Fontinalis Partners

Fontinalis Partners, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2009 and headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with an additional office in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in investments across a wide range of stages, from seed to pre-IPO, with a particular focus on next-generation mobility and technology companies. Fontinalis targets sectors including transportation, software and services, and communications equipment, emphasizing areas such as connected vehicles, data analytics, intelligent infrastructure, and mobility transactions. The firm seeks to invest throughout the entire mobility ecosystem, covering various modes of transportation including road, rail, air, and maritime. Fontinalis typically invests between $3 million to $10 million in early-stage companies, with an average investment of $5 million to $8 million over the life of a company. It aims to contribute not only capital but also strategic guidance by often taking board seats in the companies it supports.

Ralph Booth

Founder and Managing Partner

Christopher Cheever

Founder and Partner

Mei-Wei Cheng

Venture Partner

Gabe Cunningham

Partner

Amy Dai

Senior Associate

Laura Petterle

Partner and CFO

Daniel Ratliff

Partner

Chris Stallman

Partner

Past deals in Transportation

Vecna Robotics

Series C in 2024
Vecna Robotics, Inc. specializes in developing and marketing autonomous mobile robots aimed at enhancing logistics and material handling. Founded in 2018 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company offers a range of solutions, including automated material handling, hybrid fulfillment, and workflow optimization. Its flagship product, Pivot.al, is an AI-based orchestration engine that continuously analyzes operational states to optimize team performance. Additionally, Vecna Robotics provides Beacon, a solution that combines software updates, data analytics, and remote operations to enhance the functionality of its robots. By focusing on workflows rather than solely on robotic technology, Vecna Robotics ensures that all components of its systems work in harmony, allowing clients to adapt their processes efficiently to meet changing market demands.

Chain.io

Series A in 2022
Chain.io is a logistics integration platform that offers a cloud-based solution for digital forwarders, shippers, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers in the supply chain sector. The platform simplifies the integration process by enabling users to create configurable connections for various operations such as purchase orders, bookings, advanced shipment notices, and invoices through an intuitive point-and-click interface. By utilizing advanced technologies like data graphs and artificial intelligence, Chain.io streamlines the digital experience in logistics, connecting partners efficiently and ensuring that the right data is delivered to the right stakeholders at the right time. With its focus on logistics expertise, the platform integrates seamlessly into existing ecosystems, reducing complexity and enhancing operational efficiency across the supply chain.

Vecna Robotics

Series C in 2022
Vecna Robotics, Inc. specializes in developing and marketing autonomous mobile robots aimed at enhancing logistics and material handling. Founded in 2018 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company offers a range of solutions, including automated material handling, hybrid fulfillment, and workflow optimization. Its flagship product, Pivot.al, is an AI-based orchestration engine that continuously analyzes operational states to optimize team performance. Additionally, Vecna Robotics provides Beacon, a solution that combines software updates, data analytics, and remote operations to enhance the functionality of its robots. By focusing on workflows rather than solely on robotic technology, Vecna Robotics ensures that all components of its systems work in harmony, allowing clients to adapt their processes efficiently to meet changing market demands.

Veho

Series A in 2021
Veho is an end-to-end parcel delivery carrier specializing in e-commerce logistics. The company focuses on providing personalized next-day package delivery services, which are designed to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. By utilizing live customer communication and strategically located warehouses, Veho effectively matches delivery demand with its network of last-mile driver-partners. This approach not only reduces shipping costs for businesses but also offers full visibility into the shipment process, ensuring a seamless delivery experience.

Coros

Seed Round in 2021
Coros is a technology company that focuses on enhancing logistics through advanced systems. By integrating advanced optics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence, Coros aims to improve the efficiency and speed of supply chains. Its innovative solutions provide real-time visibility and actionable insights, allowing businesses to optimize the movement of goods at every stage of the logistics process.

FreightWaves

Private Equity Round in 2021
FreightWaves is a data and content forum that provides market participants with near-time analytics on the state of the freight market. The company offers current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. The company's​ SaaS product, SONAR, is a freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. The platform is mode agnostic and has time-series and geo-based data from all modes of freight, including truck, rail, ocean, air, and warehouse. FreightWaves was founded to provide transparency and risk-management products to the freight markets. As a provider of aggregated data-sets across the North American freight markets, FreightWaves' SaaS platform helps companies take action based on the signals in the market.

Highland Electric Transportation

Private Equity Round in 2021
Highland Electric Transportation is a comprehensive turnkey solutions provider that delivers electric school buses (EVSB) to school districts and third-party managed fleet providers (3PMs).

