11 Top Transportation Angel Investors You Should Know
Our guide for transportation founders. Meet 11 active angel investors who are currently funding new companies and could be the right match for you.
Rho Editorial Team
For transportation startups, angel funding offers more than just capital; it often comes with mentorship from experienced industry professionals and access to their networks.
The transportation sector has attracted support from many angel investors, with Mike Volpi, Michael Granoff, Eylul Kayin, and David Lawee being notable backers of various startups.
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For founders in transportation and mobility, securing the right early-stage funding is a critical step. Understanding who the key angel investors are in your sector can make a significant difference in your capital raise.
Unlike venture capital firms, angel investors typically invest their own personal funds and often engage more directly with early-stage companies. Their individual expertise and network can be just as valuable as their capital.
To help you prepare for your fundraise, we've put together this overview of top angel investors active in the transportation industry. Use this guide to identify individuals who may be a good fit for your company.
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Top Transportation Angel Investors By Stage
Most angel investors in transportation focus on pre-seed and seed rounds. Investing early allows them to offer their experience and connections when it can be most impactful for a new company.
Knowing which individuals invest at your stage helps you direct your fundraising efforts more effectively. This list can help you identify the right people to talk to.
Pre-seed Angel Investors in Transportation
Pre-seed funding is the earliest capital a startup raises, often used to validate an idea and build a minimum viable product. For founders at this initial phase, investors like Timothy Barrows and Matt Wyndowe have experience backing transportation companies from the very beginning.
Seed Stage Angel Investors in Transportation
Seed funding helps a company refine its product, expand its team, and begin to establish market traction. Transportation startups looking for this type of capital might connect with investors such as Michael Granoff, Tae Hea Nahm, and Sam Colella.
Series A Angel Investors in Transportation
Series A is typically the first significant round of venture capital, focused on scaling the business and optimizing the user base. Some active investors in the transportation space at this stage include Mike Volpi, Eylul Kayin, and Neal Dikeman.
Series B Angel Investors in Transportation
Series B funding is for companies that have demonstrated a strong market fit and are ready to expand their market reach significantly. Investors like David Lawee and Greg Goldfarb are known to participate in Series B rounds for transportation companies.
It's also common to find investors who participate across multiple funding stages, offering support as a company grows.
Below is a closer look at some of the top angel investors in the transportation sector. We've gathered key details about their investment stages, areas of focus, and location to help you understand what makes each investor a compelling choice for founders.
1. Mike Volpi
Mike Volpi is a partner at Index Ventures, investing across a range of technology sectors from FinTech to the Future of Work. He is often recognized for backing companies that build foundational software and infrastructure.
He participates in multiple funding stages, from Seed to Series B, and often continues to support companies through later rounds. His portfolio includes technically-focused companies like Kong and Temporal Technologies, showing an interest in businesses with deep product expertise.
Founders building transportation technology, especially platforms related to data services or cloud infrastructure, may find Volpi to be a good fit. He could be a strong partner for those seeking long-term support beyond an initial check.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Industries of focus: TransportationTech, Cloud Infrastructure, AI, Data Services, FinTech
- Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
- Ideal investment range: $100K - $2.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Kong, Temporal Technologies, BRINC Drones
You can find more information about Mike Volpi on his firm's website or connect with him on LinkedIn.
2. Michael Granoff
Michael Granoff is the founder of Maniv, a venture capital firm that concentrates on the future of transportation. Based in Tel Aviv, he is a significant investor in the global mobility technology community.
Granoff shows a strong preference for Seed and Series A rounds, with a clear interest in AutoTech, Logistics, and EnergyTech. His portfolio includes companies like the electric vehicle service Revel and the commercial EV chassis manufacturer Harbinger.
He could be a great partner for founders building technology that reshapes how people and goods move. Companies with a strong technical foundation at an early stage may find his experience and network particularly valuable.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A
- Industries of focus: TransportationTech, AutoTech, Logistics, EnergyTech, DeepTech
- Geographical presence: Tel Aviv, Israel
- Ideal investment range: $1M - $5.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Revel, Harbinger, Aurora Labs
You can find more information about Michael Granoff on his firm's website or connect with him on LinkedIn.
3. Eylul Kayin
Eylul Kayin is a Director at SoftBank Investment Advisers, bringing experience from a major global investment firm. Her background includes roles at New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and Morgan Stanley, giving her a strong foundation in venture capital and finance.
She invests across multiple stages from Seed to Series B, with an interest in sectors including TransportationTech, Logistics, and FinTech. This broad focus suggests an approach that values strong business models across several high-growth industries.
