Robot maker Foundation missed payroll on 30 October

Foundation Future Industries, a San Francisco maker of military humanoid robots, missed payroll on 30 October, sources say. Eric Trump, a son of the US president, backs the firm and is its adviser. The workers have no pay. The CEO, Sankaet Pathak, borrowed $4.6 million from the firm in 2025 to buy a home, sources say. The CEO wants to get funds at a value of $3 billion.

What happened

The firm also had no cash for payroll in August. An investor gave a bridge loan, and staff got pay after two days. This week the CEO told staff that the firm works to get money for back wages. Pathak is the only board member and has most of the shares. A spokesman did not comment.

The claims

• Media reported $24 million in Pentagon contracts for Foundation.
• A source can say they came from Boardwalk Robotics, which Foundation bought.
• In 2024, a letter to investors cited a General Motors order. The carmaker rejected it.
• A spokesperson can say Eric Trump has no part in management or in contracts.

What is not known

The stake of Eric Trump is not known. The firm gave no test results for its next robot. Insiders think the firm can close without new funds.

Insight: Media claims can carry a funding story

Media reported $24 million in Pentagon contracts for Foundation. A source can say the contracts came from a firm that Foundation bought. In 2024, a letter to investors cited an order that General Motors rejected. This seems to show a pitch with statements that media report again and a value that proof does not show. Get signed contracts from a robot vendor.