Top 7 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Electric Vehicle Startups
Find the top VC firms for your EV startup. Once you secure funding, our tools help you manage and deploy your capital efficiently.
Rho Editorial Team
When you're preparing to raise capital for your electric vehicle startup, knowing which investors are active in the space is a critical first step. Understanding their focus, from battery technology to smart mobility, helps you target the right funds and build a stronger pitch.
To help you get started, our team at Rho has put together this overview of top VC firms funding companies in the EV and clean tech sectors. This guide is designed to help you quickly identify relevant investors for your fundraising process.
Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.
Key Takeaways
Securing venture funding provides EV startups with the essential capital to accelerate research, scale production, and compete effectively in the growing market.
Leading VC firms like Powerhouse Ventures, SE Ventures, Trucks Venture Capital, and Schematic Ventures are actively funding startups across the electric vehicle sector.
Once you've closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated tools like fast business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.
Which VC Firms in Electric Vehicle Are Right for Your Stage?
Whether you’re raising an early round or preparing for an exit, it’s helpful to know which investors to approach.
This is a quick overview of VC firms in the electric vehicle sector and the stages at which they typically invest.
Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Electric Vehicle
Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you'll raise to validate your idea, build a minimum viable product, and make your first key hires. Some key seed venture capital firms in this space include Powerhouse Ventures, which backs software-focused clean tech companies, and Trucks Venture Capital, which invests in the future of transportation.
Early Stage VC Firms in Electric Vehicle
Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for startups with proven traction that need capital to scale operations and accelerate growth. Mobility venture capital firms to consider at this stage include SE Ventures, a global fund backed by Schneider Electric, and Thursday Ventures, which nurtures early-stage technologies.
Late Stage VC Firms in Electric Vehicle
Late-stage rounds provide significant capital for established companies to expand into new markets, make acquisitions, or prepare for an IPO. If you are approaching this phase, you might connect with late-stage venture capital firms such as Trousdale Ventures or Trajectory Ventures, both of which have experience with mature companies.
After closing a round with one of these firms, managing your new capital becomes the next priority. Rho’s platform helps you deploy funds efficiently with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.
It's also worth noting that some VC firms, including several mentioned here, invest across all startup funding stages.
Here is a closer look at the top VC firms funding the electric vehicle sector. For each firm, you'll find details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes them a notable option for founders.
1. Powerhouse Ventures
Based in Oakland, California, Powerhouse Ventures backs seed-stage startups using software to accelerate decarbonization in global energy and mobility systems. The firm invests in founders building innovative digital tools for the clean energy transition.
The firm shows a distinct focus on software-based solutions, with portfolio companies like Raptor Maps, a solar asset management platform, highlighting their interest in scalable climate tech. This thematic priority suggests they value companies with strong technical foundations and a clear path to impact.
Powerhouse Ventures could be a great match if you are a seed-stage founder with a software-first approach to solving problems in the energy or transportation industries. They appear well-suited for teams that are building highly focused, capital-efficient businesses.
Investment stages: Seed and early-stage
Industries of focus: Software, CleanTech, Energy, and Mobility
Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, California
Founded: 2018
Notable investments: Raptor Maps, Zenduty (acquired by Freshworks)
Portfolio size: 47 investments with 6 exits
You can refer to their website here.
2. SE Ventures
SE Ventures is a global venture capital fund with over $1 billion in capital, backed by the industrial technology leader Schneider Electric. Based in Menlo Park, they invest in companies driving innovation in energy, mobility, and industrial automation.
A key characteristic is their close relationship with Schneider Electric, which provides portfolio companies with deep industry expertise and a potential path to strategic partnership or acquisition. Their portfolio includes notable successes like the AI energy platform AutoGrid, acquired by Schneider Electric, and the EV charging network Volta Charging, acquired by Shell.
This firm is an excellent choice for founders in industrial tech, cleantech, and energy who are seeking more than just capital. If your startup could benefit from a strategic corporate partner with a global reach, SE Ventures offers a compelling advantage.
Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage
Industries of focus: CleanTech, Industrial Automation, Energy Storage, AI, and Sustainability
Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, California
Founded: 2017
Notable investments: AutoGrid, Scandit, Proterra, Volta Charging
Portfolio size: 45 investments
Fund size: Over $1 billion
You can refer to their website here.
3. Trucks Venture Capital
Trucks Venture Capital is a San Francisco-based firm that funds entrepreneurs building the future of transportation. They invest across seed, early, and late stages, providing capital for mobility innovators.
A defining feature is their exclusive focus on the transportation sector, from autonomous vehicles to smart city technology. Their portfolio includes several high-profile exits like Bear Flag Robotics and Roadster, signaling a strong eye for market-ready solutions.
This firm is a great match for founders whose work is centered on transportation and mobility. Their track record suggests they are particularly skilled at helping companies scale toward a successful acquisition or IPO.
Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage
Industries of focus: Automotive, Autonomous Vehicles, Electric Vehicle, Smart Cities, Transportation
Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
Founded: 2015
Notable investments: Bear Flag Robotics, Joby Aviation, nuTonomy, Roadster, Zendrive
Portfolio size: 73 investments with 7 exits
You can refer to their website here.
4. Schematic Ventures
Schematic Ventures is a San Francisco-based fund that invests in early-stage industrial technology companies. They provide capital to founders building solutions for sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management.
