In June 2025, Naïo was placed under court supervision through a judicial recovery process to seek a buyer and avoid bankruptcy.
It marked an année horrible for the maker of autonomous agricultural robots, with revenue falling from €3.96 million in 2021 to €2.4 million in 2024. The downturn was driven by a sharp drop in demand for agricultural machinery and a crisis in the wine industry – one of Naïo’s key markets. Global wine production in 2025 has hit its lowest level since 1961, impacted by reduced supply, weaker demand, and adverse weather conditions.
Now, Naïo is entering a new phase of development, backed by €6.4 million in fresh financing and a revamped leadership team.
The company is relaunching under the joint leadership of Antoine Monville, a Toulouse-based industrialist, and Matthias Carriere, Naïo’s long-standing sales director. They are supported by Jean-Marc Nozeran, former president of Continental Automotive France, who chairs the Supervisory Board.
The new strategy – financed by Mirova, Bpifrance, and the Occitanie Region’s ARIS fund – focuses on scaling production, expanding European distribution, and consolidating R&D. Naïo aims to reach operational balance by 2028, with a target of 100 robots produced annually and €11 million in revenue by 2030. The plan also includes maintaining 21 jobs and creating 10 new positions.
Slowly but surely
Speaking to AgTechNavigator, COO Matthias Carriere emphasized the need for a gradual relaunch.
“Sales were totally down during the judicial recovery process,” he said. “The relaunch has to account for those six months of shutdown.”
Naïo is focusing on mature products and established markets, particularly in France, Spain, Italy, and Central Europe.
“The first steps are in markets we know well. Expansion will come once we’ve stabilied Naïo as a reliable company with our current products.”
The company is exploring synergies with OEMs, ag retailers, and cooperatives to scale distribution. While the wine sector remains central, Naïo is doubling down on local vegetable production, positioning its Oz robot as a turnkey solution for growers in Poland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy.
“It will be a game changer for local organic production,” Carriere said.
“We want a progressive relaunch,” he added. “The wine market is facing a crisis, but during a crisis you need to optimize production. Our robots will help winemakers become more efficient tomorrow.”
Technology with impact
Founded in 2011, Naïo has deployed over 350 autonomous, electric robots across five continents. Its solutions help reduce herbicide use by up to 70%, save hundreds of labour hours annually, and support the agroecological transition through reduced emissions and soil compaction.
“Building partnerships to industrialize our products will be key. We’ll continue focusing on our core strengths: navigation, safety, software, and agronomy,” said Carriere.
“With over 10 years of experience working closely with farmers, we know that the agroecological transition depends on efficient, accessible, and field-adapted tools. This new chapter will accelerate our European expansion and better support farmers in their daily work.”
CEO Antoine Monville added: “Naïo is entering a new stage of industrial and international development, with the ambition to consolidate its position as a leader in autonomous agricultural robotics. Together with our committed partners, we’re implementing a sustainable growth strategy based on innovation, reliability, and real-world impact.”
