Top 7 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Electric Vehicle Startups

For founders in the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry, preparing to raise capital means finding investors who truly understand your vision. The right financial partner brings deep industry knowledge, not just a check, which is critical in a specialized field like automotive or clean technology.

To help you identify the right investors, our team at Rho curated this guide to the top VC firms funding the future of mobility. Use this overview to quickly learn about the key players before or during your fundraising process.

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 Electric Vehicle Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit, knowing who to talk to is a critical step. This is a quick overview of which venture capital firms in the electric vehicle industry invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Electric Vehicle

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, typically used to validate your idea, build a minimum viable product, and make your first key hires. For founders in the EV or clean energy space, firms like Powerhouse Ventures and Trucks Venture Capital are two seed venture capital firms that specialize in backing transportation and energy startups from the very beginning.

Early Stage VC Firms in Electric Vehicle

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, is for companies with proven traction that need capital to scale operations and expand market presence. Among early stage VC firms, you'll find investors like SE Ventures, the venture arm of Schneider Electric; Schematic Ventures, which focuses on industrial and supply chain technology; and Thursday Ventures, a backer of robotics and software companies.

Late Stage VC Firms in Electric Vehicle

Late-stage venture capital is for established companies looking to accelerate growth, enter new markets, or prepare for an exit through an acquisition or IPO. Investors in this category, such as Trousdale Ventures and Trajectory Ventures, are often considered infrastructure or sustainability venture capital firms with the capacity to write larger checks and support companies through major growth milestones.

It's also worth noting that many VC firms invest across multiple funding stages, providing support from seed to exit.

Below is our overview of the top VC firms focused on the electric vehicle industry. We've included key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a compelling choice for founders.

1. Powerhouse Ventures

Powerhouse Ventures invests in seed-stage companies that are developing software for the energy and mobility sectors. Their focus is on technology that can significantly speed up decarbonization efforts globally.

The firm has a distinct focus on software-based solutions, rather than hardware, for the clean energy and transportation industries. They support companies from the earliest stages, often investing through seed rounds and convertible notes.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are a founder building a software company at the seed stage. They are particularly interested in businesses that address decarbonization in the energy and mobility markets.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, software, energy, mobility, transportation
• Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, California
• Founded year: 2018
• Notable portfolio company: Raptor Maps, a software platform for solar asset management
• Portfolio size: 47 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. SE Ventures

Backed by Schneider Electric, SE Ventures is a global venture capital fund managing over $1 billion. The firm invests in companies focused on climate, industrial automation, mobility, and energy management.

A key aspect of SE Ventures is its connection to a major industrial corporation, offering founders deep domain expertise and potential partnership opportunities. Their portfolio includes several high-profile successes, such as the acquisition of Volta Charging and the unicorn status of companies like Scandit and Claroty.

This firm is an excellent match if your startup operates in the industrial or climate tech sectors and could benefit from a strategic corporate partner. They support companies across all funding stages, from seed to late-stage growth.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, industrial automation, energy, mobility, sustainability
• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, California
• Founded year: 2017
• Fund size: Over $1 billion
• Notable portfolio companies: AutoGrid, Scandit, Proterra, Volta Charging, Claroty
• Portfolio size: 45 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Trucks Venture Capital

Trucks Venture Capital is a firm dedicated to backing entrepreneurs who are building the future of transportation. They invest from the earliest stages, supporting companies across the automotive, autonomous, and electric vehicle sectors.

The firm's focus is exclusively on transportation, from autonomous farming to electric air-taxis. Their portfolio is marked by several high-profile exits, including acquisitions by John Deere and a public listing for Joby Aviation.

This firm is a great potential partner if you are a founder in the transportation space seeking capital from seed to later stages. Their track record suggests they are well-suited for founders aiming for a major exit or public offering.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Transportation, automotive, autonomous vehicles, electric vehicle, smart cities
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
• Founded year: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Joby Aviation, Bear Flag Robotics, NuTonomy, Roadster
• Portfolio size: 73 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. Schematic Ventures

Schematic Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund that invests in the industrial technology sector. They focus on companies building foundational technology for supply chains, manufacturing, and logistics.

The firm has a clear focus on B2B companies transforming core industries, with notable investments in logistics and supply chain intelligence. Their portfolio includes unicorn Flock Freight, autonomous systems developer Outrider, and supply-chain intelligence company Altana AI.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are a founder building technology for industrial applications, particularly in supply chain management. They support companies from the seed stage through later rounds of funding.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial technology, supply chain management, logistics, manufacturing, electronics, electric vehicles
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
• Founded year: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Flock Freight, Outrider, Altana AI
• Portfolio size: 60 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Thursday Ventures

Thursday Ventures backs early-stage technology companies aiming to create foundational change in major industries. The firm supports founders from the initial stages, providing capital and guidance to help them grow.

