SAIC Capital

SAIC Capital Company Limited is a venture capital firm and the investment arm of SAIC Motor Corporation, established in 2011 and based in Shanghai, China. The firm focuses on early-stage and growth capital investments primarily within the automotive sector, with particular emphasis on new energy vehicles, intelligent connected vehicles, automotive electronics, and key equipment. Its investment strategy encompasses various aspects of automobile technology, including energy-saving innovations, vehicle lightweighting, and safety enhancements. Additionally, SAIC Capital is interested in emerging industries such as high-end manufacturing, information technology, and bioindustry. The firm also engages in fund of funds investments, targeting projects aligned with national industrial development strategies. By leveraging its expertise in automotive technology and asset management, SAIC Capital aims to create value for both the SAIC Group and its investors while supporting the transformation of the automotive industry.

Joe Walkush

EVP

Gordon Wan

Partner

Past deals in Autonomous Vehicles

Thinktech

Venture Round in 2022
Developer of security systems and related chips intended to serve the automobile industry. The company's main business covers the design and development of automotive semiconductor chips and product applications. It focuses on the intelligent networked automotive industry, providing Internet of vehicles (IoV) enterprises with semiconductor chip products and solutions.

Qixin Micro Semiconductor

Venture Round in 2021
Suzhou Qixin Micro Semiconductor Co., Ltd. was established in October 2020. Based on the ARM Cortex M4, M7 and other series of architectures, it will build high-performance and high-reliability system-on-chips for different automotive application scenarios, and develop high-end smart car controller chips. Through the use of self-developed IP, unique multi-core lock-step technologies, and the unique Six Sigma analog circuit design process for automotive-standard chips, a full series of product families covering safety standards ISO26262 ASIL-B to ASIL-D have been designed. The company's products all meet the automotive regulations AEC-Q100, functional safety standard ISO26262 and various automotive regulations reliability tests, and can be widely used in the fields of body, automotive instrumentation, safety, power, battery management and other fields. The company is mainly engaged in the research and development and sales of high-end automotive controller chips. The goal is to fill the gap in the domestic new generation of intelligent networked automotive controller chips, and is committed to becoming a leading manufacturer in the field of automotive and industrial controllers in China.

Thinktech

Series A in 2021
Developer of security systems and related chips intended to serve the automobile industry. The company's main business covers the design and development of automotive semiconductor chips and product applications. It focuses on the intelligent networked automotive industry, providing Internet of vehicles (IoV) enterprises with semiconductor chip products and solutions.

Sonatus

Series A in 2021
Sonatus, Inc. is a technology company specializing in software solutions that enhance vehicle connectivity and data collection for automobile manufacturers. Founded in 2018 and based in Sunnyvale, California, Sonatus focuses on transforming traditional vehicle electronic and electrical architectures into software-defined systems. Its integrated in-vehicle and cloud platforms improve existing connectivity solutions and provide automakers with the tools necessary to innovate rapidly and effectively. By offering unique capabilities within the automotive industry, Sonatus aims to help manufacturers gain a competitive edge in the digital landscape, enabling them to develop new services and enhance customer experiences.

Realtime Robotics

Series A in 2021
Realtime Robotics, Inc. specializes in developing motion planning and control processors that empower robots and vehicles to swiftly respond to their surroundings. Founded in 2016 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company offers a collision-free motion planning platform that adapts to changes in work environments, allowing for the safe operation of single or multiple robots in unstructured settings. Its RapidPlan processor utilizes advanced computer processing and software to eliminate the trade-off between speed and safety in automation, enabling machines to generate safe motion plans in milliseconds. This innovation facilitates collision avoidance around both static and dynamic objects, while performing various tasks in diverse locations. Realtime Robotics aims to transform automation across industries and enhance the functionality of autonomous vehicles, promoting broader applications and faster adoption of robotics technology.

iSmartWays

Seed Round in 2021
iSmartWays Technology Inc. is a Canadian company based in Edmonton that specializes in developing smart mobility automotive equipment. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, facilitating wireless communication between vehicles and their surroundings. Its product offerings include the MOCAR V-MASTER OBU for vehicle-to-vehicle communication and the MOCAR I-MASTER RSU for communication with roadside infrastructure such as traffic lights and weather information systems. Additionally, iSmartWays provides a software development kit (SDK) that supports the creation of V2X applications and integrates dedicated short-range communication and cellular V2X communication modules. The company serves a diverse clientele, including automotive manufacturers, road operators, and system integrators, primarily in the United States, China, and Canada.

