Robot Lab, the First Robotics Incubator, Partners with the RobotShop Accelerator

Europe's first "robotic incubator" opened in Paris with the objective of providing all the tools and expertise needed to exponentially increase the growth and advancement of robots and connected objects of tomorrow. Robot Lab, launched by Alexandre Ichai and backed by Robot Capital Investment Funds, is essentially an ecosystem / network which allows designers to access all of the tools and resources needed for the creation and development of their products. It also allows external companies to discover such projects, supports their growth and even develops projects internally. Robot Lab will allow potential investors to discover the latest innovations in the field and to support the projects of their choice. Based in the heart of Paris, the workspace is quite unique, and promotes incubating startups by providing mentors, engineers, funding and strategic partners for manufacturing, marketing and distribution.

''From a developer's point of view, obtaining input from experienced entrepreneurs can be the key to the success of a project. From a technical standpoint, many companies are unfortunately developing technology from scratch which other non-competing companies may have already developed. From a financial perspective, finding strategic partners is critical to helping fund development and commercialization. When you work together, the possibilities are endless" said Alexandre Ichai, a computer developer turned entrepreneur and investor. (Translated from French)

  Robot Lab includes a mechanical workshop, an event hall, as well as more traditional offices. It offers technological resources, support in obtaining funding, a business angel network, mentors, management support services, and manufacturing and distribution support to selected external projects as well as those it incubates. This ecosystem allows them to create strong links between startups, makers, companies and investors. The creators benefit from these services in exchange for a portion of the capital they receive.

RobotShop announced that it will be placing the resources and expertise behind its Technology Accelerator (launched April 21, 2011) in support of Robot Lab. Since its inception, RobotShop's Accelerator has helped many innovators market their robotics projects. The Technology Accelerator involves bringing manufacturers and inventors together to refine and then distribute their products globally via RobotShop.com, the world's leading robot store. It also ensures the right market segments are targeted, at the right price, and then works with strategic partners to develop prototypes, production runs and more. It is essentially a"one stop shop" to get a product from concept to market.

RobotShop Accelerator

The RobotShop Accelerator program is designed to help inventors bring their creations to the market as efficiently and effectively as possible. The inventor signs a licensing agreement with RobotShop for his invention in exchange for a royalty from every sale. The Accelerator handles the production and marketing from A to Z.

By taking this approach, RobotShop is proud to support this first incubator by becoming the distributor partner of Robot Lab, providing incubated products an immediate and effective way to market their creations.

Mario Tremblay, RobotShop's CEO, said: ''We are committed to showcasing and distributing their selected products which have matured as part of Robot Lab. We offer a tremendous opportunity for makers who have had the chance to develop their projects in such a unique ecosystem.'' (Translated from French)

"When Alexandre approached me with his investment company "Robot Capital" and the idea of launching a first-class incubator in France, I immediately thought of a possible synergy with our Technology Accelerator." Continues Mario Tremblay, "technology changes rapidly and our common goal is to accelerate bringing products to market, minimize risk and eliminate barriers for creators. The ecosystem Alexandre and Robot Capital set up with Robot Lab will become an important agent in the field of service robotics, and a force for change that will promote technological innovation. We are very pleased to offer our sales platform to this effort, to benefit the creators of robots. The RobotShop Accelerator is, at the same time, benefited by the assistance which Robot Lab brings to projects.'' (translated from French)

Robot Lab aims to help the community of French makers to pass from concept to reality. By offering the best network for such projects, Robot Lab facilitates the creation of businesses and jobs while promoting innovation in the field of robotics. Robot Capital, a private equity fund dedicated to robotics, is committed to supporting, as lead investor, the best projects. Many partnerships with entrepreneurs, schools, companies and investors are currently under development.   For more information on the RobotShop Accelerator visit https://www.robotshop.com/en/accelerator.html. For more information on Robot Lab visit www.robot-lab.org For more information on Robot Capital visit http://www.robot-capital.com/