The phrase “atoms, not bits!” has resonated powerfully in Silicon Valley, highlighting a renewed focus on physical manufacturing alongside digital products. This sentiment gained momentum recently with the announcement that Jeff Bezos is establishing a $100 billion fund aimed at acquiring and automating manufacturing facilities.
However, the challenge of automating factories extends beyond the realm of hardware; it increasingly relies on advanced software and artificial intelligence (AI). This shift is transforming the landscape for companies involved in developing the infrastructure necessary for physical manufacturing.
Karthik Gollapudi, CEO of Sift, a company based in El Segundo, California, is keenly aware of these changes. Sift provides tools designed for the intricate design and production of machines, including spacecraft and vehicles. Since its establishment in 2022, after Gollapudi and co-founder Austin Spiegel worked at SpaceX, the company has shifted its focus significantly in response to the evolving technological environment.
Traditionally, companies developing advanced machinery employed basic database tools or created their own scripts. In contrast, Sift aims to deliver superior software solutions. Its customers include major players like United Launch Alliance and various startups in robotics and power grid management.
With the advent of AI and data analysis tools, however, Gollapudi noted that Sift had to adapt. The unique workflows that distinguished Sift’s offerings have now become standard practice, while the firm’s capability in managing data infrastructure has gained increased importance. Gollapudi remarked that the vision he had outlined five years ago is unfolding much sooner than anticipated.
Today’s software-centered machines generate vast amounts of data, with some vehicles integrating over 1.5 million sensors streaming information simultaneously. Sift’s primary goal is to effectively organize and store this data for applications in AI and machine learning, ensuring the data is accessible and interpretable. “A lot of the value is in exposing that to be machine readable,” Gollapudi explained, highlighting the necessity for AI systems to make informed decisions in manufacturing.
Jeff Dexter, Vice President of Software at Astranis, a satellite manufacturer that utilizes Sift’s services, emphasised the critical role of robust data infrastructure, particularly for companies performing millions of automated software tests daily. He pointed out the immense costs associated with data storage, stating that it can rapidly escalate to millions monthly. “With technology like Sift, I don’t worry about how much data is there,” Dexter noted.
In terms of funding, Sift successfully raised $42 million in a Series B round in 2025, resulting in a post-money valuation of $274 million. This funding was led by StepStone and received contributions from GV (Google’s venture capital arm), Riot Ventures, Fika Ventures, and CIV.
These developments signify a transformative era where manufacturing is increasingly driven by the intelligent use of data, merging the physical and digital realms of production.
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