Gatik

Series A in 2020
Gatik is a startup focused on developing autonomous technology for light and medium-duty trucks aimed at business-to-business short-haul logistics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, the company specializes in artificial intelligence and automotive solutions tailored for the logistics sector. Gatik's software is designed for SAE Level 4 autonomous commercial vehicles, including trucks and vans in Classes 3 to 7. This technology facilitates middle-mile logistics, allowing customers to efficiently manage scheduled deliveries and optimize their supply chain operations.

Denim

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Denim is a freight payment system specifically designed for freight brokers, focusing on the management of working capital, carrier payments, and back-office processes. The platform offers a suite of services, including factoring, automated invoicing, collections, and payments, aimed at simplifying operations for small freight brokers. By enhancing access to critical working capital, Denim enables these brokers to thrive in a competitive market, allowing them to concentrate on their core business activities while streamlining their financial processes.

Vecna Robotics

Series B in 2020
Vecna Robotics, Inc. specializes in developing and marketing autonomous mobile robots aimed at enhancing logistics and material handling. Founded in 2018 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company offers a range of solutions, including automated material handling, hybrid fulfillment, and workflow optimization. Its flagship product, Pivot.al, is an AI-based orchestration engine that continuously analyzes operational states to optimize team performance. Additionally, Vecna Robotics provides Beacon, a solution that combines software updates, data analytics, and remote operations to enhance the functionality of its robots. By focusing on workflows rather than solely on robotic technology, Vecna Robotics ensures that all components of its systems work in harmony, allowing clients to adapt their processes efficiently to meet changing market demands.

Gatik

Seed Round in 2019
Gatik is a startup focused on developing autonomous technology for light and medium-duty trucks aimed at business-to-business short-haul logistics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, the company specializes in artificial intelligence and automotive solutions tailored for the logistics sector. Gatik's software is designed for SAE Level 4 autonomous commercial vehicles, including trucks and vans in Classes 3 to 7. This technology facilitates middle-mile logistics, allowing customers to efficiently manage scheduled deliveries and optimize their supply chain operations.

FreightWaves

Series B in 2019
FreightWaves is a data and content forum that provides market participants with near-time analytics on the state of the freight market. The company offers current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. The company's​ SaaS product, SONAR, is a freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. The platform is mode agnostic and has time-series and geo-based data from all modes of freight, including truck, rail, ocean, air, and warehouse. FreightWaves was founded to provide transparency and risk-management products to the freight markets. As a provider of aggregated data-sets across the North American freight markets, FreightWaves' SaaS platform helps companies take action based on the signals in the market.

Ike

Series A in 2019
Ike Robotics Inc., founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in the development of autonomous driving technology specifically for the trucking industry. The company focuses on creating a full-stack solution that includes mechanical, electrical, and software components, integrating sensors, computers, and actuators to facilitate safe and reliable highway freight transportation. Ike aims to enhance safety in trucking, improve the value of truck drivers, and increase overall efficiency within the industry. By leveraging advanced automation technology, Ike aspires to positively impact livelihoods, create jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As of December 2020, Ike operates as a subsidiary of Nuro, Inc.

Skyryse

Series A in 2018
Skyryse, Inc. is an air mobility company founded in 2016 and headquartered in El Segundo, California. The company specializes in the development of helicopters and aircraft, targeting sectors such as emergency services, public transport, and urban planning. Skyryse has created a comprehensive hardware and software operating system known as FlightOS. This system provides a unified interface for pilots, allowing them to operate various types of aircraft, both rotorcraft and fixed-wing, using the same controls. By significantly reducing pilot fatigue and complexity, FlightOS enhances flight safety and improves emergency management. With just a few hours of training, any pilot can effectively fly any aircraft, whether from the cockpit or remotely, making aviation more accessible and efficient.

Wise Systems

Series A in 2018
Wise Systems Inc. develops autonomous dispatch and routing software that enhances delivery efficiency for various industries, including food, beverage, courier, energy, and field service. Founded in 2014 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company leverages machine learning algorithms to optimize last-mile operations. Its platform includes tools such as Scheduler, which dynamically creates and dispatches optimized route plans; Dispatcher, which allows managers to monitor delivery progress and driver performance; and Customer Portal, enabling recipients to track their orders with real-time ETAs. Wise Systems also offers Smart Reservation Management, allowing customers to select their preferred delivery times. Clients typically experience significant benefits, including reductions in mileage and late deliveries, as well as increased fleet utilization. The software processes millions of data points to make real-time decisions, facilitating efficient transportation operations while reducing costs.

