Tombot Raises $6.1 Million in Series A Funding to Revolutionize Mental Health and Senior Care with Lifelike Robotic Companions
Tombot, the robotics company that captured global attention at CES earlier this year with its groundbreaking lifelike robotic puppy, Jennie, has announced the successful close of its oversubscribed $6.1 million Series A funding round. This milestone underscores the growing demand for innovative solutions at the intersection of mental health and assistive technology—a market that Tombot is uniquely positioned to serve.
“Tombot is entering a high-demand, underserved market where mental health and assistive technology converge,” said Tom Stevens, CEO and Co-Founder of Tombot. “Over 300 million seniors worldwide living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment are unable to care for live pets, despite needing companionship more than ever. Similarly, millions of individuals facing mental health challenges find themselves in situations where owning a live animal is not feasible.”
With artistic design by the renowned Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and developed under the guidance of clinical experts, patients, and their families, Jennie offers many of the emotional and psychological benefits associated with pet ownership—such as reduced stress, loneliness, and anxiety—without the challenges of caring for a live animal. Designed for use in private homes, assisted living facilities, memory care communities, and other settings where live animals may not be safe or practical, Jennie represents a transformative solution for individuals and caregivers alike.
A Revolutionary Companion Designed for Impact
Jennie is equipped with advanced sensors that allow her to respond to touch, voice commands, movement, and other sensory inputs, creating an immersive and interactive experience. Fully rechargeable and easy to clean, Jennie also comes with an optional caregiver app, enabling users to customize behaviors and streamline caregiving tasks. These features make Jennie not only a source of comfort but also a practical tool for improving the quality of life for seniors and individuals with mental health challenges.
The need for such a solution has never been greater. As the global population ages, the demand for effective tools to combat loneliness and provide companionship is skyrocketing. According to Dave Vreeland, Senior Managing Partner at Caduceus Capital Partners, the lead investor in Tombot’s Series A round, “We identified the growing need for robotic companions several years ago and believe the market is now on the verge of exponential expansion. By 2030, the U.S. alone is projected to have 73 million seniors—an aging population increasingly facing issues like loneliness, chronic disease management, and the need for companionship. These challenges are rapidly surpassing the capacity of human caregivers. Tombot is uniquely positioned to lead this emerging sector and drive widespread adoption of robotic companions.”
Fueling Growth and Innovation
The $6.1 million funding round, which saw participation from both new and existing investors, will serve as a catalyst for Tombot’s growth. The investment will enable the company to expand its team, finalize engineering efforts, complete regulatory and safety certifications, and prepare for the production and shipment of its first robotic pet to over 16,000 pre-order and waitlist customers.
“This investment will be rocket fuel for Tombot,” said Stevens. “We are deeply grateful to our Board of Directors for their unwavering support and especially thankful to Caduceus Capital Partners for recognizing and championing Tombot’s mission to create robotic animals that transform the daily lives of individuals, families, and communities facing health adversities.”
Addressing a Growing Global Crisis
Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognized as significant public health concerns, particularly among seniors and individuals with mental health conditions. Studies have shown that chronic loneliness can have severe consequences, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death. For many, pets provide a vital source of companionship and emotional support—but live animals are not always a viable option due to physical, financial, or logistical constraints.
Tombot’s Jennie addresses this gap by offering a lifelike alternative that mimics the behaviors and interactions of a real pet without the associated responsibilities. Her ability to engage users through touch, sound, and movement creates a sense of connection and purpose, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and improve overall well-being.
Transforming Lives Through Technology
Beyond its immediate applications in senior care and mental health, Tombot’s technology has the potential to revolutionize how society approaches assistive tools for vulnerable populations. By combining cutting-edge robotics with insights from clinical experts, Tombot is setting a new standard for what robotic companions can achieve.
As the company prepares to bring Jennie to market, it is clear that Tombot is not just developing a product—it is pioneering a movement. With its mission to enhance the lives of millions of individuals and families worldwide, Tombot is poised to become a leader in the burgeoning field of robotic companionship.
About Tombot
Tombot, Inc., established in 2017, designs realistic robotic companion animals for individuals unable to safely or practically care for a live animal. After Tom Stevens’ own mother’s progressive dementia necessitated the rehoming of her beloved pet dog for safety reasons, Tom launched Tombot. Tombot’s flagship product, Jennie, was designed specifically to treat the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). The Tombot founding team built a prior startup into one of the world’s largest legal automation companies and was successfully acquired.
