Lux Capital

Lux Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2000, with offices in New York City and Silicon Valley. The firm specializes in founding, seed, early-stage, and growth investments, primarily in the physical and life sciences, as well as sectors such as biochemistry, material science, aerospace, and advanced technologies like machine learning and synthetic biology. Lux Capital actively supports entrepreneurs in developing successful businesses, leveraging its extensive expertise to enhance the connectivity and competitive edge of its portfolio companies. With assets under management totaling approximately $4 billion, the firm has played a significant role in founding over 20 companies, focusing on high-growth opportunities and innovative solutions across diverse industries.

Steve Brody

COO

Herb Goronkin Ph.D

Venture Partner

Peter Hebert

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Grace Isford

Partner

Lan Jiang

Associate, Investments

Alex Nguyen

Principal

Segolene Scarborough

CFO

Zack Schildhorn

Partner

Deena Shakir

General Partner

Shaq Vayda

Principal

David K. Yang

Investor

Past deals in Autonomous Vehicles

Formic

Series A in 2022
At Formic, we want to increase the collective output of humanity by making automation deployments trivial and easy. Every factory should have access to unlimited 'labor' through robotics and automation rentals. We are building technology, financing, operations and services to make this vision possible. Formic is a fast-growing venture-backed startup focused on unlocking robotic automation in labor-starved industries such as food and beverage, advanced manufacturing, consumer packaged goods and other industrial settings. We combine financial innovation with a firm understanding of what robotics are capable of, to enable manufacturing customers to scale up their manufacturing capacity quickly and with minimal risk.

Applied Intuition

Series D in 2021
Applied Intuition, Inc. specializes in providing software infrastructure for the safe development, testing, and deployment of autonomous vehicles at scale. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company has established a strong presence with additional offices in Detroit, Tokyo, and Munich. Its product suite emphasizes simulation and analytics, offering advanced tools that enable automotive companies to conduct comprehensive testing and accelerate the development of autonomous technologies. With a team comprised of experts from leading firms in the technology and automotive sectors, Applied Intuition supports a diverse range of clients in enhancing their autonomous vehicle initiatives.

Saildrone

Series C in 2021
Saildrone, Inc. specializes in the design and manufacture of autonomous sailing drones powered by wind and solar energy, enabling efficient and cost-effective ocean data collection. Founded in 2012 and based in Alameda, California, the company operates a fleet of these drones to gather live ocean data for various applications, including weather forecasting, oceanography, climate research, fish stock analysis, and environmental monitoring. By providing comprehensive data, Saildrone supports governments and private entities in addressing ecological challenges and enhancing understanding of planetary systems. The company aims to build the world's largest high-resolution ocean datasets, contributing to improved insights in areas such as climate change and carbon cycling.

Saildrone

Series C in 2021
Saildrone, Inc. specializes in the design and manufacture of autonomous sailing drones powered by wind and solar energy, enabling efficient and cost-effective ocean data collection. Founded in 2012 and based in Alameda, California, the company operates a fleet of these drones to gather live ocean data for various applications, including weather forecasting, oceanography, climate research, fish stock analysis, and environmental monitoring. By providing comprehensive data, Saildrone supports governments and private entities in addressing ecological challenges and enhancing understanding of planetary systems. The company aims to build the world's largest high-resolution ocean datasets, contributing to improved insights in areas such as climate change and carbon cycling.

Formic

Seed Round in 2021
At Formic, we want to increase the collective output of humanity by making automation deployments trivial and easy. Every factory should have access to unlimited 'labor' through robotics and automation rentals. We are building technology, financing, operations and services to make this vision possible. Formic is a fast-growing venture-backed startup focused on unlocking robotic automation in labor-starved industries such as food and beverage, advanced manufacturing, consumer packaged goods and other industrial settings. We combine financial innovation with a firm understanding of what robotics are capable of, to enable manufacturing customers to scale up their manufacturing capacity quickly and with minimal risk.