Cargo

Series A in 2018
Cargo Systems is the creators of Cargo, the in-car service that allows rideshare passengers to order products on their phone, without downloading an app. Founded in 2016 by former Birchbox employees, Cargo launched in New York and Boston with thousands of driver signups in 49 states. Cargo works directly with rideshare companies, drivers and brand partners to distribute a variety of products to passengers in-car. A Techstars alumnus, Cargo is venture-backed by Techstars Ventures, Fontinalis Partners, Detroit Venture Partners, Rosecliff Capital.

FreightWaves

Series A in 2018
FreightWaves is a data and content forum that provides market participants with near-time analytics on the state of the freight market. The company offers current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. The company's​ SaaS product, SONAR, is a freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. The platform is mode agnostic and has time-series and geo-based data from all modes of freight, including truck, rail, ocean, air, and warehouse. FreightWaves was founded to provide transparency and risk-management products to the freight markets. As a provider of aggregated data-sets across the North American freight markets, FreightWaves' SaaS platform helps companies take action based on the signals in the market.

Zagster

Series C in 2018
Zagster Inc. specializes in designing, building, and operating bike-sharing programs for various entities, including universities, corporate campuses, hotels, and residential communities across North America. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company provides a comprehensive bike-sharing solution that encompasses system design, installation, sharing technology, maintenance, and rider support services. Zagster's mobile application allows users to unlock, ride, and return bikes conveniently, enhancing accessibility to biking as a form of transportation. The company also offers services for shared scooters and electric bikes, catering to communities of all sizes and aiming to promote biking as a preferred mode of transport.

Cargo

Seed Round in 2018
Cargo Systems is the creators of Cargo, the in-car service that allows rideshare passengers to order products on their phone, without downloading an app. Founded in 2016 by former Birchbox employees, Cargo launched in New York and Boston with thousands of driver signups in 49 states. Cargo works directly with rideshare companies, drivers and brand partners to distribute a variety of products to passengers in-car. A Techstars alumnus, Cargo is venture-backed by Techstars Ventures, Fontinalis Partners, Detroit Venture Partners, Rosecliff Capital.

FreightWaves

Seed Round in 2017
FreightWaves is a data and content forum that provides market participants with near-time analytics on the state of the freight market. The company offers current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. The company's​ SaaS product, SONAR, is a freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. The platform is mode agnostic and has time-series and geo-based data from all modes of freight, including truck, rail, ocean, air, and warehouse. FreightWaves was founded to provide transparency and risk-management products to the freight markets. As a provider of aggregated data-sets across the North American freight markets, FreightWaves' SaaS platform helps companies take action based on the signals in the market.

FreshCar

Funding Round in 2017
FreshCar operates a platform that offers car subscription services, enabling customers to access vehicles on a monthly basis without the traditional burdens of ownership such as down payments, insurance, or maintenance costs. The company specializes in advanced software solutions designed for vehicle subscriptions, which it provides to auto retailers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and fleet operators. This software allows auto dealerships to launch and manage their own car subscription offerings effectively. In addition to its software services, FreshCar also offers strategic consulting on subscription models to automotive companies. Founded in 2016 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, FreshCar was previously known as Carma Car Inc. before rebranding in April 2018.

VoyHoy

Seed Round in 2017
VoyHoy is an online booking platform based in Santiago, Chile, that allows travelers to compare and purchase tickets for various modes of transportation, including buses, planes, trains, ferries, and rideshares. Founded in 2014, VoyHoy aims to help users save time and money by providing a comprehensive comparison of prices from multiple sources. The platform's multi-modal booking system enables customers to easily find and secure the best travel deals available, streamlining the process of planning and booking their journeys across Latin America.

Cargo

Seed Round in 2016
Cargo Systems is the creators of Cargo, the in-car service that allows rideshare passengers to order products on their phone, without downloading an app. Founded in 2016 by former Birchbox employees, Cargo launched in New York and Boston with thousands of driver signups in 49 states. Cargo works directly with rideshare companies, drivers and brand partners to distribute a variety of products to passengers in-car. A Techstars alumnus, Cargo is venture-backed by Techstars Ventures, Fontinalis Partners, Detroit Venture Partners, Rosecliff Capital.

GoKid

Seed Round in 2016
GoKid Corporation develops mobile applications focused on carpooling solutions for schools, teams, and families in the United States. The company's offerings include the GoKid Carpool app, which allows parents to organize and manage carpools within their trusted networks of friends, family, and neighbors. Key features of the app encompass GPS-based car tracking, live mapping, in-app messaging, and automated alerts for departure times and arrivals. GoKid also provides GoKid Connect, a web portal and mobile application that connects schools and parents to streamline communication regarding transportation. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, with an additional office in Detroit, GoKid aims to facilitate safe and efficient transportation options for families, enhancing community engagement and collaboration.