Founders building companies in transportation, logistics, or enterprise software may find her to be a good match. Her position at a large fund could be particularly helpful for startups planning for significant scale and future funding rounds.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Industries of focus: TransportationTech, Logistics, FinTech, Health IT, Enterprise
- Geographical presence: San Francisco Bay Area
- Ideal investment range: $100K - $10.0M
You can find more information about Eylul Kayin on her firm's website or connect with her on LinkedIn.
4. David Lawee
David Lawee is a partner at CapitalG, Google's independent growth fund. His long history at Google in high-level marketing and corporate development roles gives him a distinct perspective on scaling technology businesses.
He shows a strong interest in Series B rounds, with investments in major transportation companies like Lyft and Convoy. His experience as a founder and venture partner points to an approach that balances operational knowledge with strategic growth.
Founders with established companies in TransportationTech or Enterprise software preparing for a Series B round may find him to be a good fit. His position at CapitalG can be especially helpful for startups ready for major market expansion.
- Investment stages: Series B
- Industries of focus: TransportationTech, FinTech, Enterprise, Cybersecurity
- Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
- Ideal investment range: $100K - $5.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Lyft, Convoy, Thumbtack, Fireblocks
You can find more information about David Lawee on his firm's website or connect with him on LinkedIn.
5. Neal Dikeman
Neal Dikeman is a partner at Energy Transition Ventures and Old Growth Ventures, with a long history in the cleantech sector. Based in Houston, he is well-positioned within the energy industry and has been Chairman of Cleantech.org since 2006.
His investment focus is on early-stage companies in EnergyTech, AgTech, and TransportationTech, typically at the Seed and Series A rounds. His portfolio includes companies like Smart Wires, indicating an interest in businesses with significant long-term potential.
Founders developing technologies for the energy transition or related sectors may find Dikeman to be a strong partner. His deep industry experience and focus on early-stage rounds suggest he is a hands-on investor for companies just starting to scale.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A
- Industries of focus: TransportationTech, EnergyTech, AgTech, Web3/Blockchain
- Geographical presence: Houston, Texas
- Ideal investment range: $100K - $5.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Smart Wires
You can find more information about Neal Dikeman on his firm's website or connect with him on LinkedIn.
6. Matt Wyndowe
Matt Wyndowe is a partner at Graph Ventures and brings significant operational experience from his time at Uber and Facebook. His background in product partnerships and development at these major tech companies gives him a valuable perspective on scaling a business.
He has a distinct focus on the Seed stage, with an interest in a variety of sectors including TransportationTech, SaaS, and AI. His experience at Uber as Head of Product Partnerships is particularly relevant for founders in the mobility space.
Wyndowe could be a great match for early-stage founders who would benefit from hands-on guidance on product strategy and growth. His background suggests a product-centric approach to investing.
- Investment stages: Seed
- Industries of focus: TransportationTech, SaaS, AI, Marketplaces, SMB Software
- Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
- Ideal investment range: $10K - $300K
You can find more information about Matt Wyndowe on his firm's website or connect with him on LinkedIn.
7. Greg Goldfarb
Greg Goldfarb is a managing director at Summit Partners, where he invests in growth-stage technology companies. He is known for backing businesses across a wide range of sectors, from enterprise applications to consumer internet.
Goldfarb primarily participates in Series A and Series B rounds, suggesting a focus on companies that have already found product-market fit and are ready to scale. His portfolio includes investments like the digital mapping company onxMaps, indicating an interest in transportation and mobility-adjacent technologies.
He could be a good partner for founders leading established companies that are preparing for a significant growth round. Companies in enterprise software, analytics, or transportation looking for substantial capital to expand their market presence may find his experience valuable.
- Investment stages: Series A, Series B
- Industries of focus: TransportationTech, Enterprise Applications, Cloud Infrastructure, AI, Analytics
- Geographical presence: Colorado
- Ideal investment range: $5.0M - $50.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: onxMaps, Visier, Jamf
You can find more information about Greg Goldfarb on his firm's website or connect with him on LinkedIn.
8. Sungjoon Cho
Sungjoon Cho is a principal at D20 Capital, a venture firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His background includes experience at Formation | 8, and he often invests in companies building technology in the logistics and robotics sectors.
Cho shows a clear interest in early-stage companies, participating in both Seed and Series A rounds. His investment in Bear Flag Robotics, a company focused on autonomous tractors, highlights his focus on robotics and transportation technology.
Founders developing robotics or logistics solutions at the seed or Series A stage may find Cho to be a good connection. His focus on these specific areas suggests he can provide relevant industry knowledge.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A
- Industries of focus: Logistics, TransportationTech, Robotics
- Geographical presence: San Francisco Bay Area
- Ideal investment range: $100K - $10.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Bear Flag Robotics
You can find more information about Sungjoon Cho on his firm's website or connect with him on LinkedIn.