Dyno Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Dyno Therapeutics Inc. specializes in the development of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for in vivo delivery of gene therapies. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes an artificial intelligence-driven approach that integrates DNA synthesis, sequencing, and machine learning. This innovative methodology enables the design of novel gene vectors with an emphasis on cell-targeting capsid proteins derived from AAV, which is recognized as the most commonly used vector in gene therapy applications. By leveraging quantitative high-throughput in vivo experimentation, Dyno Therapeutics aims to enhance the effectiveness and precision of gene therapy solutions.

Bifrost AI

Seed Round in 2021
Developer of a simulation software designed to create custom virtual worlds. The company's software generates synthetic training data using three-dimensional graphics to simulate real-life scenarios such as traffic accidents and natural disasters, detect rare and critical defects and build models faster, enabling artificial intelligence developers to create datasets quicker and at lower costs.

Applied Intuition

Series C in 2020
Applied Intuition, Inc. specializes in providing software infrastructure for the safe development, testing, and deployment of autonomous vehicles at scale. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company has established a strong presence with additional offices in Detroit, Tokyo, and Munich. Its product suite emphasizes simulation and analytics, offering advanced tools that enable automotive companies to conduct comprehensive testing and accelerate the development of autonomous technologies. With a team comprised of experts from leading firms in the technology and automotive sectors, Applied Intuition supports a diverse range of clients in enhancing their autonomous vehicle initiatives.

Bifrost AI

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Bifrost is a developer of a Generative 3D platform for creatives to create custom virtual worlds. It generates synthetic training data using three-dimensional graphics to simulate real-life scenarios. These datasets help teach AI systems to handle new tasks, environments, and challenges, while also validating their performance and reliability across thousands of automatically generated scenarios.

Performance Drone Works

Seed Round in 2020
Performance Drone Works specializes in developing innovative technology for small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS). The company focuses on creating an AI-based autonomous platform that enhances mission effectiveness while reducing risks for military personnel. Their flagship platform features advanced reconnaissance capabilities and incorporates a 3D vision-based obstacle avoidance system, allowing for operations in environments where GPS is unavailable. With a commitment to balancing research and development efficiency with rapid market introduction, Performance Drone Works aims to support the modern warfighter through cutting-edge solutions in aerial technology.

Applied Intuition

Series B in 2019
Applied Intuition, Inc. specializes in providing software infrastructure for the safe development, testing, and deployment of autonomous vehicles at scale. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company has established a strong presence with additional offices in Detroit, Tokyo, and Munich. Its product suite emphasizes simulation and analytics, offering advanced tools that enable automotive companies to conduct comprehensive testing and accelerate the development of autonomous technologies. With a team comprised of experts from leading firms in the technology and automotive sectors, Applied Intuition supports a diverse range of clients in enhancing their autonomous vehicle initiatives.

Veo Robotics

Series A in 2019
Veo Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, specializes in developing robotics systems that enhance manufacturing processes. The company focuses on creating industrial automation products that allow high-performance robots to work collaboratively and safely alongside human workers. By integrating advanced computer vision, 3D sensing, and artificial intelligence, Veo Robotics' products aim to create more flexible, productive, and efficient manufacturing workcells. Their proprietary algorithms and distributed sensing technologies enable clients to improve productivity while reducing operating costs in both manufacturing and logistics environments.

Auris

Series E in 2018
Auris Health, Inc. is a company based in Redwood City, California, focused on developing advanced robotics technology for medical applications. Founded in 2007, it specializes in creating innovative solutions for diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures. The company's flagship product, the Monarch Platform, utilizes small cameras and instruments to facilitate endoscopic procedures through natural body openings. This platform incorporates cutting-edge advancements in imaging technology, robotics, endoscope design, sensing, and data science, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and reduce medical costs. Additionally, Auris Health is developing a dual-arm microsurgical system designed for ophthalmic surgery, further expanding its capabilities in the medical robotics field. As a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, Auris Health continues to transform medical intervention through its integration of various technological innovations.

