Top 13 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Transportation Startups

For founders in the transportation, logistics, or mobility sectors, preparing to raise capital means knowing which investors to approach. Finding a partner who understands the specific challenges and opportunities in areas like supply chain or automotive tech is a critical first step.

To help with your research, our team at Rho curated this overview of the top venture capital firms investing in transportation. Use this guide to quickly identify relevant investors, whether you're looking for seed funding or a Series A partner.

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 Transportation Are Right for Your Stage?

It helps to know who to talk to, whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit. We've created this overview to show you which transportation VC firms invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Transportation

This is the earliest funding stage, intended for founders who are developing an initial product and seeking product-market fit. For those looking for their first institutional capital, seed venture capital firms like Powerhouse Ventures, Better Ventures, and Trucks Venture Capital are excellent places to start.

Early Stage VC Firms in Transportation

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and Series B, helps companies with a proven product and early traction scale their teams and customer acquisition. Mobility and automotive tech VC firms such as Autotech Ventures and R7 Partners focus here, along with Activate, which invests in companies transforming industrial sectors.

Late Stage VC Firms in Transportation

Late-stage capital is for established companies that need funding to expand into new markets, make strategic acquisitions, or prepare for an exit via an IPO or M&A. Investors in this category include Los Angeles-based Cherry Tree Investments and Trousdale Ventures, both of which have experience guiding companies toward significant exits.

Keep in mind that some VC firms invest across all startup funding stages, from seed to late-stage rounds.

Here is a closer look at the top VC firms investing in the transportation industry. We've included key details about their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm distinct to help you find the right partner.

1. Eclipse Ventures

Based in Palo Alto, Eclipse Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies transforming physical industries. They focus on sectors like logistics, manufacturing, and transportation.

The firm backs companies from seed to post-IPO, showing a long-term commitment to its portfolio. Their investments in companies like AI chip designer Tenstorrent and security platform Verkada highlight a focus on deep tech and infrastructure.

Eclipse could be a strong partner if you're a founder building a company with a significant hardware or software component for legacy industries. Their portfolio suggests an interest in businesses that modernize core sectors of the economy.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and post-IPO

• Industries of focus: Logistics, manufacturing, transportation

• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California

• Founded year: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Verkada, Tenstorrent, Kindred AI

• Portfolio size: Over 180 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Powerhouse Ventures

Powerhouse Ventures is an Oakland-based firm that backs seed-stage startups building software to decarbonize energy and mobility systems. Their focus is on innovative companies that can accelerate the transition to cleaner technologies.

The firm’s clear concentration on software solutions for the energy and mobility sectors is a defining characteristic. They invest at the seed stage and have a portfolio that includes companies like Raptor Maps, which specializes in solar asset management software.

This firm could be a great partner if you are a seed-stage founder developing a software product aimed at decarbonizing the energy or transportation industries. Their specific focus suggests they bring deep expertise in this area.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, convertible note

• Industries of focus: CleanTech, electric vehicles, energy, software, transportation

• Geographical presence: Oakland, California

• Founded year: 2018

• Notable portfolio companies: Raptor Maps, Zenduty, DailyRounds

• Portfolio size: 47 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Yamaha Motor Ventures

As the corporate venture arm of Yamaha Motor, this Palo Alto-based firm invests in startups developing new technologies in transportation, robotics, and AgTech. Their goal is to partner with companies that can shape the future of these industries.

The firm invests from seed to late-stage rounds, showing flexibility in its support for growing companies. Their portfolio includes high-growth companies like Shippeo, a transportation visibility platform considered a “soonicorn,” and has seen successful exits with acquired companies like PrecisionHawk.

Yamaha Motor Ventures could be a good fit if your startup operates in their focus areas and could benefit from a strategic corporate partner. Founders seeking capital alongside deep industry connections and a potential path to global markets may find them valuable.

• 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 year: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Shippeo, Soft Robotics, PrecisionHawk, Veo Robotics

• Portfolio size: 43 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. Autotech Ventures

Autotech Ventures is a Menlo Park-based firm that invests in ground transportation technology. They offer both capital and consulting services to the companies they back, signaling a hands-on approach.

The firm's portfolio includes major names like Lyft and Cazoo, highlighting their ability to support companies through to significant public market exits. They invest across stages, from seed to late-stage, offering support throughout a company's growth.

This firm is a strong match if you are building a ground transportation startup with high-growth potential. Founders looking for a partner with a track record of guiding companies to public listings or acquisitions should take note.

