Hestus raises $7.4 million and will hire machine-learning and software engineers
Hestus announced a $7.4 million seed round led by Insight Partners, bringing its total funding to $8.9 million. The San Mateo company is developing what it calls Mechanical Intelligence: a purpose-built AI model that works inside computer-aided design software and aims to translate engineering intent into manufacturable designs. Hestus says its tools are already used by more than 5,000 engineers working on drones, robots, industrial equipment, and consumer products. The company explicitly plans to use the new capital to hire machine-learning engineers and experienced software developers, expand its AI model, and accelerate product development. Founders Sohrab Haghighat and Kevin Chu previously worked at Cruise Automation, adding relevant autonomous-vehicle and engineering-organization experience. The adoption figure and hiring plans come from the company, not an independent audit, but the announcement provides a concrete growth signal for candidates interested in the intersection of AI, CAD, manufacturing, and mechanical design.
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