Aeva

Series A in 2018
Aeva is a machine vision company specializing in the development of optical-based sensors for the automotive industry, particularly focusing on lidar technology. Founded in 2016 and based in Mountain View, California, Aeva's innovative Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) sensing technology combines vision, depth, and motion sensors into a single product, enhancing performance in various environmental conditions. This advanced lidar-on-chip system offers superior range and resolution, allowing for precise velocity measurement of every pixel in the scene. Aeva's technology aims to facilitate the adoption of lidar across a wide range of applications, including automated driving, consumer electronics, industrial automation, and security. The company primarily generates its revenue from North America, while also operating in EMEA and Asia.

Applied Intuition

Series A in 2018
Applied Intuition, Inc. specializes in providing software infrastructure for the safe development, testing, and deployment of autonomous vehicles at scale. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company has established a strong presence with additional offices in Detroit, Tokyo, and Munich. Its product suite emphasizes simulation and analytics, offering advanced tools that enable automotive companies to conduct comprehensive testing and accelerate the development of autonomous technologies. With a team comprised of experts from leading firms in the technology and automotive sectors, Applied Intuition supports a diverse range of clients in enhancing their autonomous vehicle initiatives.

Saildrone

Series B in 2018
Saildrone, Inc. specializes in the design and manufacture of autonomous sailing drones powered by wind and solar energy, enabling efficient and cost-effective ocean data collection. Founded in 2012 and based in Alameda, California, the company operates a fleet of these drones to gather live ocean data for various applications, including weather forecasting, oceanography, climate research, fish stock analysis, and environmental monitoring. By providing comprehensive data, Saildrone supports governments and private entities in addressing ecological challenges and enhancing understanding of planetary systems. The company aims to build the world's largest high-resolution ocean datasets, contributing to improved insights in areas such as climate change and carbon cycling.

Arraiy

Series A in 2018
Headquartered in Palo Alto, Arraiy is building the premier AI-driven production platform for the motion picture and television industry. Arraiy is collaborating with major studios, industry veterans, and award-winning artists to re-invent the filmmaking process with machine learning at its foundation. With its products, Arraiy seeks to enhance the creative freedom of storytellers and unlock the next generation of visual storytelling.

Covariant

Seed Round in 2017
Covariant is a company focused on developing artificial intelligence for robotics. It is creating the Covariant Brain, a universal AI system that enables robots to perceive, reason, and interact with their environments. The company specializes in robotics software that utilizes deep imitation learning, deep reinforcement learning, and meta-learning techniques. This innovative approach allows clients to program robots with ease by using a virtual reality headset to guide them through specific tasks. Covariant aims to streamline the deployment of robotics across various operations, enhancing efficiency and adaptability in industrial settings.

Veo Robotics

Series A in 2017
Veo Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, specializes in developing robotics systems that enhance manufacturing processes. The company focuses on creating industrial automation products that allow high-performance robots to work collaboratively and safely alongside human workers. By integrating advanced computer vision, 3D sensing, and artificial intelligence, Veo Robotics' products aim to create more flexible, productive, and efficient manufacturing workcells. Their proprietary algorithms and distributed sensing technologies enable clients to improve productivity while reducing operating costs in both manufacturing and logistics environments.

Auris

Series D in 2017
Auris Health, Inc. is a company based in Redwood City, California, focused on developing advanced robotics technology for medical applications. Founded in 2007, it specializes in creating innovative solutions for diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures. The company's flagship product, the Monarch Platform, utilizes small cameras and instruments to facilitate endoscopic procedures through natural body openings. This platform incorporates cutting-edge advancements in imaging technology, robotics, endoscope design, sensing, and data science, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and reduce medical costs. Additionally, Auris Health is developing a dual-arm microsurgical system designed for ophthalmic surgery, further expanding its capabilities in the medical robotics field. As a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, Auris Health continues to transform medical intervention through its integration of various technological innovations.

AirMap

Series B in 2017
AirMap, Inc. is a digital airspace and automation company that specializes in providing software solutions to enhance drone operations in low-altitude airspaces. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with additional offices in Europe and Asia, the company offers a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) platform that integrates airspace geometries, restrictions, terrain data, and population density information. This platform facilitates airspace automation, flight automation, and dataflow automation, ensuring low-altitude situational awareness for various stakeholders, including airspace authorities, enterprise operators, and developers. AirMap aims to support the integration of drones into everyday life by organizing critical low-altitude information, enabling safe and efficient drone flight across multiple applications such as agriculture, public safety, and aerial photography. The company collaborates with industry partners and is actively involved in initiatives like the Small UAV Coalition and the NASA UTM program to advance the future of unmanned aviation.

