I did the same, although we took the other path, figuring we'd learn faster by going all in. We learned that the slower path is likely more appropriate for most hardware based robotic startups.

We had fantastically supportive VCs, and raised nearly 10 million, but some things just don't go faster with more money, especially selling to slow moving industrial buyers. We stopped trading a few years ago and helped our employees find other roles while we entered cockroach mode to try and revive it, without success.

I'm happy to share my learnings with anyone who may benefit. It was still a wonderful experience, and worth it just for the people we met along the way.