Less than a year ago, Technopreneur presented the amazing story of Silas Adekunle – Nigeria’s celebrated robotics engineer who created the world’s first gaming robot MekaMon.
He has been celebrated across the world as one of the 30 Under 30 in European Technology.
Consequently Adekunle secured series of funding from interested investors to the tune of $10 million.
But sadly, Adekunle announced the closure of his company – Reach Robotics.
The news no doubt stunned the tech community, but Adekunle took it upon himself to explain his business decision.
“The consumer robotics sector is an inherently challenging space – especially for a start-up. Over the past six years, we have taken on this challenge with consistent passion and ingenuity,” he said.
“From the first trials of development to accelerators and funding rounds, we have fought to bring MekaMon to life and into the hands of the next generation of tech pioneers. Unfortunately, for Reach Robotics, in its current form at least, today marks the end of that journey,” he enthused.
Long journey
There is no doubt that Reach Robotics, located the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, made huge strides in robotics technology both in terms of hardware and app development.
Through the untiring efforts of Adekunle, the MekaMon prototype robot hit the global market – a stunning introduction of the world’s first gaming robot with seamless AR integration.
MekaMon was launched in dozens of territories.
But the tough world of start-ups eventually caught up, so that was it.
Pull the plug
Adekunle said although it was sad but necessary to ‘close shop’, he expressed gratitude to all of our investors, advisers, mentors, family and friends over the years.
“Special thanks to UWE, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Pervasive Media Studio, SetSquared and so many others who have supported our growth. Reach Robotics began with the vision of creating advanced and accessible robotics to entertain, inspire and educate. I hope to carry that vision forward into the future.”
What next?
When a business goes burst, a lot of re-assessment, cross-analysis, and stocktaking normally follow.
The same can be said of Adekunle!
“Following some travel and much needed rest, the journey will continue in the Non consumer Robotics sector and the STEAM Education sector.”
Our fingers are crossed…he’ll be back!