Tempo Automation is an American private company that provides manufacturing‑as‑a‑service (MaaS) solutions for the production of printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies. The company develops and operates highly automated production facilities that combine hardware, software, and data analytics to enable rapid, low‑volume, and high‑mix electronics manufacturing for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), hardware startups, and other product developers.
History
Tempo Automation was founded in 2015 by Jeff McAlvay, a former lead engineer at Tesla, and Noah Gnan, an entrepreneur with experience in hardware development. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and operates a primary manufacturing plant in New York State.
Business Model and Services
Tempo Automation offers a cloud‑based platform that allows customers to upload design files (such as Gerbers and Bill of Materials) and receive automated quoting, ordering, and production tracking. Its manufacturing facilities employ robotic pick‑and‑place machines, automated optical inspection (AOI) systems, and custom software for workflow orchestration. The service is positioned to address the “low‑volume, high‑mix” segment of the electronics market, providing lead times measured in weeks rather than months.
Funding and Growth
The company has raised capital through multiple venture‑funding rounds:
- Series A (2019) – Approximately $10 million, led by venture investors including .
- Series B (2020) – Approximately $70 million, with participation from investors such as Accel and Silicon Valley Bank.
- Series C (2021) – Approximately $265 million, led by investors including New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and BlackRock.
These investments have been used to expand manufacturing capacity, develop proprietary automation technology, and broaden the company’s customer base.
Industry Context
Tempo Automation operates within the broader electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry, which traditionally includes large contract manufacturers that specialize in high‑volume production. By focusing on automation and cloud‑based order management, Tempo aims to fill a niche for rapid prototyping and small‑batch production, competing with both conventional EMS firms and emerging “digital supply‑chain” startups.
Recognition
The company has been featured in technology and business publications for its approach to combining robotics with software to streamline PCB assembly. It has also been recognized in industry awards for innovation in manufacturing automation.
Current Status
As of the latest publicly available information (2023), Tempo Automation continues to operate its manufacturing facilities in the United States and serves a global client base across sectors such as consumer electronics, medical devices, and aerospace.
References
- Company press releases and announcements (2020–2023).
- Coverage in TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and EE Times regarding funding rounds and technology platform.
Note: All information presented is based on verified public sources and company disclosures; no speculative content is included.