Top 13 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Transportation Startups
Looking for funding for your transportation startup? We've compiled a list of the top venture capital firms actively investing in the sector.
Rho Editorial Team
For founders in the transportation, logistics, and mobility sectors, preparing to raise capital begins with knowing who is actively investing. Identifying the right venture capital firms is a critical step toward securing a partner who understands your business.
To help with your search, our team at Rho has curated this overview of top VC firms focused on the transportation industry. We designed this guide to help you quickly understand the key investors in your space, whether you're fundraising now or planning for the future.
Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—all built for startup teams moving fast.
Key Takeaways
Securing venture funding in the transportation space is about finding a strategic partner who understands the industry, not just a source of capital.
Top VC firms like Eclipse Ventures, Powerhouse Ventures, Yamaha Motor Ventures, and Autotech Ventures are notable backers of startups focused on transportation.
Once you close a round, Rho helps you manage your capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.
Which VC Firms in Transportation Are Right for Your Stage?
Whether you're an early-stage founder or preparing for an exit, knowing which investors to approach makes all the difference.
To help you target your efforts, here is our overview of active transportation VC firms and the stages at which they invest.
Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Transportation
Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of capital, typically used to validate an idea, build a minimum viable product, and achieve initial market traction. For founders in the autonomous vehicle or logistics space, firms like Powerhouse Ventures and Better Ventures focus on this critical first stage, while micro VC firms such as Trucks Venture Capital also provide seed funding for the future of transportation.
Early Stage VC Firms in Transportation
Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and Series B rounds, is for companies with a proven product and business model that need capital to scale operations and expand their customer base. Among the many early stage venture capital firms, Chicago-based R7 Partners invests in transformational technologies, while TMV and Activate are also notable investors in this category.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Late Stage VC Firms in Transportation
Late-stage capital is designed for established companies looking to accelerate growth, enter new markets, or prepare for an exit through an acquisition or initial public offering (IPO). If your company is approaching this phase, investors like Autotech Ventures, Cherry Tree Investments, and Trousdale Ventures have experience backing companies through major growth milestones and exits.
It's also worth noting that many firms, including some mentioned here, invest across multiple funding stages from seed to late-stage growth.
To help you find the right partner, we've compiled details on the top VC firms investing in transportation. For each firm, you'll find information on their preferred investment stages, geographic focus, and specific areas of expertise.
1. Eclipse Ventures
Based in Palo Alto, Eclipse is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 that invests in companies modernizing physical industries. They focus on sectors like transportation, logistics, and manufacturing, backing founders who are building foundational technology.
Eclipse invests across a company's full lifecycle, from seed rounds to post-IPO. Their portfolio includes companies like Verkada (physical security) and Tenstorrent (AI semiconductors), showing a preference for businesses that integrate complex hardware and software.
This firm is a strong potential partner if you are building a company that operates at the intersection of the digital and physical worlds. Founders who require capital and expertise to scale complex, full-stack systems will find their approach valuable.
Investment stages: Seed to late-stage and post-IPO
Industries of focus: Transportation, Logistics, Manufacturing
Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 2015
Notable investments: Verkada, Tenstorrent, Kindred AI
Portfolio summary: Over 180 investments and 20 exits
You can refer to their website here.
2. Powerhouse Ventures
Based in Oakland, Powerhouse Ventures backs seed-stage startups building software to rapidly decarbonize global energy and mobility systems. They provide critical early capital to companies creating innovative technology in the clean energy and transportation sectors.
The firm’s specific focus on software for decarbonization is a key attribute, showing a clear thematic priority. Their portfolio, which includes companies like the solar software platform Raptor Maps, demonstrates a preference for software-based models that address climate challenges.
Powerhouse Ventures is a strong potential partner if you are a seed-stage founder with a software company aimed at the clean energy or transportation markets. Their defined concentration means they bring targeted industry knowledge in addition to capital.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note
Industries of focus: CleanTech, Software, Electric Vehicle, Transportation, Energy
Location: Oakland, California
Founded: 2018
Notable investments: Raptor Maps, Zenduty, DailyRounds
Portfolio summary: 47 investments and 6 exits
You can refer to their website here.
3. Yamaha Motor Ventures
As the corporate venture capital arm of Yamaha Motor, this Palo Alto-based firm invests in startups transforming industries like transportation, robotics, and AgTech. Founded in 2015, they back companies from their seed round through later stages of growth.
Their portfolio shows a focus on deep technology, with investments in companies like Shippeo, a transportation visibility platform, and Soft Robotics. Their track record, detailed by Tracxn, includes successful exits like the drone analytics provider PrecisionHawk.
Yamaha Motor Ventures is a strong match for founders seeking a strategic partner with deep industry expertise, particularly in robotics and industrial automation. If your company can benefit from the resources of a global corporation, they are a compelling option.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed to late-stage
Industries of focus: Transportation, Robotics, AgTech, Automotive, Wellness
Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 2015
Notable investments: Shippeo, PrecisionHawk, Veo Robotics, Soft Robotics
Portfolio summary: Over 40 investments and multiple exits
You can refer to their website here.
4. Autotech Ventures
Based in Menlo Park, Autotech Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in ground transportation technology. They provide both capital and consulting services, supporting startups across the mobility sector.
The firm invests from seed to late-stage rounds and has a strong track record of high-profile exits. Their portfolio includes major names like Lyft and Volta, showing experience in guiding companies to public listings and acquisitions.
Autotech Ventures is an excellent fit for founders who need more than just a check. If you want a partner with deep industry connections and experience with major exits, they are a strong option.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Ground Transportation Technology, Mobility
Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 2015
Notable investments: Lyft, Cazoo, Volta, SpotHero
Portfolio summary: Over 80 investments and 13 exits
You can refer to their website here.
5. Better Ventures
Based in Oakland, Better Ventures is an early-stage firm that backs companies aiming to create positive social and environmental impact. Their mission is to support entrepreneurs who are building a better world.
The firm has a clear focus on impact and sustainability, investing in sectors like FinTech, AgTech, and transportation. Their portfolio highlights this, with companies like Synop, which provides an operating system for commercial EV fleets, and Meati Foods, a producer of meat alternatives.
Better Ventures is a good fit for seed and early-stage founders whose business models have measurable positive impact at their core. If your company is tackling challenges in sustainability or financial inclusion, their expertise is highly relevant.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Impact Investing, Sustainability, FinTech, Transportation
Location: Oakland, California
Founded: 2010
Notable investments: Synop, Meati Foods, NuCicer, Avalo
Portfolio summary: 86 investments and 8 exits
You can refer to their website here.
6. TMV
Based in New York, TMV is an early-stage venture firm that invests in companies focused on the "future of living well." Their investment thesis is purpose-driven, backing founders who are building businesses that create a meaningful impact.
TMV invests from seed to early-stage rounds across sectors like healthcare, FinTech, and transportation. Their portfolio includes notable exits like Casper Sleep and FIGS, demonstrating experience in guiding companies toward major milestones like an IPO.
This firm is a strong match for founders building mission-oriented companies that improve how people live and work. If your business has a clear societal or consumer benefit at its core, TMV’s approach is a good fit.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Secondary Market
Industries of focus: Health Care, FinTech, Transportation, Logistics
Location: New York, New York
Founded: 2016
Notable investments: Cityblock Health, Casper Sleep, FIGS, ClassTag
Portfolio summary: 66 investments and 8 exits
You can refer to their website here.
7. Activate Capital Partners
Based in San Francisco, Activate Capital Partners invests in high-growth companies developing technologies that are reshaping the industrial economy. They back businesses poised for significant expansion in sectors like transportation, energy, and information technology.
