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Forgepoint, a startup developing AI agents for manufacturing, raised $9.8 million in seed funding, CEO Jack Strauss tells Axios exclusively.

Why it matters: Manufacturing tech investment is surging as AI startups automate labor-intensive production. 

Follow the money: Primary Venture Partners and a16z speedrun co-led, joined by angel investors affiliated with OpenAI, Brex, Vercel and SoFi

How it works: New York-based Forgepoint's AI sales agent, Frank, helps manufacturers perform quote requests, prepare pricing and route orders for approval.

Forgepoint sells to metal foundries, injection molders, metal service centers and steel mills.

Between the lines: Physical AI companies, including those focused on warehouse automation, raised $8.2 billion globally in the first half of 2026 —more than double the funding invested during all of 2025, per PitchBook.

"There's a lot of focus on these antiquated industries," Strauss says.

Flashback: Strauss gained experience in the processing of sourcing parts while working at Northrop Grumman, Bain & Company and Xwing.

"I was consistently having overseas competitors put finished goods in my hand before American shops would respond to my request for a quote."

What's next: Forgepoint plans to hire more engineers, add more customers and develop agents for more back-office functions.

Exclusive: Forgepoint raises $9.8M led by Primary, a16z speedrun

Primary Venture Partners and a16z speedrun co-led the round as Forgepoint looks to automate sales and administrative work for manufacturers.

Illustration of a conveyor belt in the shape of a dollar sign.

Forgepoint, a startup developing AI agents for manufacturing, raised $9.8 million in seed funding, CEO Jack Strauss tells Axios exclusively.Why it matters: Manufacturing tech investment is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surging" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/supply-chain-deals/2026/06/22/manufacturing-capital-investment" data-vars-content-id="445f4648-b296-45ed-910f-11747792efe4" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Forgepoint raises $9.8M led by Primary, a16z speedrun" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/supply-chain-deals/2026/06/22/manufacturing-capital-investment" target="_self">surging</a> as AI startups automate labor-intensive production.

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Exclusive: Forgepoint raises $9.8M led by Primary, a16z speedrun

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