9. Timothy Barrows
Timothy Barrows is a general partner at Matrix Partners, an investment firm with a long history of backing early-stage companies. Based in Boston, he is known for his work with founders in sectors like TransportationTech, SaaS, and cloud infrastructure.
Barrows invests across the earliest stages, from Pre-seed to Series A, showing a commitment to supporting companies from their inception. His portfolio includes infrastructure-heavy companies like CloudZero and Affirmed Networks, pointing to an interest in businesses with deep technical foundations.
He could be a strong partner for founders building technically complex products in his areas of focus. If you are raising a Pre-seed, Seed, or Series A round for a transportation or infrastructure startup, his experience may be a good match.
- Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
- Industries of focus: TransportationTech, Cloud Infrastructure, SaaS
- Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
- Ideal investment range: $100K - $10.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: CloudZero, Affirmed Networks, Plexxi
You can find more information about Timothy Barrows on his firm's website or his Crunchbase profile.
10. Sam Colella
Sam Colella is a managing director at the venture capital firm Versant Ventures, with a long track record in the industry. He is known for investing across several technology sectors, including Enterprise software and TransportationTech.
Colella shows a clear interest in early-stage companies, participating in both Seed and Series A rounds. His portfolio includes companies like Standard BioTools and Rennovia, reflecting an interest in businesses with a strong technical or scientific foundation.
Founders building companies in SaaS, AI, or TransportationTech may find Colella to be a good fit. He could be a valuable partner for those raising a Seed or Series A round who are looking for an experienced investor.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A
- Industries of focus: TransportationTech, SaaS, Enterprise, AI, Analytics, Security
- Geographical presence: Los Altos, California
- Ideal investment range: $100K - $5.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Standard BioTools, Rennovia
You can find more information about Sam Colella on his firm's website or connect with him on LinkedIn.
11. Tae Hea Nahm
Tae Hea Nahm is a co-founder and managing director at Storm Ventures, a firm that backs early-stage B2B enterprise startups. He has a strong reputation for investing in SaaS companies and has extended his focus to include the transportation sector.
Nahm concentrates on Seed and Series A rounds, with a clear interest in enterprise SaaS and transportation technology. His investment in Tekion, an automotive retail cloud platform, highlights his focus on companies building foundational software for specific industries.
Founders building B2B software for the enterprise or transportation sectors may find Nahm to be a strong partner. He could be a particularly good fit for early-stage teams looking for guidance on building a repeatable go-to-market strategy.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A
- Industries of focus: Enterprise, TransportationTech, SaaS
- Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
- Ideal investment range: $500K - $7.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Tekion, Blueshift, Interactio
You can find more information about Tae Hea Nahm on his firm's website or connect with him on LinkedIn.
What Startup Founders Should Look for in a Transportation Investor
When seeking a transportation investor, look beyond the check size. The right partner brings relevant industry experience. As the list above shows, many investors have a specific interest in areas like logistics, SaaS, or EnergyTech, which can provide your startup with targeted guidance.
You may also notice geographical patterns. While many top investors are in traditional tech hubs like the Bay Area, others are based in cities with strong industry ties, like Houston for energy. Aligning with an investor's location and industry focus can improve your chances of getting a meeting.
It's also critical to match your company's funding stage with an investor's preference. An investor focused on Series B may not be the right fit for a pre-seed company. A good fit means finding someone who can offer strategic advice and connections relevant to your current growth phase.
Ultimately, finding the right angel investor requires careful research. Use this information as a starting point to build a targeted list of individuals who align with your company's vision, stage, and specific needs.
Raise Confidently with Rho
A focused list of relevant angel investors is a powerful tool during a fundraise. It helps you direct your limited time and energy toward the conversations that matter most.
Once you secure funding, our team is ready to support your next steps. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.
We provide business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to manage your new capital efficiently. This allows you to put your angel investment to work on growth, not manual financial admin.
FAQs about Transportation Angel Investors
Are there transportation angel investors outside of California?
Yes, while many investors are in the Bay Area, you can find them in other tech hubs. Cities like New York, Boston, and Austin have active angel communities interested in transportation and mobility startups.
Do transportation investors fund sustainability-focused companies?
Many do. Investors are increasingly interested in the intersection of transportation and sustainability. This includes electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and technologies that improve supply chain efficiency and reduce emissions.
What if my startup is between funding stages?
Some investors specialize in specific funding rounds, but many are flexible. Clearly communicate your traction and capital needs to help investors understand if they can support your company's current growth phase, regardless of the label.
Do transportation angels invest in hardware or only SaaS?
While many investors prefer SaaS models due to scalability, there is significant interest in transportation hardware. This includes robotics, autonomous vehicle components, and new sensor technologies that are changing the industry.
How can Rho help after I secure angel funding?
Once you've raised capital, we help you manage it effectively. Rho provides an integrated platform with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, so you can focus on growing your business.