Omni Ventures Bets Big on Factory Tech with $33M Fund

Forget the screen. The real action in AI might just be unfolding on the factory floor. Omni Ventures, a new kid on the VC block, is fueled with $33 million to invest in manufacturing tech startups. Founders Simon Lancaster and Sabrina Paseman, both ex-Apple engineers, are diving into a space many once overlooked.

These aren't just any tech startups. They're the kind that promise to transform production lines with AI, robotics, and new sensors. Omni aims to write checks ranging from $700,000 to $1 million to pre-seed startups. Backed by Allocator One and other international investors, they're tapping into a market that's seen a massive uptick in interest. The global investment in robotics and physical AI skyrocketed from $4 billion in 2019 to $26 billion in 2025. This year alone, the sector attracted more than $23 billion.

Why the shift? It's partly about AI moving beyond chatbots and into tangible tech. Lower hardware costs and the need to reshore supply chains play a role too. Lancaster and Paseman's vision is to catch and ride this wave, not just in the US, but globally. They're looking at a 'global dynamism' strategy that resonates with recent geopolitical trends.

Omni's already betting on companies like Uptool and Cargo Robotics. These ventures exemplify the potential impact on industrial logistics and machine shop efficiency. It’s not just about the money. It's about backing founders with real-world experience who can pinpoint industry pain points.

Here's the thing: Many big funds dismissed manufacturing as too niche until now. But with AI pushing into the physical space, the conversation is changing. It's not just about who's investing, but who stands to gain. If Omni's thesis proves right, they'll not only boost manufacturing but reshape how we view the industry's role in tech.

Watch this space. The next big tech revolution might just be happening where we least expected it: in the nuts and bolts of manufacturing.