Viam

Viam

Open-source platform for smart machines

Overview

Viam provides an open-source platform for building, monitoring, and data managing smart machines and IoT devices. The platform lets developers create machines—ranging from industrial robots and autonomous vehicles to home devices—using any programming language, hardware, or existing software. It abstracts hardware and complex services into configurable components, so creating and prototyping smart machines is as simple as building apps. It also offers services to manage machines and capture their data to improve performance. Unlike some rivals, Viam emphasizes language- and hardware-agnostic configuration and open-source collaboration, enabling rapid iteration across factories, homes, and other environments. The goal is to help businesses innovate faster, manage their machines more effectively, and use data to make those machines smarter.

About Viam

Simplify's Rating
Why Viam is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Data & Analytics

Robotics & Automation

Enterprise Software

AI & Machine Learning

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Series C

Total Funding

$117M

Headquarters

Lafayette, Colorado

Founded

2020

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Series C closed in March 2025; Viam has raised $117 million total.
  • Tech Mahindra signed June 18, 2026, exposing Viam to global enterprise robotics accounts.
  • Rivertrace and Viam launched January 13, 2026, proving compliance automation demand in shipping.

What critics are saying

  • Tech Mahindra can commoditize Viam’s software layer after 2026 rollout.
  • Free Viam 101 lowers adoption friction, but usage-based pricing starts after five dollars monthly.
  • Open-source-style abstraction invites competition from Mujin, Oxa, and Clearpath Robotics.

What makes Viam unique

  • Eliot Horowitz brings MongoDB-grade infrastructure expertise and enterprise credibility.
  • Viam abstracts hardware into consistent APIs, preserving code across sensors, motors, and deployments.
  • The platform spans robotics, marine, manufacturing, and insurance rather than one vertical.

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Funding

Total Funding

$117M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

4 Rounds

Series C funding is usually for startups that are doing well and are looking for more money to fuel major growth, such as acquiring other companies, expanding into global markets, or launching new product lines. Investors typically include larger venture capital firms and private equity.
Series C Funding Comparison
Below Average

Industry standards

$50M
$40M
Figma
$50M
Medium
$62M
SeatGeek
$100M
Oura

Benefits

100% covered medical/dental/vision insurance plans, commuter benefits

Competitive salary & equity packages

Reproductive Health Benefits including Fertility Benefits and Abortion Access Travel Benefits

25 days paid vacation and generous holiday observances

One Medical Membership

Class Pass & Citi Bike memberships

Free lunch everyday that you’re in the office

Paid parental leave

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-1%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

-1%
Peerless Media LLC
Jul 17th, 2026
Viam launches free robotics course to help engineers scale robotics applications.

Viam launches free robotics course to help engineers scale robotics applications. Viam 101 launches on July 22. By Robotics 24/7 Staff July 17, 2026 Viam 101 opens on July 20. Stay up-to-date with news and resources you need to do your job. Research industry trends, compare companies and get weekly market intelligence with Robotics 24/7. Viam, a software platform for building, deploying and managing robotics applications, is expanding access to a faster path for robotics engineers. The company's new course, Viam 101, launches July 22 and offers a free, self-paced way for engineers to learn the platform entirely in simulation, with no hardware required to get started. The company said that the course includes over 90 minutes of video lessons and hands-on exercises, led by Shannon Bradshaw, Viam's SVP of Product and Education. Viam said that course participants walk through building a real robotics application step by step, using the company's platform, and come away ready to bring what they've learned to their own hardware. A faster way to build robotics applications. Viam said that robotics and automation projects have traditionally required months spent building infrastructure before any real product work can start, a process that slows down enterprise teams modernizing physical operations and startups trying to get from prototype to deployed product alike. The company said that its core premise is that engineers should not have to write custom drivers, manage networking or rebuild backend infrastructure every time they add a new sensor, motor, machine or deployment environment. Instead, Viam said that it abstracts hardware into consistent APIs, allowing developers to write control logic using an SDK in the language of their choice. The company said this means that the same application code can continue working even as the underlying hardware changes, helping teams move from prototype to production without rewriting the stack each time. The company said that Viam 101 is designed to teach that approach directly, showing engineers a faster, more modular way to build without needing to stand up that infrastructure themselves. Viam said that over 600 people have pre-registered for the course. From individual developers to entire enterprise teams. The company said that Viam 101 is the first course in what it describes as a larger education initiative. Viam said that its future plans include additional courses, hackathons and in-person workshops, all aimed at providing engineers an easier, faster way to build and scale robotics, whether they are individual developers learning the platform for the first time or enterprise teams bringing automation into production environments. Additionally, Viam announced that it is running a giveaway tied to Viam 101 registration. People who sign up for the course by July 31 are entered to win a UFactory Lite 6 robotic arm, a $3,500 value, according to the company. Latest in education and training. Latest in artificial intelligence. Latest robotics news.

Evertiq
Jun 19th, 2026
Tech Mahindra partners with Viam to scale advanced robotics.

