Based in Lille and employing five people, Les Companions has developed Paco, a heavy-duty autonomous robot capable of applying two to three coats of paint to 500 m² of surface daily in a single pass. The startup targets construction and renovation projects, positioning its technology as a way to lower jobsite fatigue and increase contractor margins. After initially planning direct sales, the company shifted to a usage-based rental model, partnering with painting firms that embed Paco in their bids and then rent the robot at a per-square-metre price once contracts are won. A recent €580 000 crowdfunding campaign from individuals, entrepreneurs and the Fédération Française du Bâtiment’s GESTES club financed early commercialization. Les Companions is currently arranging a €700 000–€800 000 bridge equity round to fund additional R&D and expand sales. Founder and CEO Antoine Rennuit expects to reach profitability within two years and plans a larger €3–€5 million raise next year to scale production, enhance functionality and pursue international expansion.

Total raised

$1M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Nov 2025