NEW YORK, NY, Nov 13, 2026 – Nidus has announced $30 million in funding, backed by Kleiner Perkins and Costanoa to expand deployments of its AI-based robotics technology in U.S. defense manufacturing. Nidus develops and deploys foundation robotics models across America’s defense factories, using sovereign AI training practices.
Other investors include Ludlow Ventures, SF1, Absolute Partners, Tau and angel investors, including Chris Power, founder of Hadrian; Adrian Aoun, co-founder of Dulo, Foundational Industries and Seneca; and Nikhil Goel, chief commercial officer at Archer.
“I grew up in rural South Carolina and watched offshoring create the current industrial base crisis,” said Justin Sealy, co-founder and CEO of Nidus. “At this point, we can’t out-labor or out-scale our competition. We need to leapfrog the rest of the world by deploying physical AI that scales America’s existing industrial capacity. This is why we started Nidus.”
Robotics Deployment in Defense Manufacturing
Nidus exceeded $1 million in revenue during its first four months. The company is delivering customized models for wire-processing automation to meet Department of War security requirements.
“In physical AI, the value will accrue to players that prioritize deployment and customer value. And Nidus is the rare team that has actually deployed AI into the most locked-down environments in the country” said Aatish Nayak, partner at Kleiner Perkins. “The demand they’re seeing is a testament to the value of their mission and product. We’re thrilled to back Justin, Charu, Harrison, and Cane as they bring AI to the factories America’s security depends on.”
“The U.S. cannot rebuild industrial capacity through new construction alone. Nidus is taking a different approach, using AI and robotics to increase production inside existing factories,” said Greg Sands, founder and managing partner at Costanoa. “We backed Justin and the team at pre-seed because of their firsthand experience with the challenges of American manufacturing and their technical ability to address them. We believe Nidus has the potential to make a meaningful difference in how critical products are manufactured in the U.S.”
Funding and Expansion Plans
Nidus plans to use the funding to expand its team and technology beyond wire-harness automation into additional factory workflows and scale production deployments with U.S. defense manufacturers.
“We only build for American institutions that are vital for securing democracy,” added Sealy. “We believe in a future where American industry is self-sustaining and no longer dependent on foreign production. We’re building the infrastructure to make that future a reality.”
Source: Nidus
About Nidus
Nidus is a U.S. technology company developing AI and robotics systems for industrial manufacturing. Headquartered in New York City, Nidus develops robotic systems to operate manufacturing equipment and automate industrial processes. Its technology combines robotic hardware, software, sensors, computer vision and machine control systems. The company serves manufacturers, defense contractors and suppliers to the U.S. defense industry. Nidus develops robotic manipulation, automated controls and equipment integration technologies for factory operations. Its engineering activities include mechanical design, electrical integration, robotics development and manufacturing automation. The company also develops software to manage industrial equipment and reduce manual intervention. Nidus products are meant for use in manufacturing facilities and industrial production environments.
