Joanna Lichter Is Investing in the Future of Physical AI

Joanna Lichter is helping shape one of the most exciting frontiers in venture capital—physical AI, where technology moves beyond software into the real world. At Emerson Collective, she built and now leads this vertical, focusing on companies developing AI systems that interact with physical environments, from robotics to automation.

Since joining the firm in 2021, Lichter has played a key role in backing startups that sit at the intersection of AI and real-world application. One of her standout investments is Field AI, a robotics startup she first sourced in 2022, which has since grown to a valuation of around $2 billion. She has also led investments in companies like Physical Intelligence and Agrippa, further strengthening Emerson’s presence in the robotics ecosystem.

Her approach is driven by a deep sense of curiosity and adaptability. In fast-evolving sectors like AI and robotics, she believes that assumptions can quickly become outdated, making continuous learning essential.

Lichter focuses on identifying not just promising technologies, but teams capable of building solutions for real-world impact—whether in industrial automation, agriculture or broader infrastructure.

Beyond investing, she is also committed to expanding access within the venture ecosystem. As a board member of SomosVC, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latino/a venture capital investors, she contributes to building a more inclusive industry.

Her work reflects a broader transformation in venture capital, where the next wave of innovation is increasingly tied to how AI integrates with the physical world.

Because the future of AI isn’t just digital—it’s all around us.