Toyota AI Ventures looks for early-stage startups, across a range of industries, that are applying AI, data, and cloud technologies to solve problems and create new market opportunities.
Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm Toyota AI Ventures (TAIV) today announced Fund II, a new $100M fund dedicated to investing in early-stage startups developing “disruptive technologies and business models” in the autonomous mobility and robotics markets.
With Fund II, Toyota AI Ventures will expand its search for entrepreneurs to invest in as part of its mission to discover what’s next for Toyota. Toyota AI Ventures will also use Fund II to continue to strengthen its portfolio services.
In addition to offering capital, TAIV partners with portfolio companies to provide ongoing support and resources to enable their long-term success, including assistance with product-market fit, and an opportunity to connect with Toyota’s deep technical expertise and its extensive global network.
Led by founding managing director Jim Adler, who also serves as executive advisor at the Toyota Research Institute (TRI), Toyota AI Ventures was founded in July 2017 as a subsidiary of TRI. In less than two years, Toyota AI Ventures has invested in a diverse portfolio of 19 startups. Fund II brings the firm’s total assets under management to more than $200M to invest in and support promising startups around the world.
“Auto manufacturers must participate in the startup ecosystem to stay ahead of the rapid shift in the auto industry,” claimed Adler, Managing Director of Toyota AI Ventures. “Investing in startups creates long-term relationships that help Toyota explore the latest innovations in mobility.”
Toyota AI Ventures looks for early-stage startups, across a range of industries, that are applying AI, data, and cloud technologies to solve problems and create new market opportunities. Existing investments include:
- Elementary Robotics: Developing robotics platforms to help automate everyday tasks
- Intuition Robotics: Creating social companion technologies using cognitive AI
- Joby Aviation: Pioneering an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) passenger aircraft service
- May Mobility: Offering communities a Level 4 self-driving shuttle service: Building autonomous control and navigation systems for the maritime industry
“The growing interest in automated systems has created great opportunities to improve human lives using AI and next-generation mobility technology,” claims Dr. Gill Pratt, chief executive officer at TRI and Toyota AI Ventures investment committee member.
“Our startups are our customers, and we strive for deep connections based on a shared vision, common values, and aligned incentives,” said Adler. “It’s about building relationships that last. Today’s announcement is a demonstration of our long-term commitment to supporting the best entrepreneurs who are creating the next generation of disruptive innovations and businesses.”
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Toyota AI Ventures Launches New $100M Fund
Toyota AI Ventures looks for early-stage startups, across a range of industries, that are applying AI, data, and cloud technologies to solve problems and create new market opportunities.
Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm Toyota AI Ventures (TAIV) today announced Fund II, a new $100M fund dedicated to investing in early-stage startups developing “disruptive technologies and business models” in the autonomous mobility and robotics markets.
With Fund II, Toyota AI Ventures will expand its search for entrepreneurs to invest in as part of its mission to discover what’s next for Toyota. Toyota AI Ventures will also use Fund II to continue to strengthen its portfolio services.
In addition to offering capital, TAIV partners with portfolio companies to provide ongoing support and resources to enable their long-term success, including assistance with product-market fit, and an opportunity to connect with Toyota’s deep technical expertise and its extensive global network.
Led by founding managing director Jim Adler, who also serves as executive advisor at the Toyota Research Institute (TRI), Toyota AI Ventures was founded in July 2017 as a subsidiary of TRI. In less than two years, Toyota AI Ventures has invested in a diverse portfolio of 19 startups. Fund II brings the firm’s total assets under management to more than $200M to invest in and support promising startups around the world.
“Auto manufacturers must participate in the startup ecosystem to stay ahead of the rapid shift in the auto industry,” claimed Adler, Managing Director of Toyota AI Ventures. “Investing in startups creates long-term relationships that help Toyota explore the latest innovations in mobility.”
Toyota AI Ventures looks for early-stage startups, across a range of industries, that are applying AI, data, and cloud technologies to solve problems and create new market opportunities. Existing investments include:
“The growing interest in automated systems has created great opportunities to improve human lives using AI and next-generation mobility technology,” claims Dr. Gill Pratt, chief executive officer at TRI and Toyota AI Ventures investment committee member.
“Our startups are our customers, and we strive for deep connections based on a shared vision, common values, and aligned incentives,” said Adler. “It’s about building relationships that last. Today’s announcement is a demonstration of our long-term commitment to supporting the best entrepreneurs who are creating the next generation of disruptive innovations and businesses.”
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.