Hivebotics Secures £6m for Airport Robotics
Singapore-based travel technology companies Hivebotics and Laters.com have successfully raised new funding rounds. Hivebotics secured USD 6 million for its airport robotics, while online travel agency Laters.com received USD 1.5 million to expand its flight booking platform.
Hivebotics Funding Targets Airport Robotics Expansion
Hivebotics, a Singaporean robotics firm, recently closed a USD 6 million Series A funding round. Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India led the investment. Fareast Land Development and Rigel, a restroom product manufacturer, also participated. Founded in 2021, Hivebotics develops autonomous systems for facilities management. Its primary focus includes cleaning operations within various public spaces.
The company's flagship robot, Abluo, uses an articulated arm. This robot cleans toilets, urinals, sinks, and floors. Hivebotics’ HiveIntelligence software complements Abluo by planning and monitoring cleaning tasks. Hivebotics stated Abluo has operated for nearly 10,000 hours. These operations span over 20 sites across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Notable locations include hospitals, shopping malls, and airport terminals.
This new capital will facilitate Abluo's transition from pilot deployments to volume production. Hivebotics also plans to expand its distributor network across its key markets. Further development of the HiveIntelligence software platform is also a priority. The investment demonstrates a growing interest in automated solutions for maintaining large public facilities, particularly within the travel sector.
Laters.com Expands Flight Booking Platform with Seed Capital
Laters.com, a Singapore-based online travel agency, secured USD 1.5 million in seed funding. XBO Ventures, the investment arm of digital asset platform XBO.com, led this round. Angel investors from the payments, fintech, and enterprise technology sectors also contributed. The company, formerly known as Fly Fairly, completed its rebranding to Laters.com in June. It was founded in 2023 and launched its platform in August 2024.
Laters.com stated it sells flights across more than 650 airlines. The platform supports over 100 payment methods. These options include digital wallets and cryptocurrencies. It also offers approximately 40 buy now, pay later (BNPL) and instalment plans. The company reported monthly profitability since February 2025. It currently operates at a rate serving over one million travellers annually. These travellers use the platform to find and book flights.
The seed capital will support Laters.com in several key areas. Plans include growing the brand presence and expanding its core business operations. The company also intends to develop new products and vertical offerings. This investment highlights a market demand for flexible payment solutions in online flight bookings. It also demonstrates confidence in travel platforms integrating diverse financial technologies.
Industry Implications for Operational Efficiency and Consumer Payments
These funding rounds reveal investor confidence in specific segments of travel technology. The investment in Hivebotics points to a growing emphasis on operational efficiency and hygiene within travel infrastructure. Automated cleaning solutions, particularly in high-traffic areas like airport terminals, can enhance public health standards. This development may lead to more streamlined facility management for airport operators. It could also contribute to an improved perception of cleanliness for travellers.
Laters.com's funding highlights the evolution of payment options in online travel. The integration of digital wallets, cryptocurrencies, and BNPL services reflects changing consumer preferences. Travellers increasingly seek flexibility and diverse payment methods for flight purchases. This trend may drive other online travel agencies to broaden their payment offerings. Such shifts could simplify booking processes and make travel more accessible.
Both investments suggest a strategic focus on enhancing the travel experience through technological innovation. Hivebotics addresses the operational backbone of travel, while Laters.com targets the consumer booking interface. Industry stakeholders should monitor the adoption rates of these technologies. Continued innovation in these areas will likely shape future operational models and consumer purchasing behaviours within the global travel sector.
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