Guidewheel, an innovator in AI-powered FactoryOps, has successfully closed a $31 million Series B funding round, led by Decarbonization Partners, a collaboration between BlackRock and Temasek. Additional support came from Ecolab, Rethink Impact, and GSBackers, alongside existing investors Greycroft and Breakthrough Energy Ventures.
Guidewheel’s platform brings artificial intelligence to factory floors globally, enhancing machine efficiency and production. Guidewheel’s system uses non-invasive sensors, akin to smartwatches for machines, to monitor the real-time operational “heartbeat” of machinery. This data is then integrated into a comprehensive, AI-driven operations platform that boosts productivity and aids in achieving environmental goals. The customers report a 41% increase in production from existing assets. Within the same FactoryOps platform, Guidewheel builds in all the tools manufacturers need to track and manage energy and carbon towards sustainability goals.
The funding will allow Guidewheel to accelerate its product development, expand its AI team, and enhance support for a rapidly growing customer base. Lauren Dunford, Co-founder and CEO of Guidewheel, highlighted the transformative impact of their technology: “A new industrial revolution is taking place that will reshape not only manufacturing processes, but entire business models—and the importance of manufacturing has never been clearer. Guidewheel changes that by providing a fast, scalable solution that minimises operational disruption to swiftly connect all machines—across all ages, makes, and models—at a fraction of the cost of competitive solutions.”
Dr. Meghan Sharp, Global Head and Chief Investment Officer of Decarbonization Partners, praised Guidewheel for its role in enhancing manufacturing efficiency and sustainability. “We’re excited to support Guidewheel not just because their technology solves an important problem for manufacturers, but because they’ve found a way to build sustainability into the core of manufacturing operations. By using Guidewheel to help manage their factory operations, customers can not only improve efficiency and reduce costs, but also reduce energy consumption and emissions,” she stated.
Guidewheel’s AI technology is rapidly being adopted by leading manufacturers like General Motors, Kimberly Clark, and Johnson & Johnson, praised for its simplicity and effectiveness in enhancing factory productivity. Jim Campbell, CEO of Automated Solutions in North Carolina and a Guidewheel customer said, “Guidewheel requires no programming and no advanced computer knowledge, yet it provides sophisticated, crucial data for operational success.”
Carmichael Roberts of Breakthrough Energy Ventures said, “Reaching net zero starts with how we build things. We believe Guidewheel can play a critical role in global industrial decarbonisation by enabling manufacturers to better track and manage energy use. Guidewheel is empowering factories globally to reach sustainable peak performance, and the company’s continued growth is a testament to the technology and the team behind it.”
