Top 13 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Transportation Startups

For founders in the Transportation, Logistics, and Mobility sectors, identifying the right investors is a crucial step when preparing to raise capital. Knowing which venture capital firms actively fund companies in your specific area—from automotive tech to supply chain innovation—can make all the difference in a successful round.

To help, our team at Rho has curated this overview of the top VC firms investing in Transportation. It’s designed to help you quickly identify relevant investors for your startup, whether you're preparing for or are in the middle of a fundraise.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho also provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding provides the capital needed to scale operations, develop new technologies, and expand your market presence in the competitive transportation sector.
• Firms like Eclipse Ventures, Powerhouse Ventures, Yamaha Motor Ventures, and Autotech Ventures are notable backers in the transportation industry, actively funding startups across the sector.
• Once you've secured funding, our platform helps you manage your capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Transportation Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early stages or preparing for an exit, connecting with the right investors is essential. Here is a quick overview of which VC firms in the transportation industry invest at each stage to help you focus your efforts.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Transportation

This initial funding stage is for startups moving from an idea to a viable product, often before generating significant revenue. For founders in sustainable transportation or mobility software, firms like Powerhouse Ventures and Better Ventures focus on this critical phase, while some New York venture capital firms like Room40 Ventures support founders in specialized areas such as Web3 logistics.

Early Stage VC Firms in Transportation

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, helps you scale operations and accelerate growth once you have a proven product. Bay Area venture capital firms specializing in this area include Trucks Venture Capital and Autotech Ventures, which are some of the most active venture capital firms in automotive tech.

Once you secure that Series A or B, our integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with tools like business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Late Stage VC Firms in Transportation

Late-stage rounds are for established companies preparing for major growth, an acquisition, or an IPO. Firms like Activate and Los Angeles-based Trousdale Ventures invest in market leaders, while others such as Cherry Tree Investments have a track record of backing companies through to a successful exit.

As you prepare for these conversations, remember that non-dilutive funding through Rho Capital can be a valuable tool to extend your runway without giving up more equity. Many VC firms, including Eclipse Ventures and Yamaha Motor Ventures, also invest across multiple stages from seed to growth rounds.

To help you identify the right partners, we've compiled an overview of the top VC firms in the transportation industry. You'll find key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a notable option for founders.

1. Eclipse Ventures

Based in Palo Alto, Eclipse Ventures invests in companies building foundational technology for physical industries like logistics, manufacturing, and transportation. Founded in 2015, the firm partners with founders creating complex, full-stack products that modernize legacy sectors.

Eclipse supports companies across a wide spectrum, from seed rounds to post-IPO, demonstrating a long-term commitment to its portfolio. Their investments in companies like security platform Verkada and AI chip designer Tenstorrent highlight a focus on deep-tech solutions for real-world problems.

This firm is a strong match for founders with deep technical expertise who are tackling major industrial challenges. If you're building a business that requires significant operational and hardware know-how, their team could be a valuable partner.

• Investment stages: Seed to post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Logistics, Manufacturing, Transportation
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Verkada, Tenstorrent, Kindred AI
• Portfolio size: Over 180 investments and 20 exits

You can refer to their website here.

2. Powerhouse Ventures

Powerhouse Ventures supports seed-stage startups that are creating software to help decarbonize global energy and mobility systems. Based in Oakland, the firm focuses on founders building innovative technology for a cleaner future.

The firm has a clear focus on software solutions for the clean energy transition, backing companies in CleanTech, Electric Vehicles, and Renewable Energy. Their portfolio includes companies like Raptor Maps, a solar asset management platform, and Zenduty, which had a successful exit to Freshworks.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders at the seed stage with software-first solutions aimed at decarbonization. If your startup operates in mobility or energy and has a strong software component, Powerhouse Ventures is a relevant investor to connect with.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, Electric Vehicle, Energy, Software, Transportation
• Geographical presence: Oakland, California
• Founded: 2018
• Notable portfolio companies: Raptor Maps, Zenduty
• Portfolio size: 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, it focuses on companies developing innovative solutions in the automotive, food, and wellness sectors.

The firm invests across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, signaling a flexible and long-term approach to its partnerships. Its portfolio includes high-growth companies like transportation visibility platform Shippeo and automation developer Soft Robotics, reflecting a clear interest in robotics and deep-tech hardware.

This firm is a great fit for founders whose technology aligns with Yamaha's strategic interests in mobility, automation, and agriculture. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with tools like business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed to late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Transportation, Robotics, AgTech, Automotive, Food and Beverage
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Shippeo, Soft Robotics, PrecisionHawk (acquired)
• 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 and provides consulting for ground transportation technology startups. Since 2015, the firm has focused on supporting companies that are reshaping how people and goods move.

