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FinanceZalando invests in physical AI firm Sereact to boost warehouse robotics
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Zalando, Europe's leading fashion and lifestyle technology platform, has become a strategic investor in Sereact, a provider of physical AI for warehouse robotics and manufacturing. The investment is part of Sereact's ongoing Series B round, bringing the total to $116 million. Sereact's Cortex technology is a universal AI operating system that runs across various hardware forms, including single-arm picking cells, dual-arm return stations, and humanoid robots. The funding will be used to scale Cortex 2.0, which can anticipate physical outcomes and plan movements before robots act. Over 200 Cortex systems are already live across Europe, with customers including Daimler Truck, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. Sereact, founded in 2021 in Germany, has now raised over $145 million to date. The investment underscores Zalando's commitment to supporting European tech companies and modernizing e-commerce logistics.
Source report
By: Roy Stephen Canivel Source: Sourcing Journal
Zalando has become a strategic investor in Sereact, a provider of physical AI for warehouse robotics and manufacturing, highlighting the technology's potential to address the logistical needs of Europe's fashion industry.
Sereact announced in a recent statement that Zalando, Europe's leading technology platform for fashion and lifestyle, has joined its ongoing Series B funding round. This brings the total raised in this specific round to $116 million.
The investment is seen as a validation of Sereact's Cortex technology — a universal AI operating system that can run across multiple hardware forms, including:
- Single-arm picking cells
- Dual-arm return stations
- Humanoid robots
Zalando, founded in 2008, serves over 62 million active customers and offers access to more than 7,000 brands across 29 markets.
"Zalando's investment confirms that the foundation we're building Cortex on—real production data from live deployments—is the right path." — Marc Tuscher, CTO and Co-founder, Sereact
Sereact stated that the additional capital will be used to scale the next generation of its robotic brain, Cortex 2.0. The company promises this model will be able to anticipate physical outcomes, project trajectories of risks and efficiencies, and "plan movements before the robot even acts."
"This strategic investment underscores Zalando's commitment to supporting European technology companies, driving industry innovation, and shaping the standards of modern e-commerce." — Masood Choudhry, SVP for Logistics, Zalando
Over 200 Cortex systems are currently live across Europe. The funding will also support further international expansion. Sereact's customers include Daimler Truck, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.
The Series B financing round was led by Headline in April 2026, with participation from BullhoundCapital, Daphni, and FelixCapital, alongside returning investors AirStreetCapital, Creandum, and PointNine.
With Zalando's participation, Sereact — founded in 2021 in Germany — has now raised over $145 million to date.
"We're delighted that Zalando is now a strategic investor. That's a strong signal to the market: companies that focus on operational excellence believe in our technologies." — Dr. Ralf Gulde, CEO and Co-founder, Sereact
ZAL.DE: -1.67%
Source
Yahoo FinanceWestern
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Zalando Invests in Physical AI Firm Sereact to Boost Warehouse Robotics