Tech Mahindra partners with Viam to scale advanced robotics. Viam, a US-based software platform for advanced robotics and automation, has announced a partnership with Tech Mahindra, an Indian provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries. As a core partner in physical AI, Viam will work with Tech Mahindra to provide their global enterprise clients with direct access to the Viam platform for managing and maintaining robotic fleets at scale, Tech Mahindra said in a press release. Viam's advanced robotics and automation platform provides a unified software layer to build, deploy, and manage robotics applications at scale, enabling enterprises to manage robots with the same level of visibility and control as traditional IT systems. Viam's platform is both hardware agnostic and cloud agnostic, enabling Tech Mahindra's clients to accelerate adoption of advanced robotics and automation. "[S]caling robotics across complex industrial environments continues to remain a challenge due to fragmented software ecosystems, integration complexities, and the need for real-time fleet visibility and management. Our partnership with Viam will help address these challenges by combining Tech Mahindra's deep engineering and industry expertise with Viam's advanced hardware-agnostic robotics platform," said Manikantan N S, Global Delivery Head, Manufacturing Service Line, Tech Mahindra. "Together, we aim to enable enterprises to accelerate the adoption of scalable, secure, and intelligent automation solutions while improving operational efficiency and business agility." Tech Mahindra plans to expand its dedicated robotics and automation practice leveraging the Viam platform, enabling its global manufacturing clients to deploy automation solutions for customers across industries, the press release said. "Partnering with Tech Mahindra provides a massive opportunity for global enterprises to leverage Viam's platform on a global scale," said Eliot Horowitz, CEO and Founder of Viam. "The importance of the software layer in scaling automation solutions has become increasingly clear." Explore the evolving landscape of the electronics industry and plan your 2026 season with Evertiq Expo. Next up is Evertiq Expo Gothenburg[/URL-NOT] on September 17. Each event brings together key industry players, researchers and innovators shaping the future of electronics. To stay up to date with the latest developments, sign up for the Newsletter.

PR Newswire
Mar 24th, 2026
KONGSBERG launches Sonar AI virtual operator powered by Viam for real-time fish detection

KONGSBERG has launched Sonar AI, a virtual sonar operator powered by Viam, marking the next phase of their partnership that began in 2025. The AI-powered system continuously monitors Simrad By KONGSBERG fish-finding sonars, detecting fish in real time and alerting crews with visual markers and directional audio cues. Described as the world's first AI sonar operator for omnidirectional sonars, the technology tracks fishing history and becomes more accurate over time, enabling predictive fish-finding. It launches alongside KONGSBERG's new Simrad SY60 sonar and supports both the SY60 and existing SY50 models. Future updates may expand capabilities to assist with sonar settings and scanning modes. A special introductory offer is available for the first 50 boats. The system was demonstrated at the Palm Beach International Boat Show.

Maritime Fairtrade
Jan 14th, 2026
Viam and Rivertrace partner to advance maritime environmental compliance

Viam and Rivertrace partner to advance maritime environmental compliance. The partnership integrates Viam's AI technology with Rivertrace's oil-in-water monitors to improve compliance, reduce pollution, and modernise maritime operations at scale. January 13, 2026 - Viam, the software platform for marine robotics and automation, today announced a partnership with Rivertrace, the global leader in oil-in-water quality monitoring. Viam's platform supports Rivertrace in digitalising and automating critical environmental compliance monitoring aboard commercial maritime vessels. Rivertrace's monitors measure oil content in water discharge, ensuring vessels across marine, offshore, and industrial sectors are in compliance with stringent environmental regulations. Historically, critical compliance data including oil levels, flow rates, and GPS coordinates from Rivertrace monitors has been recorded manually, creating risk of inaccuracies. Discrepancies in oil-in-water logs can lead to ship detention, port delays, and costly compliance violations. Viam provides the infrastructure and AI models to digitally capture precise, real-time data from Rivertrace monitors, enhancing regulatory adherence, streamlining operations, and reducing ocean pollution. "Rivertrace has been a true leader in maritime environmental compliance monitoring for over 40 years," said Viam Founder and CEO, Eliot Horowitz. "The Viam platform brings new levels of accuracy and compliance assurance to Rivertrace's systems, directly benefiting fleet operators, the industry, and the planet." Maritime vessels must strictly maintain discharge oil content below internationally mandated thresholds, typically 15 parts per million (ppm), and the industry is moving toward even stricter standards to protect marine life and ensure clean water. The Rivertrace and Viam collaboration addresses this critical challenge, helping the industry meet evolving environmental goals without disrupting day-to-day operations. A patent application titled Marine Data Recording Apparatus and Method was published by the UK Intellectual Property Office on October 1, 2025, recognising the advancement achieved through this solution and its contribution to modernising maritime compliance technology. "Working with Viam has given us a future proof solution. The partnership highlights the benefits of the digital ecosystem within marine, automating previously manual transactions," said Rivertrace Managing Director, Martin Saunders. "Compliance is a key objective for our customers. We look forward to implementing the solution, providing tangible value for our customers." Viam helps companies add cutting-edge capabilities to existing systems and build new ones fast by integrating AI, data and automation. Viam works across the marine sector unlocking operational efficiencies for boat manufacturers and fleet operators while advancing ocean conservation priorities. In conservation, its work includes restoring oyster populations in New York Harbor in partnership with the Billion Oyster Project and preventing whale strikes through real-time monitoring with The Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce (WAVS). Viam was launched in 2020 by Eliot Horowitz, former co-founder and CTO of publicly traded database giant MongoDB. Earlier this year, the company closed a Series C funding round led by Union Square Ventures and joined by European investment firm Neurone. Viam continues to expand its footprint across the U.S. and Europe, including partnerships with leading global manufacturers and marine tech organisations in the U.K., Italy, and Norway. In November, Viam introduced its robotic block sanding system and surface-finishing capabilities to European boatbuilders at Metstrade 2025 in Amsterdam, further expanding its automation work in the region. The system is now on display at Viam's new R+D centre in Italy, a hub for collaboration with European manufacturers. About Viam Viam brings modern software engineering to robotics, with everything companies need to build and run intelligent machines. The Viam platform enables engineers of all disciplines to collaborate efficiently and build robotic solutions that are fast and future-proof. Viam powers solutions across sectors, including manufacturing, marine, climate, logistics, entertainment and more. Founded in 2020 by MongoDB co-founder and former CTO Eliot Horowitz, Viam is headquartered in New York City. viam.com About Rivertrace Rivertrace is an ISO 9001:2015 Quality-Assured Company and market leader in Oil in Water Quality Monitoring since 1983. Today, Rivertrace is at the forefront of designing equipment and systems that not only meet but exceed requirements of tightening environmental legislation for the marine, offshore and industrial markets. Our company ethos is to provide Cleaner and Smarter systems to provide our customers with a turnkey solution to meet their requirements. We are supported by a network of sales partners and service centres worldwide covering over 45 countries providing local service and spares support wherever the vessel is sailing.