The firm is known for backing high-profile companies, including ride-hailing service Lyft and the EV charging network Volta. Their model combines capital with hands-on consulting, signaling deep operational involvement with their portfolio companies.

This firm is a strong fit for founders building technology for the ground transportation sector, from early-stage concepts to growth-stage businesses. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with tools like business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed to late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Transportation technology, Business Development, Financial Services
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Lyft, Cazoo, Volta, SpotHero
• Portfolio size: Over 80 investments and 13 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. Better Ventures

Based in Oakland, Better Ventures has backed mission-driven entrepreneurs since 2010. The firm invests in companies building technology to create a more sustainable and equitable world.

The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage startups with a clear focus on impact, particularly in sectors like sustainable food, FinTech, and transportation. Their portfolio includes companies like Synop, which provides an operating system for commercial EV fleets, and food-tech unicorn Meati Foods.

This firm is a strong fit for founders whose business model is built around a clear social or environmental mission. As you prepare your pitch for mission-aligned investors like Better Ventures, Rho Capital can help you secure non-dilutive funding to strengthen your position.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Impact Investing, Sustainability, FinTech, Transportation
• Geographical presence: Oakland, California
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: Meati Foods, Synop, NuCicer, SMBX
• Portfolio size: 86 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. TMV

TMV is an early-stage venture firm based in New York that invests in companies shaping "the future of living well." Their focus spans multiple sectors, including transportation, healthcare, and financial services, backing founders with purpose-driven ideas.

The firm has a track record of backing breakout companies that have achieved significant scale, including IPOs for the mattress brand Casper and medical apparel company FIGS. This signals their ability to identify and support businesses with mainstream appeal and strong market potential.

TMV is a good match for founders building early-stage companies in sectors that directly impact people's well-being, from transportation to healthcare. If you secure a seed or Series A round, our platform helps you manage that new capital with integrated banking, cards, and spend controls.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Secondary Market
• Industries of focus: Transportation, Health Care, FinTech, Logistics, Education
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Cityblock Health, Casper, FIGS, ClassTag (acquired)
• Portfolio size: 66 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. Activate Capital Partners

Activate Capital Partners, based in San Francisco, invests in high-growth companies developing technology to transform the industrial economy. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on sectors like transportation, logistics, and sustainable energy.

The firm targets companies with technologies that are fundamentally reshaping legacy industries. Their team’s investment record includes major names like Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity, signaling an appetite for ambitious, category-defining businesses.

Activate is a strong match for founders of growth-stage companies in industrial or transportation tech with proven market traction. As you prepare for these later-stage conversations, Rho Capital can help you secure non-dilutive funding to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Early to late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial, Information Technology, Transportation
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: The team’s investment history includes Tesla, SpaceX, SolarCity, and Stem
• Portfolio size: 36 investments and 5 exits

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. Since 2015, they have backed companies creating new ways for people and goods to move, with a clear focus on automotive tech, autonomous systems, and electric vehicles.

The firm’s portfolio highlights a history of successful exits, including the acquisition of autonomous farming startup Bear Flag Robotics, the IPO of electric air-taxi pioneer Joby Aviation, and the acquisition of Zendrive’s technology by Credit Karma. This track record signals their ability to identify and support companies with significant market potential.

This firm is an excellent match for founders developing ambitious technology for the future of mobility. As you prepare to approach specialized investors like Trucks VC, Rho Capital can help you secure non-dilutive funding to extend your runway and strengthen your negotiating position.

• 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 portfolio companies: Bear Flag Robotics (acquired), Joby Aviation (IPO), NuTonomy (acquired)
• Portfolio size: 73 investments and 7 exits

You can refer to their website here.

9. R7 Partners

R7 Partners is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies building foundational technologies. The firm backs founders across a range of industries, with a focus on transportation, robotics, and enterprise software.

The firm has a strong record of supporting companies through to successful exits, including the IPOs of Bloom Energy and AEye, and the acquisition of Oculii. Their portfolio shows a clear interest in businesses with deep technical foundations, from autonomous flight to advanced sensor technology.

This firm is a good match for founders with ambitious, hardware-focused solutions in sectors like mobility and automation. As you prepare your pitch for a firm with this focus, Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive funding to extend your runway.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: AgTech, Air Transportation, FinTech, Robotics, Transportation
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Bloom Energy (IPO), AEye (IPO), Oculii (acquired), Xwing (acquired)
• Portfolio size: 30 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. Moonshots Capital

Moonshots Capital is an Austin-based venture firm that invests in companies led by what they call "extraordinary leadership." Founded in 2014, the firm backs founders across a wide range of industries, including transportation, finance, and cybersecurity.

The firm is known for backing high-profile, breakout companies like Slack and Robinhood, showing a clear ability to identify businesses with massive market potential. While they invest from seed to late-stage, their emphasis on leadership suggests a founder-first approach to building long-term partnerships.

