We’ve all heard of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and of course, the hardware needed for that software to work. But what happens when SaaS and complex hardware collide? To get more news about RaaS, you can visit glprobotics.com official website.
Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) Defined
Imagine a fleet of flying robots designed to deliver blood to those in need in Rwanda. The drones operate on a cloud-based rental system, allowing doctors to use them on an ongoing basis. While this may sound like science fiction, it’s a real-life example of Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS).
Since this fleet of robots has been in operation, maternal mortality rates across Rwanda have dropped below the U.S’.
This life-saving venture is made possible thanks to RaaS: a business model that allows robotics companies to rent out their solutions to other companies on an ongoing basis. The renters benefit from this model because it:
It’d be wildly expensive and time-consuming if doctors had to purchase the flying robots rather than “hiring” them as needed. Plus, certain functions require the expertise of robotics engineers (i.e., adjusting to wind speed and direction, traveling to the correct coordinates, etc.).
The pay-as-you-go model — or SaaS — has stretched far and wide over our society and has now reached robotics. However, bringing a new RaaS solution to market isn’t as easy as having an idea. You’re likely going to have to bring on investors.
What Investors Look For
RaaS investors like Paul and his partners at grep -vc look for a handful of key components in a founder:
They understand where the hardware is. Paul has heard one too many pitches for ideas using hardware that won’t be available any time soon. He looks for solutions based on hardware that’s predicted to come out in the next two years.
They understand what goes into the execution. RaaS investors aren’t only interested in your idea — founders need a realistic plan of action to go with it. Paul recommends that founders get some execution experience before they start pitching.
They’re technical. Paul is particularly excited to work with founders who are technical and operational. If someone comes to an investor like him, they’d better be willing to get their hands dirty to make their idea an actual solution.
What Founders Look For
RaaS is a sexy new trend to invest in. Because of this, founders need to make sure potential investors understand the market and don’t jump in like starry-eyed fanboys.
With a unique background in engineering, marketing, and venture capitalism, Paul offers solid advice for VCs exploring RaaS: