European Robotics and Car Rental Startups Secure Pre-Seed Funding

CEO Dr Stuart Wilson noted that recent progress in robotics hardware and AI has cut the cost of deploying robots, but that software remains a significant barrier to wider adoption.

Sigvi

Vilnius-based Sigvi, described as an AI revenue agent for the car rental industry, raised €1.2 million in pre-seed funding to fund product development and international expansion, EU-Startups reported. The round was led by Helsinki-based venture capital firm Superhero Capital, with participation from Vladas Lašas, Chairman of the Lithuanian Business Angel Network and co-founder of the Carbon War Room, alongside other angel investors.

Founded in 2023 by Vytis Šliažas (CEO), Ignas Gibas (COO), and Mindaugas Banaitis (CTO), Sigvi aggregates vehicles from independent fleet operators and private owners and manages operations end-to-end. Its AI engine handles dynamic pricing, bookings, keyless 24/7 vehicle access, automated inspections, predictive maintenance scheduling, and customer support. The company says its professionally managed vehicles are typically priced around 30% below traditional international rental brands.

EU-Startups reported that Šliažas said Europe is travelling more than ever while the car rental experience has not kept pace, adding that many quality vehicles owned by independent operators sit idle for lack of technology to reach customers.