Saildrone

Series A in 2017
Saildrone, Inc. specializes in the design and manufacture of autonomous sailing drones powered by wind and solar energy, enabling efficient and cost-effective ocean data collection. Founded in 2012 and based in Alameda, California, the company operates a fleet of these drones to gather live ocean data for various applications, including weather forecasting, oceanography, climate research, fish stock analysis, and environmental monitoring. By providing comprehensive data, Saildrone supports governments and private entities in addressing ecological challenges and enhancing understanding of planetary systems. The company aims to build the world's largest high-resolution ocean datasets, contributing to improved insights in areas such as climate change and carbon cycling.

Arraiy

Seed Round in 2017
Headquartered in Palo Alto, Arraiy is building the premier AI-driven production platform for the motion picture and television industry. Arraiy is collaborating with major studios, industry veterans, and award-winning artists to re-invent the filmmaking process with machine learning at its foundation. With its products, Arraiy seeks to enhance the creative freedom of storytellers and unlock the next generation of visual storytelling.

Zoox

Series A in 2016
Zoox Inc. is a California-based company focused on designing and developing self-driving vehicles. Founded in 2014 by Tim Kentley-Klay and Dr. Jesse Levinson, Zoox operates at the intersection of design, computer science, and electro-mechanical engineering. The company aims to create autonomous mobility solutions that address the future needs of urban transportation for both individuals and the environment. In addition to vehicle development, Zoox manages a fleet of cars and offers vehicle rental services. As of September 2020, Zoox operates as a subsidiary of Amazon, which has further propelled its mission to innovate in the field of autonomous driving.

Saildrone

Series A in 2016
Saildrone, Inc. specializes in the design and manufacture of autonomous sailing drones powered by wind and solar energy, enabling efficient and cost-effective ocean data collection. Founded in 2012 and based in Alameda, California, the company operates a fleet of these drones to gather live ocean data for various applications, including weather forecasting, oceanography, climate research, fish stock analysis, and environmental monitoring. By providing comprehensive data, Saildrone supports governments and private entities in addressing ecological challenges and enhancing understanding of planetary systems. The company aims to build the world's largest high-resolution ocean datasets, contributing to improved insights in areas such as climate change and carbon cycling.

AirMap

Series A in 2016
AirMap, Inc. is a digital airspace and automation company that specializes in providing software solutions to enhance drone operations in low-altitude airspaces. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with additional offices in Europe and Asia, the company offers a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) platform that integrates airspace geometries, restrictions, terrain data, and population density information. This platform facilitates airspace automation, flight automation, and dataflow automation, ensuring low-altitude situational awareness for various stakeholders, including airspace authorities, enterprise operators, and developers. AirMap aims to support the integration of drones into everyday life by organizing critical low-altitude information, enabling safe and efficient drone flight across multiple applications such as agriculture, public safety, and aerial photography. The company collaborates with industry partners and is actively involved in initiatives like the Small UAV Coalition and the NASA UTM program to advance the future of unmanned aviation.

Relativity Space

Seed Round in 2016
Relativity Space, Inc. is an aerospace manufacturer based in Long Beach, California, founded in 2015. The company specializes in the design, production, and launch of orbital rockets, notably developing the Terran 1, the world's first fully 3D printed rocket. By leveraging advanced technologies such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and autonomous robotics, Relativity Space aims to revolutionize the aerospace sector with a simplified supply chain and a production timeline that can yield a rocket in less than 60 days, utilizing 100 times fewer parts than traditional methods. Relativity Space is focused on creating a multiplanetary future, with long-term aspirations to enhance human life both on Earth and Mars. The company is supported by a range of prominent investors, underscoring its innovative approach to the aerospace industry.

CyPhy Works

Series B in 2015
CyPhy Works, now known as Aria Insights, specializes in the development of intelligent aerial robots designed to operate in challenging and hazardous environments. By integrating advanced technology, these robots collect and analyze data, providing actionable insights to decision-makers. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also prioritizes safety by minimizing human exposure to risky situations. Through their innovative solutions, Aria Insights aims to transform data collection and analysis in various sectors, ensuring that critical information is delivered effectively and securely.

Auris

Series B in 2015
Auris Health, Inc. is a company based in Redwood City, California, focused on developing advanced robotics technology for medical applications. Founded in 2007, it specializes in creating innovative solutions for diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures. The company's flagship product, the Monarch Platform, utilizes small cameras and instruments to facilitate endoscopic procedures through natural body openings. This platform incorporates cutting-edge advancements in imaging technology, robotics, endoscope design, sensing, and data science, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and reduce medical costs. Additionally, Auris Health is developing a dual-arm microsurgical system designed for ophthalmic surgery, further expanding its capabilities in the medical robotics field. As a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, Auris Health continues to transform medical intervention through its integration of various technological innovations.

AirMap

Seed Round in 2015
AirMap, Inc. is a digital airspace and automation company that specializes in providing software solutions to enhance drone operations in low-altitude airspaces. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with additional offices in Europe and Asia, the company offers a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) platform that integrates airspace geometries, restrictions, terrain data, and population density information. This platform facilitates airspace automation, flight automation, and dataflow automation, ensuring low-altitude situational awareness for various stakeholders, including airspace authorities, enterprise operators, and developers. AirMap aims to support the integration of drones into everyday life by organizing critical low-altitude information, enabling safe and efficient drone flight across multiple applications such as agriculture, public safety, and aerial photography. The company collaborates with industry partners and is actively involved in initiatives like the Small UAV Coalition and the NASA UTM program to advance the future of unmanned aviation.

Zoox

Seed Round in 2015
Zoox Inc. is a California-based company focused on designing and developing self-driving vehicles. Founded in 2014 by Tim Kentley-Klay and Dr. Jesse Levinson, Zoox operates at the intersection of design, computer science, and electro-mechanical engineering. The company aims to create autonomous mobility solutions that address the future needs of urban transportation for both individuals and the environment. In addition to vehicle development, Zoox manages a fleet of cars and offers vehicle rental services. As of September 2020, Zoox operates as a subsidiary of Amazon, which has further propelled its mission to innovate in the field of autonomous driving.

Nervana

Series A in 2015
Nervana is a technology company founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Diego, California. It specializes in machine learning and artificial intelligence, offering a software-as-a-service platform that enables businesses to develop custom deep learning applications. The company's flagship product, Nervana Cloud, provides a comprehensive software solution that utilizes deep learning techniques to facilitate the creation of intelligent applications. Founded by experts in various fields, including machine learning, neuroscience, and chip design, Nervana aims to simplify and scale the use of brain-inspired algorithms in technology development.

Auris

Series A in 2014
Auris Health, Inc. is a company based in Redwood City, California, focused on developing advanced robotics technology for medical applications. Founded in 2007, it specializes in creating innovative solutions for diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures. The company's flagship product, the Monarch Platform, utilizes small cameras and instruments to facilitate endoscopic procedures through natural body openings. This platform incorporates cutting-edge advancements in imaging technology, robotics, endoscope design, sensing, and data science, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and reduce medical costs. Additionally, Auris Health is developing a dual-arm microsurgical system designed for ophthalmic surgery, further expanding its capabilities in the medical robotics field. As a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, Auris Health continues to transform medical intervention through its integration of various technological innovations.

CyPhy Works

Series A in 2013
CyPhy Works, now known as Aria Insights, specializes in the development of intelligent aerial robots designed to operate in challenging and hazardous environments. By integrating advanced technology, these robots collect and analyze data, providing actionable insights to decision-makers. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also prioritizes safety by minimizing human exposure to risky situations. Through their innovative solutions, Aria Insights aims to transform data collection and analysis in various sectors, ensuring that critical information is delivered effectively and securely.
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