This firm is a great fit for founders with a strong leadership background and a bold vision, regardless of their company's stage. As you prepare to connect with a firm that backs major players, Rho Capital can help you secure non-dilutive funding to strengthen your position.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Cyber Security, Finance, Gaming, Transportation, Wearables
• Geographical presence: Austin, Texas
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Slack, Robinhood, Scopely, ID.me, Pacaso
• Portfolio size: Over 140 investments and 20 exits

You can refer to their website here.

11. Cherry Tree Investments

Cherry Tree Investments is a Los Angeles-based firm that provides capital to middle-market companies. Their investment focus covers consumer brands, financial services, and transportation startups.

The firm has a track record of backing well-known companies like Lyft and the EV charging network Volta through to successful exits. This history of IPOs and acquisitions signals their ability to support businesses with significant growth potential.

This firm is a good fit for founders of early or late-stage companies in the consumer or transportation space. As you prepare for conversations with a firm known for major exits, Rho Capital can help you secure non-dilutive funding to strengthen your position.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer, Financial Services, Transportation
• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Lyft, DiDi Global (IPO), ClassPass (acquired), Volta Charging (acquired)
• Portfolio size: 30 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

12. Trousdale Ventures

Trousdale Ventures is a Los Angeles-based firm that backs mission-driven companies aiming to create positive global change. Their investments span sectors from CleanTech and transportation to consumer goods and satellite communication.

The firm is notable for its portfolio of ambitious, high-profile companies, including SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. This signals a clear appetite for founders tackling large-scale industrial and technological challenges with world-changing potential.

This firm is a strong match for founders with a bold, mission-driven vision who are building companies with the potential for significant impact. As you prepare for conversations with a firm backing major players, Rho Capital can help you secure non-dilutive funding to strengthen your position.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, Transportation, Consumer Goods, Satellite Communication
• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California
• Founded: 2019
• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company, Solugen, 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 early-stage founders. They focus on companies catalyzing the next wave of Web3 adoption across finance, commerce, and infrastructure.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear focus on Web3 applications, with investments in DeFi platform Maple Finance and crypto derivatives firm Arbelos Markets. They also back companies applying new technologies to other sectors, including logistics and transportation.

This firm is a strong match for founders building at the intersection of Web3 and established industries like logistics or finance. As you prepare your pitch, our team at Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive funding to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Web3, FinTech, Logistics, Transportation
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Maple Finance, Scope3, Twentyeight Health
• Portfolio size: 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 transportation sector attracts a diverse group of investors, with opportunities available across all funding stages. While many firms are based in California, the presence of investors in hubs like New York, Chicago, and Austin indicates a broad geographic interest. This suggests a well-balanced and healthy funding environment for founders in this space.

This variety means you can be highly strategic, targeting firms that align with your company’s specific stage and focus, whether you're building hardware, software, or a mission-driven business. As you prepare for investor conversations, our team at Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive funding to strengthen your financial position without giving up more equity.

Once you secure your funding, our integrated platform provides the tools—from business banking to corporate cards—to help you manage and deploy your capital efficiently.

Raise Confidently with Rho

When you're raising capital, your time is your most valuable asset, making a focused list of relevant investors essential. We created this guide to help you connect with the firms most likely to back your vision in the transportation sector.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. Our team is here to support you as you secure the capital needed for your next stage of growth.

We help founders access financing like venture debt and working capital without a lengthy search. Once your funding is in place, our integrated platform provides the tools—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—to help you manage it all efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Transportation

What do logistics venture capital firms look for?

These firms seek startups with scalable technology that improves efficiency, visibility, or sustainability in logistics. A clear business model and evidence of early customer traction are important for getting their attention and showing your potential.

Are there transportation venture capital firms outside the US?

Yes, major hubs like London, Berlin, and Singapore have active transportation and mobility investors. Many US firms also invest globally, so your search shouldn't be limited by location if your startup has international potential.

How should I approach Series A venture capital firms?

For a Series A, you need a proven product, clear market fit, and a solid growth strategy. Investors will expect detailed metrics on revenue, customer acquisition, and unit economics. Be prepared to show a clear path to scale.

What defines an autonomous vehicle venture capital firm?

These specialized firms focus on startups building core technologies for self-driving systems, including software, sensors, and data infrastructure. They look for deep technical expertise and solutions with long-term applications in mobility and logistics.

How can non-dilutive funding help my fundraise?

Securing non-dilutive capital through a service like Rho Capital can extend your runway before or during a VC round. This strengthens your negotiating position with equity investors and helps you retain more ownership of your company.

How can Rho help me manage my venture capital?

Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage it effectively. With business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay all in one place, Rho gives you the tools to deploy capital efficiently.