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§ Private Profile · Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
Robotics-as-a-Service company providing autonomous security robots for large outdoor properties, focused on patrols and anomaly detection.
Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Ascento develops and manufactures autonomous, two-wheeled security robots that utilize artificial intelligence to perform continuous outdoor perimeter checks and anomaly detection. The company operates on a Robotics-as-a-Service business model, generating recurring revenue by leasing its all-terrain robotic guards by the hour to large commercial properties and industrial manufacturing plants. Ascento has raised a total of $7.86 million in venture funding, which includes a $4.3 million pre-seed round led by investment firms Breyer Capital and Founderful. Originating as a specialized robotics spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), the enterprise has established strategic commercial partnerships with major industry clients such as the security firm Securitas. Ascento was officially founded in 2023 by the core engineering team of Alessandro Morra, Dominik Mannhart, Ciro Salzmann, and Miguel de la Iglesia Valls.
Ascento has raised $4.0M across 1 funding round.
Ascento has raised $4.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Ascento has raised $4.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Ascento's investors include Founderful, Playfair Capital, Albion VC, Will Brooks, Will Martin, Daniel Kottlarz, Ryan Gariepy, Tim Kentley Klay, Tobias Redlin, European Space Agency, Innosuisse.
Ascento has raised $4.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $4.0M Seed in September 2023.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2023 | $4M Seed | Founderful, Playfair Capital | Albion VC, Will Brooks, Will Martin, Daniel Kottlarz, Ryan Gariepy, TIM Kentley Klay, Tobias Redlin, European Space Agency, Innosuisse | Announced |
Ascento is a Swiss robotics startup founded in 2023 that develops autonomous, all-terrain security robots for patrolling large outdoor properties, such as manufacturing plants, data centers, energy facilities, pharma sites, and warehouses.[1][2][3] The company offers Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS), allowing customers to rent the Ascento Guard robot by the hour for tasks like perimeter checks, anomaly detection (e.g., thermal scans, people detection, door/window verification), and integration with existing security systems via an AI-powered web app that provides real-time monitoring, encrypted communication, and reports.[1][2][3] Serving clients like Planzer, Stadler, SBB in Switzerland, and expanding to Germany and Benelux, Ascento solves the problem of costly, labor-intensive human patrols by delivering cost savings and quantitative insights from day one, with strong early traction including a $4.3M pre-seed round.[1][2]
Ascento was co-founded in 2023 by Alessandro Morra, Dominik Mannhart, and Ciro Salzmann, who earned recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list for their work in robotics.[1] Based in Zurich, Switzerland, the idea emerged from advancing autonomous outdoor security, leading to rapid milestones like Innosuisse and Venture Kick funding (CHF 150,000) for innovation acceleration, a $4.3M pre-seed round, and pilots such as Securitas testing on SBB sites.[2] Early traction built a customer base in Switzerland and Europe, with international exposure via Venture Leaders roadshows and awards like the W.A. de Vigier Award shortlist.[2]
Ascento rides the autonomous robotics and AI security wave, addressing labor shortages and rising security demands in industrial/outdoor settings amid global supply chain vulnerabilities and energy infrastructure needs.[1][2] Timing aligns with post-2023 AI advancements enabling reliable edge AI for anomaly detection, while market forces like high guard wages and 24/7 coverage gaps favor RaaS over capex-heavy alternatives.[2] It influences the ecosystem by pioneering outdoor robot rentals in Europe, competing with indoor players (e.g., SEQSENSE in Japan, Indoor Robotics in Israel), and pushing boundaries via research funding—potentially standardizing AI-augmented patrols for critical infrastructure.[1]
Ascento is poised for scaling via RaaS expansion across Europe and beyond, leveraging its $4.3M funding for robot fleet growth and AI enhancements amid surging demand for autonomous security.[2] Trends like AI edge computing, thermal/multi-sensor fusion, and labor automation will propel it, potentially capturing share in a market projected to boom with data center and pharma expansions. Its influence may evolve from Swiss innovator to global leader, redefining perimeter security—echoing its origins as a Forbes-recognized disruptor delivering "next-gen" outdoor vigilance.[1][3]