Top 8 Venture Capital Firms Fueling Automotive Startups

For founders in the automotive and mobility tech space, understanding the key investors is a critical step when preparing to raise capital. Approaching the right firms—those who understand your specific challenges and opportunities—can significantly influence your fundraising outcome.

To help you find the right partners, our team at Rho has put together this overview of the top venture capital firms investing in the automotive sector. This guide is designed to give you a quick summary of the most relevant investors.

Just raised, or about to? Set up your financial stack with Rho in minutes. We provide business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—all built for startup teams moving fast.

Which VC Firms in Automotive Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you’re raising your first round or preparing for an exit, connecting with the right investors is key. We’ve put together a quick look at active VC firms in the automotive sector, broken down by the investment stages they focus on.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Automotive

This initial stage is for founders developing a core idea, building a minimum viable product, and achieving early market traction. For founders in the transportation tech space, firms like Automotive Ventures and Motus Ventures specialize in this phase, while Trucks Venture Capital also actively funds seed-stage companies.

Early Stage VC Firms in Automotive

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for companies with a proven product and market fit that need capital to scale their team and operations. Among the many mobility tech venture capital firms, StartX provides accelerator support, while Motus Ventures and Automotive Ventures are also key investors at this stage.

Late Stage VC Firms in Automotive

Late-stage rounds support established companies as they expand into new markets, make acquisitions, or prepare for an IPO. If you are approaching this phase, corporate VCs like BMW i Ventures are very active, alongside funds such as Expansion Venture Capital and Prelude Ventures.

It's also worth noting that some automotive VC firms invest across all stages, from seed to exit.

To help you identify the best fit, here is our detailed overview of the top VC firms focusing on the automotive sector. For each firm, we've outlined their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes them a notable partner for founders.

1. Yamaha Motor Ventures

As the corporate venture capital arm of Yamaha Motor, this firm invests in startups that are exploring new business domains for the parent company. Their focus extends beyond automotive to include robotics, AgTech, food, and transportation.

Their portfolio highlights a strong preference for companies centered on robotics, automation, and data analytics, with investments in companies like the logistics platform Shippeo and automation systems developer Soft Robotics. With a history of successful exits, they demonstrate experience in guiding companies toward acquisition.

Yamaha Motor Ventures could be a great match for founders whose technology aligns with Yamaha's broader industrial interests, particularly in robotics or specialized software. If your startup could gain from a strategic corporate partnership, this firm is worth considering.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: AgTech, Automotive, Food and Beverage, Transportation, Wellness
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2015
• Notable investments: Shippeo, Veo Robotics, Soft Robotics
• Portfolio size: Over 40 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Trucks Venture Capital

Trucks Venture Capital is a specialized firm that funds entrepreneurs building the future of transportation. They invest across stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, with a clear focus on autonomous vehicles, EVs, and smart cities.

The firm has a strong track record of successful exits, including the acquisition of autonomous farming company Bear Flag Robotics by John Deere and the IPO of electric air-taxi pioneer Joby Aviation. This history signals their ability to guide companies toward significant strategic outcomes.

Trucks VC is an excellent match for founders with deep expertise in transportation technology. If you are seeking a partner with a proven ability to support companies toward major acquisitions or public offerings, this firm is worth a close look.

• 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
• 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 is a venture capital firm and accelerator that invests in early-stage companies at the intersection of emerging technology and transportation. They focus on startups driven by major shifts like connected cars and advanced AI applications.

The firm’s portfolio shows a clear interest in deep technology, from autonomous driving software like Helm.ai to in-space refueling with Orbit Fab. Their investments often tackle complex engineering challenges in transportation, AI, and advanced materials.

Motus Ventures is likely a good fit for founders with a strong technical background building hardware or complex software solutions. If your startup requires patient capital and connections to major industrial partners, this firm should be on your list.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Automotive, AI, Aerospace, Transportation
• Geographical presence: Redwood City, California
• Founded: 2012
• Notable investments: Helm.ai, Orbit Fab, Sepion Technologies, Memryx
• Portfolio size: 27 investments
• Number of exits: 6

You can refer to their website here.

4. BMW i Ventures

As the corporate venture capital arm of BMW, this firm invests in technology and service companies that align with the automaker's long-term strategic interests. Their goal is to back startups that are shaping the future of mobility, manufacturing, and the supply chain.

BMW i Ventures has a strong history of guiding companies to successful public offerings, including EV charging network ChargePoint and solid-state battery developer Solid Power. This track record highlights their focus on scalable technologies with clear paths to market leadership and significant exits.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders who could benefit from a strategic relationship with a global automotive leader. If your company operates in EV infrastructure, battery tech, or advanced manufacturing, their corporate backing could provide a significant advantage.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Automotive, Finance, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: Mountain View, California
• Founded: 2011
• Notable investments: ChargePoint, Solid Power, Proterra, Xometry, Graphcore
• Portfolio size: Over 130 investments
• Number of exits: 23

You can refer to their website here.

5. Expansion Venture Capital

Expansion Venture Capital is a New York-based firm that provides investment and mentorship to companies from their early stages through periods of significant growth. Their portfolio shows a broad interest across sectors like consumer, fintech, and real estate, with a history of backing high-profile companies that went public, including Lemonade and Allbirds.

This track record signals a focus on businesses with the potential for large-scale, public market success. The firm is a strong potential partner for founders building companies with massive consumer or enterprise appeal, especially those on a clear path toward an IPO or major acquisition.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Automotive, Consumer, Enterprise, Financial Services, FinTech, InsurTech, Real Estate, Robotics
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2010
• Notable investments: Lemonade, Turo, Carta, ClassPass, Allbirds
• Portfolio size: 128 investments
• Number of exits: 29

You can refer to their website here.

6. Automotive Ventures

Automotive Ventures is a seed-stage firm that invests in companies building the future of transportation technology. Based in Atlanta, they focus on providing early capital to startups in the automotive and mobility sectors.

Their portfolio shows a strong focus on B2B and information technology solutions that address specific industry needs. Notable investments include mobile EV charging provider SparkCharge, robotic tire-changing system Robotire, and EV battery analytics company Recurrent.

This firm is a great match for founders developing targeted tech solutions for the automotive market. If your startup is focused on areas like repair automation, EV infrastructure, or auto retail software, their industry expertise could be a valuable asset.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Automotive, B2B, Information Technology
• Geographical presence: Atlanta, Georgia
• Founded: 2014
• Notable investments: SparkCharge, Robotire, Kinetic, Recurrent, Car Capital
• Portfolio size: 31 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Prelude Ventures

Prelude Ventures is a venture capital firm with a clear mission: to invest in startups addressing climate change. Their investments span a wide range of sectors, from clean energy and AgTech to advanced manufacturing and transportation.

The firm has a history of backing companies to significant outcomes, including public offerings for Planet, a satellite-imaging firm, and crop-tech company Benson Hill. Their portfolio also includes unicorns like geothermal developer Fervo Energy and mobility operator Lime, indicating a focus on businesses with the potential for high-growth.

Prelude Ventures is a strong potential partner for founders developing technology-driven solutions to major climate challenges. If your company has the potential for significant scale and a clear path to market leadership, their experience guiding companies toward IPOs could be a major asset.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, AgTech, Automotive, Carbon Capture, Clean Energy, Manufacturing
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable investments: Lime, Planet, Fervo Energy, Benson Hill
• Portfolio size: 150 investments
• Number of exits: 14

You can refer to their website here.

8. StartX (Stanford-StartX Fund)

StartX is an educational non-profit that supports entrepreneurs from the Stanford University community. As an accelerator, it provides funding and resources to help founders build their companies from the earliest stages.

The firm’s model is unique, offering non-equity assistance alongside traditional venture funding, which reflects its non-profit mission. Their broad portfolio includes major successes like the micro-mobility company Lime and the NFT marketplace OpenSea, signaling a strong ability to identify high-potential startups.

StartX is an ideal partner for founders with a Stanford affiliation who are looking for community support and resources that go beyond just capital. If you are building a company in a high-growth sector and value a strong network, this accelerator is a great place to start.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, convertible note, non-equity assistance
• Industries of focus: Automotive, Big Data, Biotech, Consumer Software, Enterprise Software, FinTech, Hardware
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2011
• Notable investments: Lime, OpenSea, Patreon, Life360, Protocol Labs
• Portfolio size: Over 330 investments
• Number of exits: 78

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Automotive Companies

Our review of these top automotive investors reveals a healthy and varied funding environment. You'll find capital available across all stages, from pre-seed to late-stage rounds. Many firms are prepared to support a company from its start through to its exit, which shows strong, sustained confidence in the sector's growth potential.

While venture activity for automotive tech is heavily concentrated in California, there are important firms in other hubs like New York and Atlanta. The mix of investors—from corporate VCs to specialists—also gives you options. You can seek a strategic partner or a more traditional financial backer, depending on what your company needs to succeed.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires significant time and energy, so approaching the right investors from the start is critical. A focused list of firms that understand your goals helps you direct your efforts where they matter most.

Once your round is closed, the work of building your company continues. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

We help you manage your new capital with tools built for growing companies. Our platform combines business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to keep your finances organized.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Automotive

Where are most US automotive venture capital firms located?

While California is the primary hub for many US automotive venture capital firms, you'll find significant investors in other key areas. Cities like New York and Atlanta are also home to specialized firms funding transportation technology and mobility startups.

Are there many European automotive venture capital firms?

Yes, Europe has a strong ecosystem for automotive tech investment, often led by the corporate venture arms of major automakers. Germany, in particular, is a key hub for firms focused on mobility, manufacturing, and electric vehicle technology.

How do automotive angel investors differ from VC firms?

Angel investors typically provide capital at the earliest pre-seed stage, often before a company is ready for institutional VC funding. They invest their personal funds and can offer valuable industry connections and mentorship for automotive startups.

What are the benefits of a corporate automotive VC firm?

Corporate VCs, like BMW i Ventures, offer more than just capital. They provide strategic value through industry expertise, access to manufacturing resources, and potential customer relationships, which can accelerate your company’s growth and market entry.

What do automotive tech venture capital firms look for?

These firms typically seek a strong founding team with deep industry knowledge, a scalable technology that solves a clear problem, and a large addressable market. Demonstrating early traction or a clear path to product-market fit is also critical.

How can we manage our new funding effectively?

Once your round is closed, managing capital is key. Our platform combines banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to help you stay organized. Get started with Rho to streamline your company's finances.