The firm’s investment record is notable, with team experience that includes backing foundational companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity. This history signals a focus on ambitious, capital-intensive businesses that have the potential to define new markets.
Activate Capital is a strong potential partner for founders building technology-driven companies in industrial and transportation markets. If your company requires substantial capital and a partner with experience guiding businesses toward major exits, they are a compelling choice.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Industrial, Information Technology, Transportation
Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2017
Notable investments: Tesla, SpaceX, SolarCity, Stem
Portfolio summary: 36 investments and 5 exits
You can refer to their website here.
8. Trucks Venture Capital
Based in San Francisco, Trucks Venture Capital is a micro-VC firm that invests in entrepreneurs building the future of transportation. Since its founding in 2015, the firm has focused on providing seed and early-stage funding to companies in the mobility sector.
The firm maintains a sharp focus on transportation technology, with a portfolio spanning autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, and logistics. Their track record includes several high-profile exits, such as the autonomous farming company Bear Flag Robotics and the mobility-risk platform Zendrive, demonstrating their experience in guiding startups to successful outcomes.
Trucks VC is an excellent match for seed-stage founders developing hardware or software solutions for the transportation industry. If your company is focused on autonomous systems or electric mobility, their deep industry knowledge and proven exit history make them a valuable partner.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Automotive, Autonomous Vehicles, Electric Vehicle, Smart Cities, Transportation
Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2015
Notable investments: Joby Aviation, Bear Flag Robotics, NuTonomy, Roadster, Zendrive
Portfolio summary: 73 investments and 7 exits
You can refer to their website here.
9. R7 Partners
Based in Chicago, R7 Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies building transformational technologies. They provide capital to founders creating foundational shifts in industries like transportation, robotics, and enterprise software.
The firm’s portfolio shows a clear preference for deep-tech and hardware-intensive businesses, with notable exits like Bloom Energy (IPO) and AEye (SPAC). This track record indicates an appetite for complex technologies with clear paths to public markets or major acquisitions.
R7 Partners is a strong potential match for early-stage founders developing capital-intensive technologies. If you are building a company with a long-term vision and a clear exit strategy, their experience is highly relevant.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture
Industries of focus: AgTech, Air Transportation, Enterprise Software, Robotics, Transportation
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Founded: 2014
Notable investments: Bloom Energy, AEye, Oculii, Xwing
Portfolio summary: 30 investments with a track record of IPO and M&A exits
You can refer to their website here.
10. Moonshots Capital
Based in Austin, Moonshots Capital is a seed-stage venture firm that invests in companies led by exceptional founders. Their focus is on identifying and backing extraordinary leadership from the earliest stages.
The firm is defined by its founder-centric approach and a portfolio of high-profile successes, including Slack and Robinhood. This track record demonstrates their ability to support companies through major growth and successful exits across various sectors, including transportation.
Moonshots Capital is an ideal partner for seed-stage founders with ambitious goals and strong leadership qualities. If you are building a company with the potential for a massive outcome, their experience is highly relevant.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage, Convertible Note
Industries of focus: Cyber Security, Finance, Gaming, Transportation, Wearables
Location: Austin, Texas
Founded: 2014
Notable investments: Slack, Robinhood, Scopely, ID.me, Pacaso
Portfolio summary: 146 investments and 20 exits
You can refer to their website here.
11. Cherry Tree Investments
Based in Los Angeles, Cherry Tree Investments is an investment firm that provides capital to middle-market companies. They invest in both early and late-stage ventures across several industries, including transportation.
The firm has a notable history of backing high-profile companies and guiding them to successful exits. Their portfolio includes unicorns like Lyft and major players like DiDi Global, demonstrating experience with IPOs, buyouts, and SPACs.
