Silas Adekunle, co-founder and former CEO of Reach Robotics, is trending in the tech industry with news impossible to ignore. While many innovators focus solely on software or hardware, Adekunle has carved a beau niche by seamlessly marrying gaming with education. His brainchild, MekaMon, is not just a robot, it is a phenomenon!
Picture a four-legged robot that moves with uncanny realism and engages users through the enchanting realms of augmented reality and gaming. MekaMon does just that. It transcends traditional playtime by allowing users to manipulate their own robotic companion via an app thus elevating the gaming experience to uncharted territories. This pioneering venture caught the eye of investors, resulting in a hefty $12 million in funding during his tenure at Reach Robotics which has blossomed into a team of around 65 employees.
However, the pinnacle of this journey was undoubtedly the landmark deal secured with Apple in 2018, a partnership that catapulted MekaMon into the U.S. and UK markets. This astonishing achievement spotted out Adekunle's entrepreneurial prowess and earned him the prestigious title of one of the highest-paid engineers in robotics. He was crowned as a trailblazer for creating the world’s first gaming robot, a title that he himself deserved.
Despite its initial triumphs, Reach Robotics faced the harsh realities of the tech industry, ultimately shutting down in 2019. But then the company saw a revival in 2022, thanks to Blueprint Lab's vision, ensuring that the legacy of MekaMon continues to inspire future generations.
Recognition of Adekunle’s groundbreaking work extends beyond entrepreneurship. In 2018, he earned accolades from the Financial Times, being named among the “Top 100 Minority Ethnic Leaders in Technology.” Additionally, his inclusion in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe: Technology list spotlights his impact on the broader tech landscape.
Adekunle is not resting on his laurels, yet. His ambition is to drive change, and this has led him to focus on robotics education in Africa. Through his venture, Awarri, he is committed to spreading the knowledge of AI and robotics technology across the continent. With MekaMon serving as a motivational tool, he encourages young minds to indulge into the world of technology and innovation.
To further motivate and broaden his career-scope, Adekunle co-founded R.I. in 2020, a transformative company aimed at revolutionizing how developers interact with robots and industrial systems remotely via cloud technology. This venture has become an example of his forward-thinking mindset and determination to make technology more accessible.
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