Key Takeaways
- Zach Rash transitioned from aspiring surfer to robotics entrepreneur after co-founding Coco in 2020.
- The company recently secured $80 million in funding, raising its total to over $110 million.
- Coco aims to expand its fleet from thousands to 10,000 robots by next year, having already delivered over 500,000 items.
A Shift from Surfing to Robotics
Zach Rash initially pursued a career in professional surfing, prioritizing it over academics in high school. However, his passion shifted during his time at UCLA. There, he teamed up with fellow student Brad Squicciarini, and together, they dedicated their time to creating robots in a small, windowless room.
Upon graduation, the duo faced the reality of the job market and quickly realized that starting their own company was the best route. “We had strong opinions about what it takes to get these things into the world,” Rash noted. This drive led to the founding of Coco in early 2020. The first robots were built in their living room, troubleshooting issues like scarcity of wheels. Their innovative spirit proved fruitful when their first deployment succeeded, with Rash and Squicciarini driving and fixing the robot on its maiden delivery.
Despite early hurdles, including significant financing challenges, the pair remained undeterred. They pitched over 200 investors, eventually securing $50,000 to start their venture. Rash remarked that this initial funding felt substantial and allowed them to demonstrate their capability to operate a delivery service beyond just constructing robots.
The commitment and drive paid off in June 2025, when Coco successfully raised $80 million in a funding round led by notable investors, including Sam and Max Altman, alongside Pelion Venture Partners and Offline Ventures. The total funding thus far surpassed $110 million, positioning Coco for significant growth.
With these funds, Coco Robotics plans to enhance its technology and scale its fleet substantially. “We expect to grow from low-thousands to 10,000 robots by the end of next year,” Rash stated in an interview with TechCrunch. This ambitious plan comes alongside the company’s robust performance, with Coco bots having delivered over 500,000 items to clients. Their partnerships span well-known brands including Subway, Wingstop, Jack in the Box, Uber Eats, and DoorDash.
Rash’s transformation from a surfing enthusiast to a leading figure in the robotics industry highlights his adaptability and vision for the future. As the company seeks to expand rapidly, Rash emphasizes their commitment to building robots as quickly and efficiently as possible.
For those interested in further insights, Rash will be speaking at SKS 2025, and details related to his recent discussions can be found on various podcast platforms.
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