Rice Robotics Raises US$7M Pre-A Funding to Establish Production Plant in Hong Kong and Expand Footprint in Japan

HONG KONG, July 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rice Robotics, a Hong Kong-based start-up, has successfully secured US$7 million in pre-Series A funding, a portion of which has been allocated to establish a production plant in Hong Kong. By utilising this investment, the company aims to bolster its manufacturing and supply chain capabilities and position itself for expansion into the promising Japanese market.

Rice Robotics Expands Production Capacity Fourfold with New Hong Kong Plant

Backed by the recent funding, Rice Robotics has established a state-of-the-art production plant in Hong Kong, which has commenced operations since the first quarter of 2023. The facility, located in Tsuen Wan's industrial area and covering a vast area of 13,000 square feet, has quadrupled the company's annual production capacity. This significant expansion enables Rice Robotics to meet the surging demand for its products and services, not only in Hong Kong but also on a global scale.

Demonstrating its commitment to supporting local talent and fostering domestic manufacturing, Rice Robotics proudly emphasizes that all delivery robots will be entirely designed and manufactured in Hong Kong. Victor Lee, the Founder and CEO, expresses his ambitious vision, stating, "We aspire to showcase to the world that Hong Kong possesses a robotics company capable of producing first-tier service robots. Our aim is to nurture talent locally and contribute to the advancement of Industry 4.0 in our hometown."

Rice Robotics' RICE Delivery Robots Garner Success in Japan's Top Companies, from Softbank to Toyota

Rice Robotics has strategically targeted the Japanese market renowned for its adoption of service robots. With the expanded production capacity facilitated by its new plant, the company is well-positioned to achieve its goals and establish a prominent presence in the robotics industry. Rice Robotics has made significant strides in Japan, showcasing the versatility and reliability of its RICE delivery robots through notable partnerships. These successful collaborations include:

• Softbank: Since January 2021, RICE robots have been efficiently delivering 7-Eleven products to Softbank employees at the company's new headquarters in Takeshiba, Tokyo. This pilot programme for last-mile deliveries is a joint initiative between Softbank and 7-Eleven.
  
  
• Japan Post: Rice Robotics has collaborated with Japan Post Group to deploy five delivery robots for last-mile deliveries in a residential area in the Chiba prefecture since March 2021. This implementation marks Japan's first practical implementation of robotic deliveries, showcasing the potential of Rice Robotics technology.
  
  
• Mitsui Group: Following successful implementations at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu and Mitsui Garden Hotel Kashiwa-no-ha Parkside in 2022 and 2023 respectively, Rice Robotics is providing its delivery services to Mitsui Garden Hotel too. It highlights the trust and satisfaction derived from Rice Robotics' solutions. 
  
  
• Toyota Motor Corporation: RICE robots have found an innovative application at Toyota's virtual showroom in Tokyo, where they serve guests with beverages, offering them a futuristic and engaging experience.

Founder and CEO Victor Lee emphasizes that Japan has emerged as Rice Robotics' largest market, surpassing Hong Kong. This significant shift is attributed to the rising demand for disinfection and delivery robots in the post-COVID era. Recognizing this trend, the company aims to deploy an increasing number of robots in Japan to meet the growing demand and capitalize on the market opportunities. Rice Robotics' success in Japan serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence within the robotics industry.

Rice Robotics' plans to establish a production plant in Hong Kong and expand its footprint in Japan have received strong support from its investors. Billy So, Founder of Soul Capital and an early investor in the company, highlighted the qualities of Founder and CEO Victor Lee as key to the success of it. "We invested in Rice Robotics because of Victor's unwavering passion, visionary leadership, and ability to navigate challenges to bring about mass adoption of robots," said So. "It's an honor to support Victor and his team as they continue to innovate and lead the way in the robotics industry." With the backing of committed investors, Rice Robotics is well-positioned to achieve its goals and continue its growth trajectory.

About Rice Robotics:

Established in 2019, Rice Robotics has emerged as a pioneering force in the field of workforce automation. With their advanced delivery and disinfection robots, the company is at the forefront of revolutionizing industries. These cutting-edge robots possess the ability to navigate complex environments, operate elevators, and autonomously recharge, eliminating the need for human intervention. Rice Robotics has successfully deployed their robots across a diverse range of locations, including malls, offices, hotels, and residences in Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand. Their unwavering dedication lies in shaping a future where robots are as commonplace and indispensable as smartphones in today's world. For more information, please visit: https://www.ricerobotics.com/en/

Media Contact: Tylor Ng (tylor@ricerobotics.com)