Plus

Series D in 2021
PlusAI, Inc. develops self- driving trucks to enable commercialization of autonomous transport. The company operates a fleet of autonomous trucks in pilot programs in collaboration with freight shipping companies. PlusAI, Inc. was founded in 2016 and is based in Cupertino, California.

Envisics

Series B in 2020
Envisics Limited is an automotive technology company based in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, specializing in the development of holographic projection systems for head-up displays and head-mounted displays. Founded in 2009, the company focuses on creating a dynamic holography platform that enhances the driving experience by providing immersive and informative dashboards for drivers. Utilizing advanced material science, custom silicon modulator designs, and proprietary light-processing algorithms, Envisics delivers high-quality holographic displays that overlay critical information onto the real-world environment. This innovative approach aims to improve vehicle safety and functionality by enabling drivers to access essential data without distraction. Collaborating with leading automakers and tier-one suppliers, Envisics is at the forefront of integrating holographic technology into the automotive industry.

Zuum Transportation

Seed Round in 2020
Zuum Transportation Inc. is a logistics technology company based in Irvine, California, founded in 2016. It develops a comprehensive software platform that automates freight processes for shippers, brokers, carriers, and drivers. The platform integrates digital freight marketplaces with various management systems, including those for shippers, brokers, and carriers, alongside a driver application. This solution allows shippers to efficiently book shipments and manage orders while providing real-time visibility. Brokers benefit from digitized operations, enhanced load coverage, and improved customer satisfaction, while carriers can optimize routes, automate documentation, and streamline communications. Zuum Transportation aims to enhance logistics efficiency and supply chain management globally by offering real-time shipment tracking and facilitating direct payments to drivers.

iSmartWays

Seed Round in 2020
iSmartWays Technology Inc. is a Canadian company based in Edmonton that specializes in developing smart mobility automotive equipment. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, facilitating wireless communication between vehicles and their surroundings. Its product offerings include the MOCAR V-MASTER OBU for vehicle-to-vehicle communication and the MOCAR I-MASTER RSU for communication with roadside infrastructure such as traffic lights and weather information systems. Additionally, iSmartWays provides a software development kit (SDK) that supports the creation of V2X applications and integrates dedicated short-range communication and cellular V2X communication modules. The company serves a diverse clientele, including automotive manufacturers, road operators, and system integrators, primarily in the United States, China, and Canada.

iSMARTWAYS

Seed Round in 2020
iSmartways (Wuhan) Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in the development of V2X connected car intelligent terminals and applications in the intelligent transportation industry. The company is based in Wuhan, China.

CalmCar

Series A in 2019
CalmCar Vehicle Vision, based in Tianjin, China, specializes in developing intelligent transport devices designed for road data recognition and localization. The company offers a range of products, including front and blind spot cameras, surround view cameras, and an advanced driver monitoring system that detects behaviors such as drowsiness and distraction. CalmCar also provides CCTV and intelligent transport systems, along with a monitoring cloud platform that facilitates real-time live broadcasting. Its technology supports various applications in airport safety, human resource management, and business intelligence. In addition to its headquarters in Tianjin, CalmCar maintains offices in Beijing, Farmington Hills, Michigan, and Victoria, Australia, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving features.

GuardKnox

Series A in 2019
GuardKnox Cyber Technologies Ltd. specializes in cybersecurity hardware solutions for the automotive industry, focusing on the protection of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and mass transportation systems. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Rosh Haayin, Israel, with a subsidiary in Detroit, the company offers a Secure Network Orchestrator (SNO), which acts as a centralized electronic control unit (ECU) to safeguard vehicle networks. The SNO provides essential security services for infotainment, telematics, and other ECUs that communicate externally, effectively preventing remote hacking attempts. Drawing on over two decades of experience in cybersecurity from the Israeli Air Force, GuardKnox is dedicated to delivering robust solutions that protect users from critical cyber threats, enhancing both physical safety and the security of personal information in connected vehicles.