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

• Industries of focus: Transportation technology, financial services

• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California

• Founded year: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Lyft, Cazoo, Indie Semiconductor, Volta, SpotHero

• Portfolio size: 82 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Better Ventures

Better Ventures is an Oakland-based firm that backs entrepreneurs building companies intended to create a better world. They concentrate on seed and early-stage startups that are working to solve significant social and environmental challenges.

A defining characteristic is their focus on mission-driven companies, evident in their portfolio which includes alternative protein producer Meati Foods and EV fleet management platform Synop. This signals a clear preference for businesses with a tangible, positive impact.

This firm could be a strong partner if your company has a core mission tied to social or environmental good. Founders in sustainability, AgTech, or transportation with this focus will find alignment here.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Impact investing, sustainability, AgTech, FinTech, transportation

• Geographical presence: Oakland, California

• Founded year: 2010

• Notable portfolio companies: Meati Foods, Synop, Avalo, SMBX

• Portfolio size: 86 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. TMV

TMV is a New York-based investment firm that backs early-stage companies focused on the "future of living well." They invest in purpose-driven founders across a range of sectors, including transportation and logistics.

A key characteristic of TMV is their portfolio of high-profile companies that have achieved significant scale, including unicorns like Cityblock Health and apparel brand FIGS. This demonstrates their ability to support brands from their early days through to major exits like IPOs.

This firm is a strong potential partner for early-stage founders building companies that directly improve people's lives. If your business has a strong brand identity and a clear mission, TMV's experience with breakout companies could be valuable.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, secondary market

• Industries of focus: Health Care, FinTech, Transportation, Logistics, Education

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded year: 2016

• Notable portfolio companies: Cityblock Health, Casper, FIGS, Clockwise

• Portfolio size: 66 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Activate Capital Partners

Activate Capital Partners is a San Francisco firm that invests in high-growth companies developing technologies to reshape the industrial economy. They focus on businesses driving significant change in sectors like transportation and information technology.

A key characteristic of Activate is their investment record, which includes backing industry-defining companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity. This history points to a strategy of supporting businesses with the potential for substantial market impact, from early stages through to late-stage growth.

This firm could be an excellent match if you are a founder with a capital-intensive, high-growth company aimed at a large industrial market. Their experience with major exits suggests they are well-equipped to support founders with ambitious, long-term visions.

• Investment stages: Early-stage and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Industrial, Information Technology, Transportation

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded year: 2017

• Notable portfolio companies: Tesla, SpaceX, SolarCity, Stem, Ping Identity

• Portfolio size: 36 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. Trucks Venture Capital

Trucks Venture Capital is a San Francisco-based firm that funds entrepreneurs building the future of transportation. They concentrate on startups creating new technologies for how people and goods move, from autonomous systems to electric vehicles.

The firm’s deep specialization in transportation is a key characteristic, with a portfolio that shows a clear focus on the entire mobility ecosystem. Their track record is marked by several high-profile exits, including the acquisition of Bear Flag Robotics by John Deere and the public listing of Joby Aviation.

This firm is an ideal partner if you are a seed or early-stage founder working on transportation technology. Companies focused on autonomous vehicles, electrification, or logistics software will find their industry expertise and history of successful exits particularly valuable.

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

• Industries of focus: Automotive, autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, smart cities, transportation

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded year: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Joby Aviation, Bear Flag Robotics, Roadster, Zendrive

• Portfolio size: 73 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. R7 Partners

R7 Partners is a Chicago-based firm that provides capital to early-stage companies developing foundational technologies. They focus on businesses with the potential to create significant change in their respective industries.

A defining feature of R7 is its strong track record of successful exits, including the IPO of Bloom Energy and acquisitions of companies like Oculii. Their portfolio, which includes autonomous flight company Xwing, shows a clear focus on businesses with deep technical components.

This firm is a great match for founders of early-stage companies building complex technology in areas like robotics, transportation, or AgTech. If you are developing a business with a clear path to an IPO or strategic acquisition, R7’s experience could be a major asset.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Air Transportation, Enterprise Software, Finance, FinTech, Robotics, Transportation

• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded year: 2014

• Notable portfolio companies: Bloom Energy, AEye, Oculii, Xwing, Bedrock

• Portfolio size: 30 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. Moonshots Capital

Moonshots Capital is an Austin-based firm that invests in companies led by what they call "extraordinary leadership." While they often invest at the seed stage, the firm also participates in later rounds, supporting companies throughout their growth journey.

The firm's track record is defined by its investments in category-defining companies like Slack and Robinhood, both of which achieved major public exits. This history signals a focus on backing founders with ambitious, large-scale visions rather than a narrow industry specialization.

Moonshots could be a strong partner if you are a founder with a proven leadership background and a high-growth business model. Their portfolio suggests they are a good fit for teams aiming for significant market impact and a major exit.

