Bright Machines is nearing a merger with a special-purpose acquisition company to go public in a deal that would value the manufacturing-automation business at about $1.6 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.
The creator of a platform that uses artificial intelligence and robotics to automate tasks in electronics manufacturing, Bright Machines is close to a deal with SCVX Corp., the people said. The merger could be announced as soon as this week.
Founded in 2018, Bright Machines says that its “microfactories” can be programmed to complete electronics-manufacturing tasks and continue improving as they repeat them. They make supply chains more efficient, removing the need for as many human workers and saving resources in many technology-dependent industries, the company says.
The San Francisco-based company currently has about 25 customers, according to its website. Its existing investors include BMW iVentures — the venture-capital arm of auto maker BMW AG — Eclipse Ventures and Lux Capital.
If the deal is completed, Bright Machines would be expected to generate about $435 million in cash proceeds from the roughly $230 million.