A key attribute is their focus on technology that modernizes industrial operations, supply chains, and logistics. Their portfolio highlights this with companies like Flock Freight, a logistics startup that reached unicorn status, and Outrider, a developer of autonomous yard-truck systems.
Schematic Ventures is a good fit for early-stage founders creating technology for legacy industries. If your startup is focused on improving efficiency in areas like warehousing, manufacturing, or transportation, their expertise could be valuable.
Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage
Industries of focus: Industrial Technology, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Manufacturing, Electric Vehicle
Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
Founded: 2017
Notable investments: Flock Freight, Outrider, Altana AI
Portfolio size: 60 investments
You can refer to their website here.
5. Thursday Ventures
Thursday Ventures is a San Francisco-based firm that funds and supports early-stage technology companies. Their mission is to back businesses that have the potential to make a significant global impact.
The firm invests across a broad range of technology sectors, including fintech, robotics, and software. Their portfolio features several high-growth companies, such as the fitness-wearable maker WHOOP and the cloud-native observability platform Chronosphere.
Founders with ambitious ideas in deep tech sectors may find Thursday Ventures to be a strong partner. The firm seems well-suited for teams building foundational technologies in areas like robotics, fintech, and enterprise software.
Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage
Industries of focus: FinTech, Robotics, Software, Electric Vehicle
Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
Founded: 2017
Notable investments: WHOOP, Chronosphere, Biobot Analytics, 1X Technologies
Portfolio size: 20 investments
You can refer to their website here.
6. Trousdale Ventures
Trousdale Ventures is a Los Angeles-based firm that invests in mission-driven companies aiming to create significant positive change. They operate as both a venture capital fund and a family investment office.
A defining quality is their portfolio of high-profile companies like SpaceX and Neuralink. This signals a focus on backing founders with bold, industry-changing ideas across sectors from space exploration to sustainable chemistry.
This firm is a strong fit for founders with capital-intensive, long-term visions that have the potential to reshape entire industries. After closing a significant round, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage
Industries of focus: CleanTech, GreenTech, Transportation, Consumer Goods, Information Technology
Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles, California
Founded: 2019
Notable investments: SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company, Solugen, Hagerty
Portfolio size: 86 investments
You can refer to their website here.
7. Trajectory Ventures
Trajectory Ventures is a New York-based firm that backs companies fundamentally changing industries through technology. Founded in 2012, they invest across a wide spectrum, from seed rounds to private equity.
The firm's portfolio shows a clear interest in foundational technologies, with investments in AI chipmaker Groq and space-tech company Stoke Space. Their broad investment mandate, which includes multiple investor types like a family office, suggests they can be a flexible, long-term financial partner.
This firm could be a good match if you are a founder building ambitious, capital-intensive technology in sectors like AI, aerospace, or ag-tech. Their ability to invest from the earliest stages through to maturity makes them a potential partner for the entire company lifecycle.
Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and private equity
Industries of focus: Aerospace, Machine Learning, Developer Tools, Electric Vehicle
Geographical presence: Based in New York, NY
Founded: 2012
Notable investments: Groq, Stoke Space, AlphaSense, Monarch Tractor
Portfolio size: 115 investments with 11 exits
You can refer to their website here.
What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Electric Vehicle Companies
The venture capital interest in the electric vehicle sector is broad, attracting investors from industrial tech, software, and general transportation funds. This diversity suggests that you don't need to limit your search to specialist EV investors; many firms see the EV space as a key part of a larger thesis on mobility, energy, or industrial modernization.
The firms listed here show a healthy balance of investment stages. While some focus on early rounds, many invest from seed through late-stage, offering potential long-term partnerships. Geographically, there is a strong concentration of investors in California, though notable firms are also active on the East Coast.
This indicates a mature and well-supported funding environment for EV founders. Once you secure that funding, managing your new capital becomes the next critical step. Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Raise Confidently with Rho
Having a focused list of relevant investors is a significant advantage when you're fundraising. It allows you to direct your limited time and energy toward the firms most likely to support your vision.
Once your round is closed, the work of managing that capital begins. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.
Our platform gives you the tools to deploy your new funding with confidence. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay designed for growing startups.
FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Electric Vehicle
Which European venture capital firms invest in electric vehicles?
Many European VCs are active in clean tech. Look for firms with a sustainability or mobility focus, as they often invest in EV-related technologies, from charging infrastructure to battery development, to support the continent's green transition.
Are there active Asia venture capital firms in the EV space?
Yes, many venture capital firms in Asia, particularly in Singapore and India, are funding EV and mobility startups. They are often supported by government initiatives and a rapidly growing consumer market for electric transportation and related technologies.
What should I look for in Series A venture capital firms for my EV startup?
For a Series A round, seek investors with a proven record in scaling hardware or deep tech companies. Their industry connections and operational expertise are as important as the capital they provide for your next stage of growth.
Which VCs focus on battery technology venture capital?
While many clean tech VCs invest broadly, some specialize in battery technology. Look for funds with deep scientific expertise on their teams, as they can better evaluate your technology and connect you with manufacturing and supply chain partners.
How can my EV startup get noticed by top VC firms?
Beyond a compelling pitch, VCs look for a strong founding team with relevant experience, a clear go-to-market strategy, and early traction. Demonstrating product-market fit, even at a small scale, will help you gain their attention.
How can Rho help after I raise from an EV venture capital firm?
Once your round is closed, our platform helps you manage your new capital. Rho provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, giving you the financial tools to scale your operations efficiently.