The firm shows a strong preference for deep technology, with investments in robotics, AI, and enterprise software. Their portfolio includes high-profile unicorns like fitness-wearable maker WHOOP and the OpenAI-backed robotics company 1X Technologies.

This firm is a compelling partner if you are a founder building a company in robotics, FinTech, or enterprise software. Their track record suggests a focus on businesses with strong technical moats and the potential for massive scale.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Robotics, software, FinTech, electric vehicles, banking
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
• Founded year: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: WHOOP, Chronosphere, 1X Technologies, Biobot Analytics
• Portfolio size: 20 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Trousdale Ventures

Trousdale Ventures invests in mission-driven companies with the potential to be a catalyst for positive global change. They support founders working on ambitious ideas across a range of industries, from clean technology to transportation.

The firm is distinguished by its portfolio of high-profile, deep-tech companies, including SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. This focus suggests an appetite for capital-intensive projects that aim to build foundational infrastructure and technology.

Trousdale Ventures is a strong potential partner if you are a founder with a long-term vision for creating a category-defining company. They are well-suited for businesses that require significant capital and are tackling complex challenges in sustainability or technology.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, transportation, satellite communication, electric vehicle, consumer goods
• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles, California
• Founded year: 2019
• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company, Solugen, Hagerty
• Portfolio size: 86 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Trajectory Ventures

Trajectory Ventures invests in technology companies that are driving digital change on a global scale. The firm supports founders across the entire company lifecycle, from initial seed funding through late-stage growth.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear interest in foundational technologies, with investments in AI hardware like Groq and space-tech with Stoke Space. They also back companies in specialized industries, such as ag-tech with Monarch Tractor, and have a history of successful exits like the LocalMind acquisition by Airbnb.

This firm is a good match if you are a founder building a company with a strong technical foundation, especially in deep tech sectors. Their ability to invest from seed to late-stage makes them a potential long-term financial partner for ambitious projects.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, early-stage, late-stage, private equity
• Industries of focus: Aerospace, machine learning, developer tools, electric vehicle, e-commerce
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded year: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Groq, Stoke Space, AlphaSense, Monarch Tractor
• Portfolio size: 115 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Electric Vehicle Companies

This list shows that investor interest in the electric vehicle sector is both deep and varied. Many of the firms we highlighted support companies across their entire lifecycle, from initial seed funding to late-stage growth. For you as a founder, this indicates a healthy market where capital is available at each step, and you can find partners committed to your long-term success.

While there is a strong geographic concentration of these firms in California, their investment focus is often global. The variety of investor types, from corporate VCs to transportation specialists, also means you have different kinds of potential partners to approach. This diversity gives you multiple avenues to consider as you build your fundraising strategy.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires significant focus, and this curated list is designed to help you connect with the right investors more efficiently. Approaching VCs who already understand your industry saves you valuable time and energy.

Having the right financial partner is just as important after the round closes. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform offers integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to help you manage your new capital. This gives you clear visibility and control over your company’s finances from day one.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Electric Vehicle

Are there European venture capital firms for EV startups?

Yes, Europe has many active clean tech and mobility venture capital firms. Investors there are often focused on sustainability and supporting the continent's transition to electric transportation, with hubs in Germany, Sweden, and the UK leading the way.

Which Asia venture capital firms invest in mobility?

In Asia, many mobility venture capital firms are concentrated in hubs like Singapore and China. They often prioritize investments in smart mobility, battery technology, and supply chain solutions that support the region's rapid urbanization and electrification goals.

What do seed venture capital firms look for in an EV company?

Seed venture capital firms typically focus on your team's expertise, the size of your target market, and a convincing proof-of-concept. They want to see a clear vision for how your technology or business model improves on existing solutions.

Are there VCs that only fund battery technology startups?

Yes, some firms specialize in battery technology, often as part of a larger deep tech or climate tech fund. These investors look for breakthroughs in battery chemistry, manufacturing processes, or recycling that can support the broader electrification movement.

How can my EV startup get noticed by top VC firms?

To attract top VC firms, focus on demonstrating early traction, whether through customer pilots or technical milestones. A clear, concise pitch that shows deep market knowledge and a strong professional network will also make a significant difference.

How can Rho help after I raise from an EV venture capital firm?

Once your funding is secured, managing it effectively is key. Our platform helps you open business bank accounts, issue corporate cards, and automate payments, so you can put your new capital to work immediately. Get started with Rho.