Cherry Tree is a strong potential partner for founders with established companies aiming for a major exit. If your business is in the consumer, financial services, or transportation space and has a clear path to scale, their track record is highly relevant.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Consumer, Financial Services, Transportation
Location: Los Angeles, California
Founded: 2013
Notable investments: Lyft, DiDi Global, ClassPass, FiscalNote Holdings, Volta Charging
Portfolio summary: 30 investments and 8 exits
You can refer to their website here.
12. Trousdale Ventures
Based in Los Angeles, Trousdale Ventures is a family investment office and venture capital firm that backs mission-driven companies. They invest from seed to late-stage rounds, focusing on businesses that can create positive global change.
The firm is notable for its portfolio of ambitious, high-profile companies like SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. This signals an appetite for businesses with massive scale and market-defining potential, particularly in transportation and deep technology.
Trousdale Ventures is a compelling partner for founders with bold, long-term visions that require significant capital. If your company is tackling major challenges in sectors like CleanTech or transportation and has a clear mission, their approach is a strong fit.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: CleanTech, Transportation, Satellite Communication, Consumer Goods
Location: Los Angeles, California
Founded: 2019
Notable investments: SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company, Solugen, Hagerty
Portfolio summary: 86 investments
You can refer to their website here.
13. Room40 Ventures
Based in New York, Room40 Ventures is an early-stage firm that partners with founders building for the next wave of web3 adoption. Their focus is on DeFi, infrastructure, and web3 commerce.
The firm’s portfolio highlights a clear priority on web3 and crypto, with investments in companies like the DeFi lending platform Maple Finance and crypto derivatives firm Arbelos Markets. They also back companies applying technology to real-world challenges, such as Scope3, which provides carbon-emissions data for the advertising industry.
Room40 Ventures is a strong match for seed and early-stage founders building in the web3, crypto, or FinTech space. If your company is creating infrastructure or applications for the decentralized web, their focused expertise is a clear advantage.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Web3, Cryptocurrency, FinTech, Logistics, Transportation
Location: New York, New York
Founded: 2017
Notable investments: Maple Finance, Scope3, Twentyeight Health, Arbelos Markets
Portfolio summary: 24 investments and 3 exits
You can refer to their website here.
What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Transportation Companies
This overview shows that the funding environment for transportation companies is healthy and well-balanced. You can find investors focused on every stage, from pre-seed and seed firms to late-stage specialists. Many firms also invest across a company's full lifecycle, offering support from the earliest days through major growth milestones.
While California remains a key hub for transportation VCs, the presence of active investors in cities like New York, Chicago, and Austin indicates a growing geographic diversity. This variety gives you a better chance of finding a partner who not only provides capital but also aligns with your company's specific mission and stage of development.
Once funding is secured, 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
Raising capital is an intense process, and your time is your most valuable asset. This list is designed to help you focus your efforts on the investors most relevant to your company's stage and sector.
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 provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay solutions. These tools are built to help startups like yours manage and deploy new funding with clarity and control.
FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Transportation
Which cities are major hubs for transportation venture capital firms?
While Silicon Valley remains a key center, major hubs for transportation VCs now include New York, Chicago, and Austin. This geographic spread gives founders more options for finding a partner who aligns with their company's specific needs.
What do early-stage transportation VC firms look for?
Early-stage firms typically look for a proven product, initial market traction, and a clear business model. They want to see evidence that your company is ready to scale its operations and expand its customer base with new capital.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Are there VCs that only fund sustainable transportation startups?
Yes, some firms specialize in sustainability. For example, Powerhouse Ventures focuses on decarbonizing mobility systems, while Better Ventures backs companies with measurable social and environmental impact, including those in the electric vehicle and CleanTech sectors.
How can I find the right seed venture capital firms for my startup?
Start by researching firms that explicitly state a focus on seed-stage investments in your sector. Analyze their portfolios to see if they have backed similar companies and use industry lists, like this one, to target your outreach effectively.
How can Rho help after I raise a round?
Once your round is closed, managing the capital is critical. Rho provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to help you deploy your new funding with clarity and control from day one.