UK-based startup CloudNC has secured a $20 million B extension round, bringing its lifetime total to $128 million. The company’s AI-powered CAM Assist software automates parts of the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining process, helping machinists and programmers make more efficient strategic decisions. By selecting suitable tools, approach directions, and cutting feeds and speeds, CAM Assist allows users to review, edit, and approve the results. The software aims to support wider adoption and strengthen go-to-market operations, expanding into new markets and developing new products such as Quote Agent.

CloudNC’s CEO Theo Saville launched the company in 2015 with Chris Emery, now the company’s chief science officer. CAM Assist, which plugs into traditional CAM systems, is used by over 1,000 machine shops worldwide, with 80% of customers based in the U.S. Saville sees the company’s biggest goal as scaling adoption, with the launch of Quote Agent next month, which helps shops assess the estimated cost and risk of new projects.

With geopolitical factors such as reshoring and a shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing, machine shops need to quote faster and program more efficiently. CAM Assist and Quote Agent are designed to help with this, allowing shops to make more informed decisions and deliver more with the resources they have.

‘There are more ways to machine a typical CNC part than there are atoms in the universe,’ says Saville, underscoring the complexity of the problem CloudNC has tackled. The company’s efforts have been a long process, involving its own factory, software team, and hard lessons from real machining.