The rise of Neura Robotics is a striking example of how a self‑taught engineer can create a multibillion‑dollar company. David Reger’s story is worth reading because it highlights the power of unconventional learning and daring entrepreneurship.

Reger never went to university; instead he finished a three‑and‑a‑half‑year apprenticeship as a mold maker. In his evenings he taught himself robotics from YouTube, and a year later his team showed a large industrial robotic arm at the Automatica exhibition in Munich.

In 2019 Reger founded Neura Robotics, which is now valued at about $7 billion. He owns roughly 20 % of the firm, giving him an estimated fortune close to $1.5 billion. That same year he partnered with Chinese manufacturer Han’s Robot, later buying out the Chinese stake and securing $1.4 billion in financing led by Tether, Nvidia and Amazon.

In October 2023 Neura opened a €17 million robotics training centre near Munich Airport. The facility teaches around 100 humanoid and service robots to perform everyday and industrial tasks such as handling car parts and stacking boxes.

Reger’s path shows that a lack of formal university education does not prevent building a global tech leader. By teaching himself, forming strategic partnerships, and investing in practical training, he turned Neura into a $7 billion enterprise.