CloudNC Raises $20M to Expand AI Machining Tools

CloudNC has secured $20 million in funding to accelerate the adoption of its AI machining software across industrial workshops. The capital injection will support the launch of a new product designed to address Quote Agent, a tool targeting the critical commercial bottleneck that precedes every job in precision manufacturing. This strategic move aims to streamline the quoting process, which is often a manual and time-consuming hurdle for manufacturers.

The investment round was led by Nimble Ventures, with participation from Calculus Venture Capital, Entrepreneur First, and LM Ventures, the venture arm of Lockheed Martin. CloudNC, based in London with its own factory in Chelmsford, plans to deploy these funds toward expanding its commercial footprint in both established and emerging markets while developing its product suite further.

Solving the Programming Bottleneck

The company’s existing flagship product, CAM Assist, addresses one of the most labor-intensive aspects of computer-controlled machining: translating part designs into executable toolpaths. This programming task requires significant skill and repetition, often consuming hours of work for each component. Consequently, machine shops frequently face idle equipment despite having backlogged orders due to this programming delay.

CAM Assist automates this generation process, allowing machinists to review and adjust the output rather than starting from scratch. Currently, over 1,000 machine shops utilize the platform, including several hundred located in the United States. By reducing the time required to prepare jobs for production, the software helps facilities maximize their throughput and efficiency.

Targeting the Quoting Constraint

The upcoming Quote Agent product focuses on a different operational challenge: pricing enquiries before any physical work begins. Manual assessment of job requirements to determine cost and feasibility is a primary determinant of whether a manufacturer wins a contract. Speed and accuracy in this phase are crucial for maintaining competitiveness and protecting profit margins.

“Quoting is one of the biggest hidden bottlenecks in precision machining,” said Theo Saville, CloudNC’s chief executive and co-founder. “Move too slowly and shops can lose the opportunity, or price inaccurately and they can lose margin once the job reaches production.”

This second product represents a strategic expansion beyond the shop floor. While programming tools appeal directly to technical staff, quoting software engages decision-makers responsible for financial outcomes. It provides tangible data that customers can validate against their own historical performance within weeks, facilitating quicker adoption cycles. Additionally, it introduces CloudNC to buyers who previously had no need for CAM-specific solutions.

Strategic Positioning and Defense Ties

Notably absent from the announcement were details regarding valuation, total capital raised to date, or an official letter from investors. CloudNC previously closed a $45 million Series B in June 2022, supported by Atomico and Episode 1 Ventures, with Autodesk and Lockheed Martin joining as strategic partners. The current raise appears focused on scaling operations rather than signaling a dramatic shift in company valuation, although specific metrics remain undisclosed.

CloudNC distinguishes itself in the industry by operating its own precision machining facility in Chelmsford. This dual approach allows the team to test software under real-world constraints faced by clients, rather than relying solely on simulations. This model has been central to its value proposition since early backing from Atomico and Episode 1, though balancing software development with physical manufacturing can sometimes divide attention within small teams.

The company also maintains strong ties to the defense sector. Lockheed Martin serves as both an investor and a named customer, alongside Major Tool and Machine. Furthermore, CloudNC is collaborating with Knox Systems to achieve FedRAMP certification for CAM Assist, which would authorize its use by US government agencies and defense contractors handling sensitive data.

John Burbank, founder of Nimble Ventures, linked the investment directly to national security interests, stating that automating CNC work will enable “massive increases in onshoring of manufacturing and global production of mission-critical components”.

This focus on onshoring aligns with broader industrial policy goals in Western nations. As experienced machinists retire faster than they can be replaced, there is increasing pressure to bring production closer to home. Software that enhances the productivity of existing machinery offers a viable solution within the tight timelines demanded by policymakers. Founded in 2015 to automate a niche segment of industrial software, CloudNC now finds itself at the center of significant industrial strategy discussions.