Top 8 Venture Capital Firms Fueling Automotive Startups

When you're preparing to raise capital for your automotive or mobility startup, knowing which investors are genuinely interested in your field is a critical first step. Approaching the right automotive venture capital firms from the start saves you valuable time and improves your chances of finding a great partner.

To help you prepare, our team curated this overview of the top VC firms investing in automotive and mobility tech. It’s a starting point to help you quickly identify the investors most relevant to your business.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho also provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding can provide the capital your automotive startup needs to scale production, accelerate research and development, and bring new technology to market.

• The automotive tech sector is backed by specialized investors; notable firms include Yamaha Motor Ventures, Trucks Venture Capital, Motus Ventures, and BMW i Ventures.

• Whether you're actively raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Automotive Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is just starting out or preparing for an exit, it helps to connect with the right investors. Here is a quick look at which automotive VC firms invest at different stages of a startup's growth.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Automotive

This initial funding stage is designed to help you develop your core idea and build a minimum viable product, often before you have substantial revenue. For founders in the automotive tech space, firms like Trucks Venture Capital and Automotive Ventures specialize in this crucial first phase of funding.

Early Stage VC Firms in Automotive

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, is for startups that have a proven product and are ready to scale operations and grow their market share. Some early-stage mobility venture capital firms you might consider are Motus Ventures and the accelerator StartX.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy capital efficiently.

Late Stage VC Firms in Automotive

Late-stage rounds support established companies preparing for major expansion, entry into new markets, or an exit through an acquisition or IPO. Prominent late-stage investors for automotive startups, including corporate VCs like BMW i Ventures and other firms such as Expansion Venture Capital, focus on this growth phase.

For founders seeking alternatives to equity, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines tailored to your business model.

It's also worth noting that many transportation technology venture capital firms, such as Yamaha Motor Ventures and Prelude Ventures, invest across multiple stages from seed to late-stage rounds.

To help you find the right partner, our team has compiled an overview of the top VC firms in the automotive industry. We've highlighted their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each a strong potential partner for your startup.

1. Yamaha Motor Ventures

Yamaha Motor Ventures is the Silicon Valley-based corporate venture capital arm of Yamaha Motor. The firm invests in startups across several industries, including automotive, transportation, robotics, and AgTech.

A key aspect of their approach is investment flexibility, as they back companies from seed through late-stage rounds. They have a strong track record of successful exits, with portfolio companies like the drone analytics provider PrecisionHawk being acquired.

The firm is a good fit for founders whose technology aligns with Yamaha’s strategic interests and who value a corporate partner. Their backing can provide startups with deep industry expertise and access to a global network.

Once you secure funding from a partner like Yamaha Motor Ventures, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Automotive, transportation, robotics, AgTech, food and beverage, wellness

• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California

• Founded: 2015

• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital

• Notable investments: Shippeo, Soft Robotics, PrecisionHawk

• Portfolio size: Over 40 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Trucks Venture Capital

Trucks Venture Capital is a firm dedicated to funding entrepreneurs building the future of transportation, investing from seed to late-stage rounds. Their focus is on areas like autonomous and electric vehicles, with a portfolio that includes high-profile exits like the autonomous farming company Bear Flag Robotics and the digital retail platform Roadster.

This makes them a strong potential partner for founders at the pre-seed or seed stage with a clear vision for mobility's future. Their specialization and track record suggest they provide focused support for companies in the transportation space.

For founders seeking alternatives to equity, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines tailored to your business model.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Automotive, Autonomous Vehicles, Electric Vehicle, Smart Cities, Transportation

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2015

• Investor type: Micro VC, Venture Capital

• Notable investments: Bear Flag Robotics, Joby Aviation, nuTonomy, Roadster, Zendrive

• Portfolio size: Over 70 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Motus Ventures

Motus Ventures invests in early-stage companies at the intersection of major technology shifts and new consumer behaviors. The firm focuses on foundational technologies like connected cars and vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

The firm shows a clear preference for deep tech, backing startups in autonomous driving, in-space refueling, and advanced battery materials. Their portfolio includes notable companies like the self-driving software "unicorn" Helm.ai and EV battery innovator Sepion Technologies.

Motus Ventures is a strong match for founders with a background in engineering or science who are building capital-intensive, frontier technology. Their accelerator component also suggests they provide hands-on support for early-stage teams.

Once you secure funding from a partner like Motus Ventures, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Automotive, finance, deep tech

• Geographical presence: Redwood City, California

• Founded: 2012

• Investor type: Venture Capital, Accelerator

• Notable investments: Helm.ai, Orbit Fab, Sepion Technologies

• Portfolio size: Over 25 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. BMW i Ventures

BMW i Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of BMW, focusing on technology and services relevant to the automaker's future. Based in Silicon Valley, the firm invests across all stages, from seed and early rounds to late-stage and debt financing.

Their portfolio highlights a focus on foundational technologies, with notable investments in companies that have gone public like the EV charging network ChargePoint. They also backed AI chip designer Graphcore, one of their early standout investments.

The firm is a strong match for founders whose technology has strategic applications for BMW, particularly in areas like sustainability, manufacturing, and supply chain. Their history of supporting companies to an IPO makes them a good partner for teams with high-growth ambitions.

For founders seeking alternatives to equity, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines tailored to your business model.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and debt

• Industries of focus: Automotive, finance, and venture capital

• Geographical presence: Mountain View, California

• Founded: 2011

• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital

• Notable investments: ChargePoint, Solid Power, Proterra, Xometry, Graphcore

• Portfolio size: Over 130 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Expansion Venture Capital

Expansion Venture Capital is a New York-based firm that provides both investment and mentorship to companies from their early stages through periods of major growth. They invest across multiple stages, from seed rounds to late-stage venture.

The firm is notable for its track record of backing high-profile companies that become household names, many of which have achieved successful public exits. Their portfolio includes mobility leader Turo, insurtech company Lemonade, and sustainable footwear brand Allbirds.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders with ambitious, high-growth business models aimed at large consumer or enterprise markets. Their history suggests a focus on companies with the potential to become widely recognized brands and achieve significant scale.

Once you secure funding from a partner like Expansion Venture Capital, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Automotive, consumer, enterprise, FinTech, real estate, robotics

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 2010

• Investor type: Micro VC, Venture Capital

• Notable investments: Turo, Lemonade, Carta, Allbirds, ClassPass

• Portfolio size: Over 120 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Automotive Ventures

Automotive Ventures is an Atlanta-based firm that invests in seed and early-stage companies focused on automotive and mobility technology. They primarily back startups in the B2B and information technology spaces.

The firm’s portfolio highlights a preference for tangible, tech-driven solutions, including companies like SparkCharge, a mobile EV charging developer, and Robotire, which creates automated tire-changing systems. This focus suggests an interest in companies solving specific operational challenges in the auto industry.

This firm is a strong fit for early-stage founders building practical technology for the automotive sector, especially those with a B2B model. Their seed-stage focus indicates they are comfortable backing companies at the beginning of their journey.

For founders seeking alternatives to equity, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines tailored to your business model.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Automotive, B2B, Information Technology

• Geographical presence: Atlanta, Georgia

• Founded: 2014

• Investor type: Micro VC, Venture Capital

• Notable investments: SparkCharge, Robotire, Recurrent, Kinetic

• Portfolio size: Over 30 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Prelude Ventures

Prelude Ventures is a San Francisco-based firm with a clear mission to invest in climate technology. They support companies across a wide range of industries, from automotive and clean energy to AgTech and manufacturing.

The firm invests across all stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, and has a history of backing companies to significant outcomes. Their portfolio includes IPOs like satellite-imaging firm Planet and unicorns like the mobility company Lime and geothermal developer Fervo Energy.

Prelude Ventures is a good match for founders whose core business addresses climate challenges, whether in mobility, energy, or another related sector. Their multi-stage approach makes them a suitable partner for teams looking for support from the early days through major growth phases.

Once you secure funding from a partner like Prelude Ventures, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Climate tech, including automotive, clean energy, AgTech, and manufacturing

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2013

• Investor type: Venture Capital

• Notable investments: Lime, Planet, Fervo Energy, Benson Hill

• Portfolio size: Over 150 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. StartX (Stanford-StartX Fund)

StartX is an educational non-profit accelerator that supports entrepreneurs from the Stanford University community. The firm invests across a wide range of stages, including seed, early-stage venture, and non-equity assistance.

The firm is known for its large portfolio and track record of backing breakout companies like the micro-mobility provider Lime and NFT marketplace OpenSea. Their non-profit, community-based model suggests a strong focus on mentorship and founder support rather than purely financial returns.

StartX is an ideal partner for Stanford-affiliated founders who are in the early stages of building their company. Their broad industry focus makes them a good fit for startups in automotive, enterprise software, and other tech sectors.

Once you secure funding from a partner like StartX, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, non-equity assistance

• Industries of focus: Automotive, enterprise software, biotech, consumer apps, finance

• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California

• Founded: 2011

• Investor type: Accelerator, Venture Capital

• Notable investments: Lime, OpenSea, Patreon, Life360

• Portfolio size: Over 330 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Automotive Companies

This overview shows that the automotive and mobility sector is supported by a diverse and well-developed group of investors. You’ll find firms that invest across all stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, indicating a balanced environment with opportunities for companies at various points in their growth.

While California is a clear hub for automotive investment, there are active and influential firms in other regions like New York and Atlanta. The variety of investor types—from corporate VCs to accelerators—also gives you options to find a partner whose model best aligns with your goals, whether you need strategic industry access or early-stage mentorship.

As you plan your next steps, remember that equity isn't the only path. Rho Capital can connect you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt, helping you access financing tailored to your business model.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is invaluable when you're fundraising. It saves you time and energy, allowing you to concentrate on the firms most likely to be a good fit for your company.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. We help you access financing tailored to your business model without giving up more equity.

Once your capital is secured, our integrated platform helps you put it to work. With business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay all in one place, you can manage and deploy funds efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Automotive

What do automotive VC firms look for in a startup?

Investors typically want to see a strong founding team with deep industry knowledge, a clear technological advantage, a large addressable market, and evidence of early traction or a well-defined product roadmap for the future of mobility.

Are there many automotive venture capital firms in Europe?

Yes, Europe has a growing number of VCs focused on mobility and automotive tech, often concentrated in hubs like Germany and the UK. They support innovation in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and sustainable transportation solutions.

What is the difference between a corporate VC and a traditional VC?

Traditional VCs seek purely financial returns. Corporate VCs, like BMW i Ventures, also look for strategic value for their parent company, which can mean access to new technology, markets, or industry knowledge for your startup.

How should I prepare to pitch to automotive tech venture capital firms?

Focus your pitch on the specific problem you solve within the auto industry. Clearly explain your technology, business model, and competitive differentiation. Be prepared to show how your solution fits into the future of transportation.

What if my startup isn't ready for automotive venture capital firms?

If you're not ready for equity funding, non-dilutive options are available. Rho Capital connects you to venture debt and credit lines, providing growth capital without giving up ownership, tailored to your specific business needs and stage.

How can Rho help after I secure funding?

Once you've raised capital, our integrated platform helps you manage it. With business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay in one place, you can deploy your funds efficiently. Get started with Rho.