Colin Angle Reflects on iRobot’s Journey and the Impact of Regulatory Decisions
In a recent episode of the StrictlyVC Download podcast, Colin Angle, the founder and former CEO of iRobot, shared his insights on the company’s evolution, the challenges it faced, and his perspectives on regulatory interventions that influenced its trajectory.
The Genesis and Growth of iRobot
Founded in 1990 by MIT roboticist Rodney Brooks and his former students Colin Angle and Helen Greiner, iRobot emerged as a pioneer in consumer robotics. The company’s flagship product, the Roomba robotic vacuum, revolutionized home cleaning and became synonymous with household robotics. Over the years, iRobot sold over 50 million robots, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
The Amazon Acquisition Attempt
In August 2022, Amazon announced its intention to acquire iRobot for approximately $1.7 billion. This acquisition was seen as a strategic move to integrate advanced robotics into Amazon’s ecosystem. However, the deal faced significant regulatory scrutiny, particularly from the European Commission, which expressed concerns about potential anti-competitive practices. By January 2024, both companies mutually terminated the agreement, citing insurmountable regulatory hurdles. As a result, iRobot received a $94 million termination fee from Amazon.
Regulatory Challenges and Their Impact
Angle expressed profound disappointment over the failed acquisition, describing it as avoidable and a tragedy. He criticized regulatory bodies, particularly the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), for their approach to mergers and acquisitions in the tech industry. Angle highlighted that the FTC’s opposition to the Amazon-iRobot deal removed a viable path for iRobot to scale and compete globally. He also noted that the FTC’s office walls adorned with blocked deals as trophies revealed a deeply misguided approach to protecting innovation.
Operational Restructuring and Leadership Changes
Following the termination of the Amazon deal, iRobot underwent significant operational restructuring. In early 2024, the company laid off approximately 350 employees, accounting for about 31% of its workforce. Later that year, an additional 105 employees were let go as part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations. These measures were aimed at reducing costs and adapting to a highly competitive market environment.
In May 2024, iRobot appointed Gary Cohen, former CEO of Timex and Qualitor Automotive, as its new CEO. This marked a significant leadership transition from Angle, who had been at the helm since the company’s inception. Cohen’s appointment signaled a new direction for iRobot as it sought to navigate the challenges ahead.
The Road to Bankruptcy
Despite restructuring efforts, iRobot faced mounting financial difficulties. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December 2025, concluding a 35-year journey that began with groundbreaking innovations in consumer robotics. Shenzhen PICEA Robotics, iRobot’s main supplier and lender, took control of the reorganized company. The restructuring plan allowed iRobot to continue operations without anticipated disruptions to its app functionality, customer programs, global partnerships, supply chain relationships, or ongoing product support.
Reflections and Future Endeavors
Angle reflected on the company’s downfall with evident frustration, emphasizing that the outcome was profoundly disappointing and avoidable. He criticized regulatory opposition to the Amazon-iRobot acquisition, stating that it removed the most viable path for a pioneering American robotics company to scale and compete globally.
Looking ahead, Angle is channeling his expertise into a new stealth startup. While details remain under wraps, he hinted at a contrarian approach to humanoid robots and emphasized the importance of practical applications in robotics. Angle’s continued involvement in the field underscores his commitment to advancing robotic technologies despite the setbacks faced by iRobot.