HAAS Alert

Seed Round in 2016
HAAS Alert is a prominent provider of mobility and smart city data services focused on enhancing safety for emergency crews, drivers, and the general public through Cellular Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication. The company's Safety Cloud delivers real-time data that connects first responders and various fleets with motorists and autonomous vehicles, helping to prevent collisions and minimize traffic delays. HAAS Alert's platform issues preemptive notifications to drivers, alerting them to the approach of emergency vehicles via their car dashboards or smartphones. Additionally, the service supports smart city initiatives by providing valuable traffic information to government officials, aiding in infrastructure planning and real-time traffic management. HAAS Alert collaborates with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on innovative safety solutions and has garnered support from notable safety organizations.

nuTonomy

Series A in 2016
nuTonomy is an MIT spin-off that builds state-of-the art self-driving cars and autonomous mobile robots. They are working with major automotive manufacturers and small, disruptive startups to reinvent personal mobility for the twenty-first century.

VoyHoy

Seed Round in 2016
VoyHoy is an online booking platform based in Santiago, Chile, that allows travelers to compare and purchase tickets for various modes of transportation, including buses, planes, trains, ferries, and rideshares. Founded in 2014, VoyHoy aims to help users save time and money by providing a comprehensive comparison of prices from multiple sources. The platform's multi-modal booking system enables customers to easily find and secure the best travel deals available, streamlining the process of planning and booking their journeys across Latin America.

TransLoc

Series A in 2016
TransLoc Inc. specializes in providing real-time information and technology solutions for transit systems in municipalities and universities. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company offers a range of services including real-time interactive maps, fleet management reports, and arrival predictions. Its platform allows riders to access routes, schedules, and live bus locations through various applications and web interfaces. TransLoc also provides additional solutions such as IVR systems, hardware, smart signage, and flexible APIs to enhance public transit operations. The company aims to make public transit the first choice for community travel by developing innovative technologies that improve accessibility and efficiency in mobility. As of early 2018, TransLoc operates as a subsidiary of Ford Smart Mobility LLC.

nuTonomy

Seed Round in 2016
nuTonomy is an MIT spin-off that builds state-of-the art self-driving cars and autonomous mobile robots. They are working with major automotive manufacturers and small, disruptive startups to reinvent personal mobility for the twenty-first century.

Zagster

Series A in 2015
Zagster Inc. specializes in designing, building, and operating bike-sharing programs for various entities, including universities, corporate campuses, hotels, and residential communities across North America. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company provides a comprehensive bike-sharing solution that encompasses system design, installation, sharing technology, maintenance, and rider support services. Zagster's mobile application allows users to unlock, ride, and return bikes conveniently, enhancing accessibility to biking as a form of transportation. The company also offers services for shared scooters and electric bikes, catering to communities of all sizes and aiming to promote biking as a preferred mode of transport.

Wise Systems

Seed Round in 2015
Wise Systems Inc. develops autonomous dispatch and routing software that enhances delivery efficiency for various industries, including food, beverage, courier, energy, and field service. Founded in 2014 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company leverages machine learning algorithms to optimize last-mile operations. Its platform includes tools such as Scheduler, which dynamically creates and dispatches optimized route plans; Dispatcher, which allows managers to monitor delivery progress and driver performance; and Customer Portal, enabling recipients to track their orders with real-time ETAs. Wise Systems also offers Smart Reservation Management, allowing customers to select their preferred delivery times. Clients typically experience significant benefits, including reductions in mileage and late deliveries, as well as increased fleet utilization. The software processes millions of data points to make real-time decisions, facilitating efficient transportation operations while reducing costs.

SPLT (Splitting Fares)

Seed Round in 2015
SPLT is an enterprise-first carpooling and car sharing platform that connects employees within organizations to share their commute, saving time and money while reducing traffic congestion and lowering CO2 emissions.

Lyft

Series E in 2015
Lyft is a transportation company that operates a mobile application designed to connect drivers with passengers seeking rides. Founded in 2013, it has become the second-largest ride-sharing service provider in the United States and Canada. The Lyft app allows users to request various types of rides, including private, shared, and luxury options, while also facilitating payment. In addition to ride-sharing, Lyft has expanded its services to include bike and scooter-sharing, promoting multimodal transportation solutions. The company primarily focuses on serving college, university, and corporate communities, and it enables riders to schedule rides up to seven days in advance.

Zendrive

Venture Round in 2014
Our transportation system is evolving. Car ownership in urban centers is peaking and consumers are increasingly choosing on-demand and shared ride services over driving themselves. At the same time, commercial and on-demand fleets are becoming increasingly reliant on mobile technology, and autonomous cars are making the move from science fiction to reality. As miles driven shift away from personal vehicles to commercial or shared fleets, a new framework is required for addressing safety. