Zalando Invests in Robotics Startup Sereact – Funding Round Rises to $116 Million

The Stuttgart-based robotics and AI company Sereact has secured Zalando as a strategic investor. With the Berlin-based e-commerce group’s investment, the ongoing Series B funding round has grown to a total of 116 million U.S. dollars. The capital will be used primarily to further develop the Cortex 2.0 AI platform and to support international expansion.

The funding round was originally led by Headline in April 2026. Other investors include Bullhound Capital, Daphni, Felix Capital, and existing investors Air Street Capital, Creandum, and Point Nine. With Zalando’s investment, Sereact has raised a total of more than $145 million since its founding.

AI for the Next Generation of Warehouse Automation

Sereact develops what is known as “physical artificial intelligence” for warehouses and production environments. At its core is the Cortex platform, a universal AI operating system capable of controlling robots of various designs—from classic order-picking robots to dual-arm systems and even humanoid robots.

According to the company, more than 200 Sereact systems are already in use across Europe. Over one billion real-world order-picking operations have now been successfully carried out on the platform.

With Cortex 2.0, the technology is set to take the next step in its development. Instead of simply having robots react to situations, the new AI plans movements in advance, assesses risks, and simulates possible outcomes before an action is executed. This so-called “plan-and-try” approach is expected to significantly increase efficiency and reliability in automation.

Strategic Partner from the E-Commerce Sector

For Zalando, this investment is more than just a traditional financial investment. The fashion retailer views Sereact’s technology as a key building block for the future of automated fulfillment processes.

The additional capital is intended to help further expand the Cortex platform and tap into new international markets. At the same time, the involvement of one of Europe’s largest e-commerce companies underscores the growing importance of intelligent robotics for logistics and warehousing.

Robotics as a Key Technology in Logistics

Sereact was founded in Stuttgart in 2021 and is now one of Europe’s leading providers of AI-based warehouse robotics. Its customers include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Daimler Truck, Österreichische Post, the Rohlik Group, and other international logistics and industrial companies.

With the expanded financing and Zalando’s strategic investment, the company aims to further strengthen its position in the physical AI market and drive the next generation of autonomous warehouse automation.