At the MIT Startup Exchange (STEX), our support begins once startups have launched and are ready to grow. We build lasting partnerships to help them succeed, offering curated corporate connections and access to industry leaders. Through this network, STEX guides founders through critical growth stages such as customer acquisition, talent recruitment, and brand development.
One of the companies that exemplifies this journey is Skylla Technologies, Inc.
Skylla at a Glance
Founded in 2017, Skylla began as a robotics company specializing in mobile robot navigation software. Emerging from the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering, the company was founded by Professor Harry Asada together with Kota Weaver, Sheng Liu and David Hedin. Skylla joined the MIT Startup Exchange (STEX) program four years after its founding, focusing on scaling its robotics software and expanding market reach.
The Path to Success
When Skylla entered STEX, its primary goal was to grow its navigation software business. Engagement with corporate partners, however, revealed something unexpected: Skylla’s robot arm localization system—initially a secondary capability—generated the strongest interest. Corporate partners saw this technology as highly differentiated and immediately applicable to real-world automation challenges. Recognizing this market signal, Skylla shifted its focus, elevating what had been a supporting feature into a core offering. This strategic pivot led to new projects, stronger customer demand, and greater interest from potential acquirers.
"STEX is a program designed to test, fine-tune, and accelerate a startup’s growth through unparalleled access to connections, coaching, and a vibrant ecosystem,” said Kota Weaver, Chief Technical Officer and Co-founder of Skylla.
How STEX Enabled the Pivot
STEX played a critical role in this evolution by connecting Skylla with corporates that understood startup constraints and were willing to share candid insights on industry needs. Through frequent pitching opportunities in the U.S. and at international events such as the 2022 MIT Japan Conference, Skylla sharpened its value proposition. Mentorship and direct feedback helped the team improve product positioning, better understand Asian markets, and identify key local players, making its solutions more market-ready.
STEX’s Differentiators
Skylla highlights STEX’s non-dilutive structure, tailored support, and access to a global network as key differentiators. “STEX is a program designed to test, fine-tune, and accelerate a startup’s growth through unparalleled access to connections, coaching, and a vibrant ecosystem,” said Kota Weaver, Chief Technical Officer and Co-founder of Skylla. “It offers introductions to some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations—but success depends on being at the right stage and having the capacity to follow up on those opportunities.”
Where They Are Now
In 2023, Skylla was acquired by Movensys, a South Korea–based global motion control platform company. Together, they aim to build a leading global software platform for smart automation. Skylla’s experience with STEX now serves as a valuable case study for early-stage founders considering growth, partnerships, or acquisition strategies.