to automate critical steps in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining. This new capital injection marks its first major raise in four years, signaling a pivotal growth phase.
CNC machining is a foundational process in industries like automotive, defense, and consumer hardware, where precision-cut parts are essential. Before material is cut, machinists or programmers must make complex decisions about tooling and setup. While traditional CAM software aids in this ideation phase, it often requires manual specification, leaving a significant bottleneck in production workflows.
CloudNC's CAM Assist plugs into existing systems like Autodesk Fusion or Mastercam, acting as an AI expert assistant. It automates initial strategic decisions, such as selecting tools, approach directions, and cutting parameters, then drafts the machine code. The software aims to enhance efficiency without replacing skilled human judgment, allowing programmers to review and approve the automated plans.
The solution is gaining traction, with over 1,000 machine shops worldwide now using CAM Assist. Notably, 80% of the company's customer base, comprising both manufacturers and other companies, is located in the United States. With a team of 80 employees, CloudNC's primary objective is to scale this adoption further.
The funding round was led by Nimble Ventures, with participation from Calculus Venture Capital, Entrepreneur First, and LM Capital, the venture arm of Lockheed Martin. The capital will support wider take-up of CAM Assist, strengthen go-to-market operations, and expand into new markets. It will also fund the development of new products, such as the upcoming Quote Agent.
Quote Agent, set to launch next month, targets a parallel bottleneck: the quoting process. It helps shops quickly assess the cost and risk of new projects, enabling faster decisions on accepting work. CEO Saville linked this need to geopolitical trends like reshoring and the persistent shortage of skilled manufacturing workers, which pressure shops to deliver more with existing resources.
The development draws on CloudNC's deep operational experience, including running its own factory. Saville emphasized the complexity of the problem, noting there are more ways to machine a part than atoms in the universe. This round positions CloudNC to tackle that challenge at scale, accelerating the digital transformation of traditional manufacturing.