Banma Zhixing

Series A in 2018
Banma Zhixing is a global platform focused on vehicle solutions, primarily for the automotive and transportation sectors. The company specializes in developing smart car operating systems and comprehensive digital transportation solutions. By offering its AliOS in-car operating system to developers and car manufacturers, Banma Zhixing aims to enhance the functionality and connectivity of vehicles. Through its innovative approaches, the company seeks to fulfill the potential of connected cars and improve the overall travel experience for consumers.

Metawave

Venture Round in 2018
Metawave Corporation, founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, develops innovative beamsteering radar technologies using metamaterials and artificial intelligence for the automotive industry and transportation providers. The company’s flagship product, SPEKTRA, enhances safety for automated driving by providing advanced radar capabilities, including 3D imaging and vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Additionally, Metawave offers TURBO active repeaters to improve signal coverage in challenging environments and ECHO passive reflectors that effectively direct signals in areas with lower coverage. The company also features the AWARE AI platform, which utilizes deep learning to derive meaningful insights from radar signals. Alongside its automotive focus, Metawave is working on smart beamsteering antennas designed to enhance 4G and 5G networks, aiming to deliver faster connectivity for a wide range of users.

Savari

Series B in 2018
Savari, Inc. specializes in developing advanced software and hardware sensor solutions that enhance vehicle connectivity for automotive manufacturers, the aftermarket, smart cities, and pedestrians. The company focuses on vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, enabling vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and devices such as smartphones. This technology is essential for achieving higher levels of vehicle automation. Savari offers various products, including V2X middleware, applications, roadside units, and onboard units. With over 150 man-years of experience in V2X research and development, the company conducts extensive public testing, accumulating over 15 million miles annually. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Savari has regional offices in Detroit, Munich, Seoul, Shanghai, and a research and development facility in Bengaluru, India.

Autel

Venture Round in 2017
Autel Intelligent Technology Corp Ltd is an automotive electronic products manufacturer. It is engaged in production, sales and service of automotive intelligent diagnosis, detection and analysis systems and automotive electronic components. The company's products include diagnostic products, ADAS series products, Tire Pressure products, Anti-Theft products and other products.

Metawave

Seed Round in 2017
Metawave Corporation, founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, develops innovative beamsteering radar technologies using metamaterials and artificial intelligence for the automotive industry and transportation providers. The company’s flagship product, SPEKTRA, enhances safety for automated driving by providing advanced radar capabilities, including 3D imaging and vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Additionally, Metawave offers TURBO active repeaters to improve signal coverage in challenging environments and ECHO passive reflectors that effectively direct signals in areas with lower coverage. The company also features the AWARE AI platform, which utilizes deep learning to derive meaningful insights from radar signals. Alongside its automotive focus, Metawave is working on smart beamsteering antennas designed to enhance 4G and 5G networks, aiming to deliver faster connectivity for a wide range of users.

Naen Auto

Series C in 2017
ShangHai NAEN Automotive Technology Co., Ltd specializes in the development, manufacturing, and sale of automotive electronics products. Founded in 2006 and based in Shanghai, China, the company provides a range of components including start/stop switch buttons, remote keyless entry systems, passive entry and start control units, and electronic steering control locks. Additionally, it offers products such as immobilizer control units, power distribution units, antenna sensors, and door handle switches, contributing to the advancement of intelligent automotive technologies. NAEN not only focuses on product development but also provides after-sale services, serving both domestic and international automobile manufacturers.

Chilye

Series B in 2017
Supplier of high voltage electrical appliances and power distribution units for new energy vehicles. The company focuses on the technical research and development, production of high-power electronic devices, high-voltage connections, and power distribution management in the field of electric vehicles, providing clients with solutions for complete vehicle systems.

Getaround

Series C in 2017
Getaround, Inc. operates an online marketplace for peer-to-peer car sharing and local car rentals, allowing users to rent vehicles from people nearby. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, the platform offers a diverse range of vehicles, including convertibles, luxury cars, SUVs, and trucks, available for rent by the hour or day. Getaround's innovative technology, known as Getaround Connect, facilitates a seamless car-sharing experience by enabling users to unlock and access vehicles without needing to meet the car owner or handle physical keys. The service is designed to eliminate the traditional hassles associated with car rentals, such as waiting in line and completing paperwork. Getaround provides users with a $1 million insurance policy and 24/7 roadside assistance, making it a safe option for renters. The company operates in major metropolitan areas across the United States, helping individuals offset car ownership costs while promoting more sustainable transportation options.

