Former SpaceX engineers raise $115m for tech that removes operators from cabs

The company, founded by former SpaceX engineers, offers a platform that includes pre-construction software, a remote command-and-control centre, and retrofitted semi-autonomous heavy machinery, including excavators, dozers, loaders, rollers, and skid steers.

It converts the machines into robots that can then be controlled remotely as a fleet by fewer human operators.

The company claims that it can make human operators 300% more effective, speeding up project execution, reducing costs, and making jobs safer.

Founders Noah Schochet and Noah McGuinness met at Princeton University in the US before working on SpaceX programmes including Starlink, Starshield, and Starship.

They founded TerraFirma in 2024 and are working on projects in the housing, energy, transportation, manufacturing, and education sectors. Recent commercial projects include site preparation, excavation, and grading for a new Starbucks in North Austin, a sports arena in Spicewood, and a power substation in New Braunfels.

Following the latest injection of funding, the company is now looking for more engineers and construction professionals to develop its technology.

Noah McGuinness, CTO of TerraFirma said, “It is not about trying to fully automate construction equipment.

“Making construction truly faster and cheaper requires innovating on operations and technology together across the full stack. We believe autonomy is a part of the solution, but driving real change requires building a whole ecosystem of technology that is directly informed by rapid iteration and lessons from the field.”

“TerraFirma is succeeding at real-world scale, proving the business model works, and securing government and commercial contracts. This is clearly where the industry is headed,” said Josh Coyne, partner at Kleiner Perkins, the venture capital firm that invested $100 million in the Series A funding round.