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Spotlight on Robotics: Raising Capital in a Hardware-First World
May 21, 2025
Spotlight on Robotics: Raising Capital in a Hardware-First World
DealMaker was on the ground in Boston for the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo, joining more than 5,000 innovators, investors, and industry leaders pushing the boundaries of what’s next in automation, aerospace, healthcare, and beyond. As one of the headline sponsors, we had one goal: show robotics founders a smarter, more flexible way to raise capital.
Real Conversations with Real Founders
Throughout the two-day event, our team connected with hundreds of robotics founders and operators. Many are navigating the complex realities of scaling hardware-centric businesses—long R&D timelines, regulatory hurdles, and capital-intensive go-to-market strategies. Traditional capital sources don’t always fit.
That’s where DealMaker comes in. Our platform gives founders the ability to raise directly from their communities, fans, and strategic retail investors—all while maintaining control over their brand and investor experience.
For robotics companies, capital decisions go beyond financing; they influence long-term strategy and stakeholder alignment. Founders told us they not only want to build companies, but movements. And that requires more than just capital. It requires community.
On the Mainstage
Skylar Dammers took to the mainstage for a fireside chat exploring how robotics founders can raise capital on their own terms. The conversation unpacked alternative capital strategies that go beyond traditional VC; highlighting the benefits of raising directly from early supporters, users, and strategic retail investors. For robotics companies facing long R&D cycles and complex commercialization paths, flexibility and community alignment are essential.
DealMaker in Action
At our booth, attendees got a firsthand look at what DealMaker’s all-in-one platform can power: digital raises that scale with growth, tools to manage shareholders and compliance, and analytics to optimize every phase of the raise. Founder success stories and raise data and were brought to life, sparking meaningful conversations around alternative capital strategies.
The energy extended well beyond the demos, especially during our happy hour activation, where founders, operators, and investors stopped by to connect with our team and learn more about our approach.
Of course, the claw machine didn’t hurt. Packed with DealMaker swag and conversation-starting prizes, it kept the energy high and foot traffic steady—helping us turn curiosity into connection.
The Momentum Is Real
Robotics founders are rethinking the capital playbook. The companies leading this next chapter of innovation are combining breakthrough technology with stakeholder networks that support long-term growth.
DealMaker has already powered over $2B in capital raised, and more robotics founders are joining that movement every quarter. They’re choosing flexible raise structures. They’re tapping into investor communities who care about the mission. And they’re doing it all without compromising their growth strategy or giving up unnecessary control.
Missed Us in Boston?
The summit may be over, but the momentum continues. If you’re a robotics founder exploring capital options—or just want to see what a digital raise can unlock—we’d love to connect.
Let’s talk.
We’ll show you how to raise smarter, build faster, and grow on your terms.
When VCs said no, Monogram turned to retail investors. That decision powered their rise from startup to publicly traded company—and even helped them raise an additional $13M privately after their Nasdaq debut.
The Challenge: Raising Capital on Their Terms
The Challenge: Raising on Their Terms
Monogram Technologies was founded with a bold vision: to revolutionize orthopedic surgery with a robotic joint replacement system using custom 3D-printed joints. The market for this technology is massive—approximately $19.6 billion, with over 1 million knee replacements per year. But it's a capital-intensive, regulation-heavy space—and traditional VCs weren't biting.
Instead of compromising, co-founders Dr. Doug Unis and Ben Sexson went all-in on a different path: retail capital. Why?
- Control and ownership: Not only were they able to raise the capital they needed to grow the business—they did it on their own terms.
- Long-term asset: They wanted to build an army of true believers who wanted to see the company succeed and would continue to reinvest over the years.
- A value-add network: Raising from retail allowed Monogram to amass a waiting list of thousands of patients eager to participate in future trials.
- Aligned incentives: Their mission to improve patient outcomes and build a better future for those struggling with joint pain resonated with retail investors.
The Power of Retail: Monogram's Capital Journey
| Start Date | End Date | Type | Platform | Amount Raised | # Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/13/19 | 3/31/20 | A+ | SeedInvest | $14,588,668 | 6,000 |
| 11/16/20 | 1/16/21 | A+ | StartEngine | $2,965,501 | 8,000 |
| 1/17/21 | 2/18/22 | A+ | StartEngine | $23,647,853 | 14,082 |
| 7/15/22 | 3/16/23 | CF | DealMaker | $4,673,000 | 2,249 |
| 3/1/23 | 4/8/23 | A+ | Republic | $232,275 | 120 |
| 3/1/23 | 5/23/23 | A+ | DealMaker | $15,958,364 | 5,198 |
| 5/18/23 | - | Nasdaq listing | |||
| 7/24 | 10/24 | Unit Offering | DealMaker | $12,990,103 | 2,745 |
Monogram Capital Raise Timeline
Monogram's first direct-to-investor raise was a $14.6M round in 2019. Since then, Monogram has raised retail capital six additional times, using Reg A+ as a springboard to a Nasdaq listing in 2023.
Each raise brought in new believers—and more importantly, kept bringing them back. That's the long-term power of retail capital. It's not just one campaign—it's a compounding asset that grows with the business.
$80M+
Raised across seven campaigns
~40,000
Investors championing Monogram's vision
20%
Of each raise came from previous investors
Marketing Excellence
DealMaker Reach provided strategic investor acquisition services, helping Monogram connect with the right audience through high-impact channels.
Premium Publications
Targeted campaigns in premium publications like Morning Brew captured qualified investors
High-Engagement Webinars
Engaging events that generated over $4.3 million in investments
Community Building
Strategic approaches that fostered a loyal shareholder base
Investment Momentum
Innovative approaches that amplified investment momentum
Monogram's Journey to Success
Monogram's journey has been defined by relentless innovation, strategic fundraising, and breakthrough advancements in robotic-assisted joint replacement. From early-stage research to a Nasdaq listing and beyond, Monogram's milestones reflect its evolution into a pioneering force in orthopedic surgery:
- Filed its first patent application in 2017
- Conducted clinical studies at UCLA and University of Nebraska
- Expanded the team with key hires
- Attracted a top-tier advisory board to guide clinical innovations
- Signed their first distribution partnerships
- Made headlines with cutting-edge live demonstrations
- Secured 501(k) FDA clearance for the mBôs surgical system
Nasdaq Debut & Beyond
In May 2023, Monogram Orthopaedics successfully listed on the Nasdaq—a significant milestone offering liquidity and growth opportunities for the company.
For most companies, that would be the end of their story in the private markets. But for Monogram, it was just the beginning of a new chapter.
Public perception says you can't raise privately post-IPO. Monogram proved that wrong.
Defying conventional fundraising norms, Monogram raised an additional $13 million from private investors, powered by DealMaker. This move highlighted the power of a dedicated investor community and provided additional strategic growth capital. Meanwhile, strategic digital marketing for the private offering helped boost the public share price—a win-win for the company and its investors, both public and private.
This was retail capital at its best: strategic, repeatable, and aligned.
One vision. Zero compromises.
This wasn't a one-time raise. It was a multi-year capital strategy.
Retail capital helped Monogram:
- Go from concept to commercialization without relying on VCs
- Retain ownership and control in a high-burn industry
- Build a base of loyal shareholders who invested not once, but over and over again
- Uplist to the Nasdaq, and still keep raising post-IPO
This is what makes retail capital different. It doesn't expire—it compounds. And DealMaker is built to maximize that long-term value.
Ready to Raise Capital on Your Terms?
Whether you're pre-revenue or post-IPO, DealMaker gives you the infrastructure, support, and strategy to raise from the people who believe in you most.
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