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

• Industries of focus: Cyber Security, Finance, Gaming, Transportation, Wearables

• Geographical presence: Austin, Texas

• Founded year: 2014

• Notable portfolio companies: Slack, Robinhood, Scopely, ID.me

• Portfolio size: 146 investments

You can refer to their website here.

11. Cherry Tree Investments

Based in Los Angeles, Cherry Tree Investments is an investment firm that supports middle-market companies. They provide capital to businesses in the consumer, financial services, and transportation industries.

The firm has a strong history of guiding companies to significant exits, including the IPO of ride-sharing giant DiDi Global and the public listing of Lyft. Their portfolio shows a clear ability to back well-known brands through to maturity.

Cherry Tree could be a good partner if you are a founder of a later-stage company with a proven business model and a clear path toward an IPO or acquisition. Their experience with major exits is a key asset for teams preparing for the next phase of growth.

• Investment stages: Early-stage and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Consumer, Financial Services, Transportation

• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California

• Founded year: 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: Lyft, DiDi Global, ClassPass, Volta Charging

• Portfolio size: 30 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. Trousdale Ventures

Trousdale Ventures is a Los Angeles-based firm that invests in mission-driven companies with the potential to be a catalyst for positive change. They provide capital to founders building businesses aimed at solving significant global challenges.

The firm is defined by its portfolio of ambitious companies, including SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. This focus on high-impact ventures shows their comfort with backing founders who have large-scale, transformative goals.

Trousdale could be a strong partner if you are a founder with a bold, long-term vision, particularly in deep tech or infrastructure. Their portfolio suggests an interest in capital-intensive businesses with world-changing missions.

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

• Industries of focus: CleanTech, transportation, information technology, consumer goods

• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California

• Founded year: 2019

• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company, Hagerty

• Portfolio size: 86 investments

You can refer to their website here.

13. Room40 Ventures

Room40 Ventures is a New York-based firm that partners with founders working on the next wave of Web3 adoption. They invest in companies across DeFi, infrastructure, and Web3 commerce.

The firm’s clear focus on Web3 is a defining characteristic, with a portfolio that includes DeFi lending platform Maple Finance and crypto trading firm Arbelos Markets. They primarily back companies at the seed and early stages, supporting them from their initial development.

This firm is a strong match if you are an early-stage founder whose business has a significant Web3 or decentralized component. Companies in logistics or transportation that use blockchain technology would find alignment here.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Web3, FinTech, transportation, and logistics

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded year: 2017

• Notable portfolio companies: Maple Finance, Scope3, Twentyeight Health, NATIX Network

• Portfolio size: 24 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Transportation Companies

This overview shows that the transportation sector attracts a wide range of investors. You will find firms that invest across all stages, from seed to late-stage, as well as specialists focused on early-growth companies. This balance suggests a healthy funding environment, offering support whether you are developing an initial product or preparing for a major expansion.

Geographically, there is a strong concentration of firms in California, but also a notable presence in hubs like New York, Chicago, and Austin. The variety of investor types is also significant, from transportation-specific funds to impact investors and corporate VCs. This diversity gives you more opportunities to find a partner whose investment thesis and expertise align with your company's specific goals.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires significant time and energy, so having a focused list of relevant investors is a major advantage. We created this guide to help you connect with the right partners for your transportation company from the start.

Once your round is closed, putting that capital to work is the immediate priority. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform provides the tools you need to manage your new capital efficiently. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay designed for growing startups.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Transportation

Which cities are hubs for transportation venture capital?

While California, particularly the Bay Area and Los Angeles, is a primary center, other key hubs include New York, Chicago, and Austin. These cities have a strong concentration of investors focused on mobility, logistics, and automotive technology.

Are there VCs that specialize in sustainable transportation?

Yes, many firms focus specifically on this area. Investors like Powerhouse Ventures and Better Ventures prioritize startups in decarbonization and electric vehicles, seeking companies with a clear environmental mission and a scalable business model.

What do transportation VCs look for in a startup?

Investors look for founders with deep industry expertise and a clear solution to a major problem. They value teams that demonstrate technical skill, a strong understanding of their market, and a business model with high-growth potential.

What are the benefits of a corporate VC in transportation?

Corporate VCs offer more than just capital. They can provide deep industry knowledge, access to established distribution channels, and potential strategic partnerships that can accelerate a startup’s growth and market entry, as seen with Yamaha Motor Ventures.

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

Once your round is closed, our platform helps you manage your new capital. We provide integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated payments to help your startup scale efficiently. You can get started with Rho in minutes.