Offshore Source
Jan 13th, 2026
Viam and Rivertrace Partner to Advance Maritime Environmental Compliance

Viam and Rivertrace partner to advance maritime environmental compliance. Viam, a software platform for marine robotics and automation, is announcing a partnership with Rivertrace, a global leader in oil-in-water quality monitoring. Viam's platform supports Rivertrace in digitalizing and automating critical environmental compliance monitoring aboard commercial maritime vessels. Rivertrace's monitors measure oil content in water discharge, ensuring vessels across marine, offshore, and industrial sectors are in compliance with stringent environmental regulations. Historically, critical compliance data including oil levels, flow rates, and GPS coordinates from Rivertrace monitors has been recorded manually, creating risk of inaccuracies. Discrepancies in oil-in-water logs can lead to ship detention, port delays, and costly compliance violations. Viam provides the infrastructure and AI models to digitally capture precise, real-time data from Rivertrace monitors, enhancing regulatory adherence, streamlining operations, and reducing ocean pollution. "Rivertrace has been a true leader in maritime environmental compliance monitoring for over 40 years," said Viam Founder and CEO, Eliot Horowitz. "The Viam platform brings new levels of accuracy and compliance assurance to Rivertrace's systems, directly benefiting fleet operators, the industry, and the planet." Maritime vessels must strictly maintain discharge oil content below internationally mandated thresholds, typically 15 parts per million (ppm), and the industry is moving toward even stricter standards to protect marine life and ensure clean water. The Rivertrace and Viam collaboration addresses this critical challenge, helping the industry meet evolving environmental goals without disrupting day-to-day operations. A patent application titled Marine Data Recording Apparatus and Method was published by the UK Intellectual Property Office on October 1, 2025, recognizing the advancement achieved through this solution and its contribution to modernizing maritime compliance technology. "Working with Viam has given us a future proof solution. The partnership highlights the benefits of the digital ecosystem within marine, automating previously manual transactions," said Rivertrace Managing Director, Martin Saunders. "Compliance is a key objective for our customers. We look forward to implementing the solution, providing tangible value for our customers." Viam helps companies add cutting-edge capabilities to existing systems and build new ones fast by integrating AI, data and automation. Viam works across the marine sector unlocking operational efficiencies for boat manufacturers and fleet operators while advancing ocean conservation priorities. In conservation, its work includes restoring oyster populations in New York Harbor in partnership with the Billion Oyster Project and preventing whale strikes through real-time monitoring with The Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce (WAVS). Viam was launched in 2020 by Eliot Horowitz, former co-founder and CTO of publicly traded database giant MongoDB. Earlier this year, the company closed a Series C funding round led by Union Square Ventures and joined by European investment firm Neurone. Viam continues to expand its footprint across the US and Europe, including partnerships with leading global manufacturers and marine tech organizations in the UK, Italy, and Norway. In November, Viam introduced its robotic block sanding system and surface-finishing capabilities to European boatbuilders at Metstrade 2025 in Amsterdam, further expanding its automation work in the region. The system is now on display at Viam's new R+D center in Italy, a hub for collaboration with European manufacturers.

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