Plus

Seed Round in 2016
PlusAI, Inc. develops self- driving trucks to enable commercialization of autonomous transport. The company operates a fleet of autonomous trucks in pilot programs in collaboration with freight shipping companies. PlusAI, Inc. was founded in 2016 and is based in Cupertino, California.

Yonegy

Series A in 2016
Yonegy Logistics Automation Technology Co., Ltd. manufactures logistics automation equipment. The company is based in Guangzhou, China.

Savari

Series A in 2016
Savari, Inc. specializes in developing advanced software and hardware sensor solutions that enhance vehicle connectivity for automotive manufacturers, the aftermarket, smart cities, and pedestrians. The company focuses on vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, enabling vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and devices such as smartphones. This technology is essential for achieving higher levels of vehicle automation. Savari offers various products, including V2X middleware, applications, roadside units, and onboard units. With over 150 man-years of experience in V2X research and development, the company conducts extensive public testing, accumulating over 15 million miles annually. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Savari has regional offices in Detroit, Munich, Seoul, Shanghai, and a research and development facility in Bengaluru, India.

Civil Maps

Convertible Note in 2015
Civil Maps, a geospatial technology company, provides artificial intelligence based mapping solutions that enables computers to interpret and act on the physical world. The company operates as an on-demand perception and actuation technology company. It serves heavy-industry and governmental customers; Fortune 100 clients; and customers in electrical utilities, oil and gas, solar, telecommunications, transportation, rail, forestry, and more markets. The company is based in Berkeley, California.

Aoshuo Tech

Angel Round in 2015
Shanghai Aoshuo Information Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in voice-related applications for automotive industry. The firm was founded in 2012 and is based in Shanghai, China.

MINO

Series C in 2015
Guangzhou Mino Automotive Equipment Co., Ltd. specializes in designing and manufacturing automotive equipment in South China. The company offers a range of flexible production solutions tailored for vehicle and parts manufacturers, which include framers, servo locators, robot hemming systems, and high-speed conveyors. Additionally, Mino provides automatic transportation solutions such as accumulating pallet conveyors and high-speed shuttles, as well as laser application solutions for welding and cutting. Its product offerings extend to framing, underbody, body side, and closure welding lines, alongside sub-assembly parts and powertrain manufacturing equipment. Mino also focuses on electrical automation solutions, incorporating automated integration control and information management systems. Founded in 2008 and based in Guangzhou, the company has established a strategic partnership with Siemens to enhance its technological capabilities. Mino's intelligent manufacturing solutions aim to improve efficiency for the automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors through innovative technologies and modular production lines.

Beepi

Series B in 2015
Beepi is a Los Altos, California-based company that operates an online peer-to-peer marketplace for buying and selling used cars. Launched in April 2014, Beepi aims to modernize the used car sales process, offering a platform that allows users to conduct transactions entirely through a smartphone or computer. The service eliminates the need for traditional car dealerships, negotiations, and hidden fees, providing a transparent and efficient alternative for both buyers and sellers. Sellers can list their vehicles, receive professional inspections, and have the option for Beepi to purchase the car if it does not sell through the platform. This innovative approach simplifies the experience of buying and selling used cars, making it more accessible to individuals.

Chilye

Angel Round in 2015
Supplier of high voltage electrical appliances and power distribution units for new energy vehicles. The company focuses on the technical research and development, production of high-power electronic devices, high-voltage connections, and power distribution management in the field of electric vehicles, providing clients with solutions for complete vehicle systems.

MINO

Angel Round in 2010
Guangzhou Mino Automotive Equipment Co., Ltd. specializes in designing and manufacturing automotive equipment in South China. The company offers a range of flexible production solutions tailored for vehicle and parts manufacturers, which include framers, servo locators, robot hemming systems, and high-speed conveyors. Additionally, Mino provides automatic transportation solutions such as accumulating pallet conveyors and high-speed shuttles, as well as laser application solutions for welding and cutting. Its product offerings extend to framing, underbody, body side, and closure welding lines, alongside sub-assembly parts and powertrain manufacturing equipment. Mino also focuses on electrical automation solutions, incorporating automated integration control and information management systems. Founded in 2008 and based in Guangzhou, the company has established a strategic partnership with Siemens to enhance its technological capabilities. Mino's intelligent manufacturing solutions aim to improve efficiency for the automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors through innovative technologies and modular production lines.
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