Inside the funding round driving the shift to intelligent construction fleets
Updated
February 7, 2026 2:12 PM
Aerial shot of an excavator. PHOTO: UNSPLASH
Bedrock Robotics has raised US$270 million in Series B funding as it works to integrate greater automation into the construction industry. The round, co-led by CapitalG and the Valor Atreides AI Fund, values the San Francisco-based company at US$1.75 billion, bringing its total funding to more than US$350 million.
The size of the investment reflects growing interest in technologies that can change how large infrastructure and industrial projects are built. Bedrock is not trying to reinvent construction from scratch. Instead, it is focused on upgrading the machines contractors already use—so they can work more efficiently, safely and consistently.
Founded in 2024 by former Waymo engineers, Bedrock develops systems that allow heavy equipment to operate with increasing levels of autonomy. Its software and hardware can be retrofitted onto machines such as excavators, bulldozers and loaders. Rather than relying on one-off robotic tools, the company is building a connected platform that lets fleets of machines understand their surroundings and coordinate with one another on job sites.
This is what Bedrock calls “system-level autonomy”. Its technology combines cameras, lidar and AI models to help machines perceive terrain, detect obstacles, track work progress and carry out tasks like digging and grading with precision. Human supervisors remain in control, monitoring operations and stepping in when needed. Over time, Bedrock aims to reduce the amount of direct intervention those machines require.
The funding comes as contractors face rising pressure to deliver projects faster and with fewer available workers. In the press release, Bedrock notes that the industry needs nearly 800,000 additional workers over the next two years and that project backlogs have grown to more than eight months. These constraints are pushing firms to explore new ways to keep sites productive without compromising safety or quality.
Bedrock states that autonomy can help address those challenges. Not by removing people from the equation—but by allowing crews to supervise more equipment at once and reduce idle time. If machines can operate longer, with better awareness of their environment, sites can run more smoothly and with fewer disruptions.
The company has already started deploying its system in large-scale excavation work, including manufacturing and infrastructure projects. Contractors are using Bedrock’s platform to test how autonomous equipment can support real-world operations at scale, particularly in earthmoving tasks that demand precision and consistency.
From a business standpoint, the Series B funding will allow Bedrock to expand both its technology and its customer deployments. The company has also strengthened its leadership team with senior hires from Meta and Waymo, deepening its focus on AI evaluation, safety and operational growth. Bedrock says it is targeting its first fully operator-less excavator deployments with customers in 2026—a milestone for autonomy in complex construction equipment.
In that context, this round is not just about capital. It is about giving Bedrock the runway to prove that autonomous systems can move from controlled pilots into everyday use on job sites. The company bets that the future of construction will be shaped less by individual machines—and more by coordinated, intelligent systems that work alongside human crews.
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"Discover how emerging sustainability trends in digital marketing are reshaping the way small businesses connect with eco-conscious consumers."
Updated
January 8, 2026 6:35 PM
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Protestor holding a sign "NO BUSINESS ON A DEAD PLANET" during a march. PHOTO: UNSPLASH
Sustainability has become more than just a buzzword—it’s a movement that’s reshaping business practices across industries. For small businesses, aligning with sustainable values isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s about staying competitive in a world where consumers increasingly prioritize eco-conscious brands.
In the digital age, sustainable marketing is evolving rapidly, offering businesses new ways to reduce their environmental impact while engaging with customers who care deeply about the planet. Let’s take a closer look at the top trends driving sustainable marketing today and their implications for small businesses.
Most people don’t realize that online advertising has an environmental cost. Every time an ad is displayed, clicked on, or streamed as a video, it consumes energy. This energy powers the servers, data centers, and networks that host and deliver these ads. The problem is that much of this energy still comes from non-renewable sources like coal and natural gas, which contribute to carbon emissions.
For small businesses, this could mean optimizing ad campaigns to reduce unnecessary data usage or using platforms that offset their carbon emissions. Additionally, adopting lighter website designs and faster-loading ads can not only reduce energy consumption but also improve user experience—leading to better engagement and conversion rates.
Small businesses can stand out by making their digital campaigns both efficient and eco-friendly. Highlighting these efforts in marketing messages can appeal to sustainability-minded customers while showcasing innovation.
Sustainable packaging is no longer optional—it’s an expectation. But for small businesses, it’s not just about switching to biodegradable materials. It’s about effectively communicating those efforts to customers through digital channels.
Brands are using their websites, social media, and email marketing to share the stories behind their packaging choices. Whether it’s sourcing recycled materials or partnering with eco-friendly suppliers, transparency is key. Educational content, such as videos or infographics, can help customers understand the impact of their purchases and feel good about supporting a brand.
By using digital platforms to tell the story of their sustainability efforts, small businesses can create deeper emotional connections with customers. Sharing behind-the-scenes processes or celebrating packaging milestones can boost loyalty and differentiate a brand from competitors.
Influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for brands, and the rise of eco-conscious influencers is creating new opportunities for businesses that prioritize sustainability. These influencers focus on topics like waste reduction, ethical consumption, and eco-friendly lifestyles, making them an ideal partner for sustainable brands.
Collaborating with such influencers allows small businesses to reach niche audiences that are already committed to sustainable living. These partnerships feel more authentic compared to traditional ads, as followers trust influencers to recommend products that align with their values.
Even small businesses with limited budgets can benefit from micro-influencers —individuals with smaller but highly engaged audiences. Partnering with eco-conscious influencers can amplify a business’s sustainability message and create a ripple effect of awareness.
Consumers today are more skeptical of vague claims like "green" or "eco-friendly." They want specifics. Brands that embrace transparency by sharing measurable data about their sustainability efforts are earning trust and loyalty.
For example, brands that disclose the carbon footprint of their products or provide detailed information about their supply chains stand out in an age of greenwashing (misleading sustainability claims). This trend is particularly relevant for small businesses, as customers often expect smaller, local brands to be more ethical and transparent.
Being upfront about sustainability efforts—even if they’re still a work in progress—can build credibility. Sharing challenges, milestones, and small wins through social media or email newsletters makes the brand relatable and trustworthy.
The circular economy—a model in which products are reused, repaired, or recycled instead of discarded—is gaining momentum. Small businesses are finding creative ways to incorporate this principle into their operations and marketing.
For example, some businesses encourage customers to return used products in exchange for discounts or loyalty points. Others upcycle returned goods into new products and share this process with customers through digital platforms.
By participating in the circular economy, small businesses can differentiate themselves while building a loyal customer base. Promoting these initiatives online—whether through videos, blogs, or customer testimonials—can amplify their impact and attract eco-conscious buyers.
Sustainable marketing is more than a trend—it’s becoming a necessity for businesses of all sizes. For small businesses, it represents both an opportunity to stand out in a competitive market and a chance to make a meaningful impact on the planet.
Emerging trends like green digital advertising, circular economy initiatives, and transparency are reshaping how brands connect with their audiences. By embracing these practices, small businesses can attract eco-conscious consumers, build loyalty, and foster trust—all while reducing their environmental footprint.
The future of marketing belongs to those who see sustainability not as an add-on, but as the foundation of their growth. For small businesses ready to take on this challenge, the rewards go beyond profits—they include making a lasting, positive impact on the planet and the people who inhabit it.