Building and losing iRobot: Why Colin Angle thinks the FTC is to blame

In a recent interview, Colin Angle, the founder and former CEO of iRobot, reflected on his journey of transforming a small startup into a leader in the robotics sector. After dedicating three decades to iRobot, Angle stepped down following the company's unsuccessful acquisition by Amazon. He expressed his belief that the bankruptcy of iRobot was not only avoidable but also a significant loss for innovation in the industry. Angle criticized the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for their decision to block the $1.7 billion acquisition deal with Amazon, arguing that their approach to regulation is deeply flawed. He pointed out that the agency's walls are lined with rejected deals, signifying a misguided commitment to protecting innovation at the expense of growth opportunities. Throughout the interview, Angle recounted the intense struggle he endured against regulators, which included producing over 100,000 documents over an 18-month period. He voiced concerns about how emerging American tech sectors often fall prey to international competition due to such regulatory hurdles. Looking ahead, Angle shared insights into his upcoming stealth startup and offered a unique perspective on the future of humanoid robots, while also addressing the views of robotics expert Rodney Brooks, suggesting that while Brooks is often accurate, his responses may not always align with the questions posed.