Why We Invested: Mirsee
At Redstick, we invest in founders who don’t just respond to change—they engineer it. In a world where the demands on industrial labor are growing more complex and less sustainable, Tarek Rahim and Robert Ings are building the future with Mirsee Robotics. Their bold vision is redefining how we think about automation—not as a replacement, but as a necessary evolution in the way work gets done.
The Problem: Labor Crisis in Critical Industries
The backbone of our food system isn't just farms and restaurants—it's the complex industrial infrastructure that makes modern food production and distribution possible. And this infrastructure faces a mounting crisis:
Critical labor shortages: Skilled technical workers are aging out faster than they can be replaced
Hazardous environments: Many essential maintenance and operational tasks involve dangerous conditions
Geographic limitations: Specialized expertise is concentrated in urban centers, while critical infrastructure is often remote
Skyrocketing costs: The combination of travel time, safety protocols, and facility downtime creates massive inefficiencies
These challenges aren't theoretical—they're already causing production delays, increased costs, and compromised safety across energy, utilities, manufacturing, and food processing sectors.
The Solution: Bringing Human Expertise Anywhere
Mirsee's approach is as ambitious as it is elegant: humanoid robots that can be controlled by skilled operators from anywhere in the world. Their teleoperated robotic system combines three breakthrough elements:
Proprietary hydrostatic actuators: Patented technology that provides human-like dexterity and precision
Intuitive VR-based control: Allows operators to "inhabit" the robot and perform complex tasks remotely
AI-enhanced operation: Machine learning that continuously improves performance and can eventually automate routine tasks
The result is a platform that doesn't just replace human workers—it extends their reach, keeps them safer, and multiplies their impact.
Why Mirsee Will Win
In evaluating robotics companies, we look for differentiated technology that solves real-world problems with clear economic benefits. Mirsee stands out with several compelling advantages:
Proprietary hardware edge: Their patented hybrid hydrostatic rotary actuator technology enables levels of precision that competitors simply cannot match
Real-world validation: Unlike many robotics startups focused on demos, Mirsee has already secured pilots in water treatment facilities in Canada, proving their technology works in demanding industrial environments
Capital efficiency: The team has achieved remarkable progress with minimal funding, demonstrating the kind of resourcefulness that drives long-term success
Strong IP position: Multiple patents around their core actuator technology and control systems create a significant moat against competitors
Recurring revenue potential: Beyond hardware sales, Mirsee's business model includes ongoing maintenance, software licensing, and potential "robotics-as-a-service" options
The Team Making It Happen
At Redstick, we believe the team is often the most important factor in early-stage investments, and Mirsee's founders bring exceptional technical depth and complementary skills:
Tarek Rahim (Co-Founder & CEO) - A mechanical design virtuoso who has led the development of over 1,000 robotic subcomponents and complex systems, with particular expertise in creating human-like dexterity in mechanical systems
Robert Ings (Co-Founder & Lead Electronics Designer) - The primary inventor behind Mirsee's award-winning hybrid hydrostatic actuator, with extensive experience commercializing complex hardware through his previous company AW-SoM, whose products have been used by the aerospace industry, the U.S. Navy, and other demanding customers
This founding team combines deep technical knowledge with the practical experience of bringing complex hardware to market—a rare combination that gives us high confidence in their ability to execute.
They've also attracted top-tier advisors, including Patrick Martinson from Clearpath Robotics, who brings invaluable experience scaling a robotics company globally.
Why This Market Matters Now
The industrial robotics market is at an inflection point, driven by several converging trends:
Accelerating labor shortages: An aging workforce is creating urgent demand for automation solutions, particularly in specialized technical roles
Technological maturity: Dramatic improvements in sensors, actuators, AI, and connectivity have made sophisticated robotics economically viable
Safety and ESG imperatives: Companies are increasingly motivated to reduce human exposure to hazardous environments, both for ethical reasons and to reduce liability
Market consolidation: We're seeing significant M&A activity in robotics and AI, with large industrial players acquiring innovative startups at premium valuations
These trends create a perfect moment for Mirsee's solution—a proven technology addressing an urgent need in a market with increasing strategic value.
Our Role
Beyond capital, we're excited to leverage Redstick's extensive network across industrial, government, and food and beverage sectors to help Mirsee secure additional pilots and commercial partnerships. Our experience with hardware scaling and supply chain management will be particularly valuable as they transition from prototypes to commercial production.
The Future We See
Today, Mirsee is focused on teleoperation—having skilled human operators control robots remotely. But their technology platform is building towards a future where AI can take on increasingly complex tasks, learning from human operators and eventually automating routine operations.
This progression from teleoperation to semi-autonomous to fully autonomous operation creates multiple growth vectors and positions Mirsee to address an expanding market that could reach tens of billions of dollars.
We couldn't be more excited to partner with Tarek, Robert, and the Mirsee team as they redefine industrial labor through advanced humanoid robotics, increasing efficiency, safety, and accessibility while solving critical workforce shortages across the food value chain and beyond.
— Shane Larisey & Cam Crowder
Co-Founders of Redstick
