On the inaugural episode of RealTech News, Dexory’s CEO and Co-Founder, Andrei Danescu, joined host Sam to share insights on Dexory’s evolution, recent $80 million Series B funding, and the challenges of building a full-stack robotics company aimed at transforming warehouse logistics. Below are some of the highlights and key moments from their conversation.

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The vision behind Dexory: Robotics and real-time insights

Reflecting on Dexory’s origins, Danescu described the unique vision shared by him and his co-founders, Oana (CC&PO) and Adrian (CTO). They envisioned a system that could give businesses unprecedented real-time visibility into their operations using autonomous robots to capture and transform data into actionable insights.

"Our idea was to collect raw data, process it, and ultimately, provide insights that help our customers operate better and more efficiently," Danescu explained, noting how his technical background in electronics, control systems, and robotics set the foundation for this vision.

DexoryView, is central to this mission. Danescu shared, “DexoryView is essentially a global intelligence platform for logistics, a digital twin that not only visualises warehouses but integrates data from multiple sources, making each warehouse as queryable and data-rich as a traditional database.”

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From retail to logistics: Pivoting after the pandemic

Dexory's journey has been far from linear. The company initially aimed its robotic platform at retail, gathering environmental and visual data from stores to assist with inventory and shelf visibility. However, COVID-19 changed everything. Danescu recounted, “The retail applications we had built were for brick-and-mortar stores, but the pandemic opened up a new world of logistics as retail stores’ logistics partners started reaching out to us, asking if our technology could help with warehouse visibility."

That was a pivotal moment for Dexory, as they recognised the parallels and vast potential within the logistics sector. Yet this pivot was not without its challenges: “Going from servicing a 10,000-square-foot retail space to a million-square-foot warehouse required a massive redesign of our technology,” Danescu admitted. However, the team embraced the challenge and redefined the capabilities of their robots to scale up for large logistics operations.

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Navigating the complexities of robotics

Discussing the demanding nature of scaling a robotics company, Danescu acknowledged, "Robotics is close to impossible to commercialise; it’s extremely complex and costly." He highlighted how, as a full-stack company, Dexory had to develop everything in-house, from hardware to software integration, creating a seamless product capable of meeting their clients’ needs. “We wanted to have control over every aspect of development, from design and prototyping to installation and account management,” Danescu said, underscoring the depth of commitment required to make Dexory a success.

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Enabling, not replacing, the workforce

When Sam asked about the impact of automation on the workforce, Danescu clarified Dexory’s mission: “Our customers see our robots as supercharging their existing workforce, not replacing them.” The labour shortage in the logistics sector is an ongoing issue, and technology is stepping in to bridge this gap. “The idea of robots replacing jobs isn’t really the conversation here, it's about filling in where there simply aren’t enough people to do the job,” he noted.

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Building the right team and fostering a culture of resilience

Dexory’s growth has required building a team with a shared vision and commitment. Danescu shared insights into Dexory’s talent strategy, which involves seeking people from diverse backgrounds, especially those with a mindset geared towards continuous improvement and resilience. “It’s all about attitude,” he emphasised. Danescunoted that although the UK's robotics sector is still nascent, there is a strong talent pool, and Dexory has benefited from experts in fields like Formula 1 and aerospace engineering.

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What’s next for Dexory?

Looking ahead, Dexory’s recent Series B raise will fuel the expansion of DexoryView’s capabilities and enable further deployment of its technology in the U.S. and beyond. Danescu conveyed his excitement about partnering with DTCP and the other investors on Dexory’s journey. He acknowledged, “This fundraise isn’t about a final destination, it’s about reaching new milestones, and we’re far from done.”

In his closing remarks, Sam highlighted the determination and drive that Danescu brings to Dexory, noting, “Don’t bet against Andrei.” Indeed, as Dexory continues to scale and push the boundaries of warehouse automation, the future looks bright for this innovative robotics leader