Fundraising Fox

Focal Systems

YC W16

San Francisco, US · Founded 2016 · 170 employees · 4 known investors

Find your way into Focal Systems

8 people in our graph share verified history with the Focal Systems team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.

Andrew McLoughlinunlockedknows Michael Cantalino · together at Focal Systems
×7knows the team · via Focal Systems

Focal Systems develops AI-powered solutions for retail store operations, including shelf-monitoring cameras and an automated task management operating system that provides real-time visibility into product availability and inventory status. The platform targets retailers seeking to optimize store efficiency, reduce stockouts, and improve employee productivity through data-driven insights.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareRetail TechDeep LearningGroceryComputer VisionUnited States of AmericaCanadaUnited KingdomAmerica / CanadaEuropePartly Remote

Founders & leadership· Y Combinator alumni (W16)

Focal Systems was founded in 2016 by Michael Cantalino.

MCMichael Cantalino
Michael CantalinoinFounder/COOHe has involvement in the nonprofit sector and outdoor activities.

Investors · 4

Point72 VenturesNew York · $1M – $75M
Uncork CapitalSan Francisco · $3M – $5Mvia Andrew McLoughlin · led
Y CombinatorSan Francisco · $500K
Zetta Venture PartnersreportedSan Francisco · $1M – $5M

Funding

SEC filings, press & company announcements

Source: company announcements and press reports — follow each round's link for the claim.

Founder mafia

2 people who came through Focal Systems went on to found or lead other companies.

Andrew McLoughlinInvestor, Board ObserverFounded Founders PledgeGreg SandsBoard MemberFounded Costanoa Ventures

Competitors · 3

by search overlap
Focal22 shared keywordsFocal provides a digital asset management (DAM) platform for performance advertising teams, integrating AI tagging, performance analytics, and automated workflows to accelerate creative production and reduce approval cycles.
Nrf10 shared keywordsThe National Retail Federation is a trade association that represents the retail industry and its stakeholders. The page lists board leadership and directors from major retail and related companies.
LeadIQ10 shared keywordsLeadIQ offers a company search tool that provides B2B company profiles with data such as revenue, employee count, funding, and contact information to help sales teams find decision makers and build pipeline.

Companies competing with Focal Systems for the same Google search keywords, organic and paid, via search-intersection analysis.

In the news

Sell or Invest in Focal Systems Stock Pre-IPOnasdaqprivatemarket.com · Apr 2026Focal Systems Brings Retail Automation Innovation to the UKfocal.systems · Apr 2024Focal Systems hauls in series B funding - Global Venturingglobalventuring.com · Jan 2022Retail automation startup raises $25 million to help retailers eliminate empty shelves - San Francisco Business Timesbizjournals.com · Dec 2021Focal Systems Raises Funds For AI-Powered Retail Automation SolutionsMartechvibe | Where Technology Powers Marketingmartechvibe.com · Dec 2021Focal Systems Raises $25.8M in Series B Funding to Automate Retail Globallyprnewswire.com · Dec 2021

Frequently asked questions

What does Focal Systems do?
Focal Systems develops AI-powered solutions for retail store operations, including shelf-monitoring cameras and an automated task management operating system that provides real-time visibility into product availability and inventory status. The platform targets retailers seeking to optimize store efficiency, reduce stockouts, and improve employee productivity through data-driven insights.
Who founded Focal Systems?
Focal Systems was founded by Michael Cantalino in 2016.
Who are Focal Systems's investors?
Focal Systems's investors include Point72 Ventures, Uncork Capital, Y Combinator, Zetta Venture Partners.
Where is Focal Systems headquartered?
Focal Systems is headquartered in San Francisco, US.