CloudNC raises $20M to automate CNC machining bottlenecks

UK-based manufacturing software startup CloudNC has raised $20 million in a Series B extension round to accelerate the automation of CNC machining. The funding brings the company's total lifetime capital to $128 million.

The latest round was led by Nimble Ventures, with participation from Calculus Venture Capital, Entrepreneur First, and LM Capital, the venture arm of Lockheed Martin. CloudNC will use the capital to expand go-to-market operations, scale adoption of its CAM Assist software, and launch a new product called Quote Agent next month, which helps manufacturers estimate the cost and risk of new projects more rapidly.

Automating the Machine Shop

Founded in 2015, CloudNC targets the inefficiencies of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining. In traditional Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) workflows, programmers must manually specify every machining strategy. CloudNC’s AI-driven approach instead automates the "first-pass thinking" and repetitive setup tasks.

Its flagship product, CAM Assist, integrates directly with industry-standard systems such as Mastercam and Autodesk Fusion. The software automates critical technical decisions, including tool selection, approach directions, and cutting feeds and speeds. CEO Theo Saville describes the tool as an "expert assistant" that allows human programmers to review and approve a strategy rather than building it from scratch. Currently, CAM Assist is utilized by more than 1,000 machine shops worldwide, with 80% of that customer base located in the United States.

Addressing the Labor Gap

This shift toward automation addresses a systemic crisis in the manufacturing sector: a critical shortage of skilled workers. As the industry pushes for the reshoring of production to the U.S., the lack of experienced CNC programmers has become a primary bottleneck.

By reducing the time required to quote and program parts, CloudNC enables shops to increase total throughput and efficiency without needing to exponentially grow their expert headcount. Saville noted that machine shops must find ways to quote and program faster to deliver more output using the personnel and machinery they already possess.

Future Outlook

With the upcoming release of Quote Agent, CloudNC is moving further up the manufacturing value chain, targeting the initial bidding phase of production. The company's success will likely depend on how effectively it can integrate its AI tools into the rigid workflows of traditional machine shops. Observers will be watching to see if the expansion of its U.S. operations can keep pace with the growing demand for domestic manufacturing automation.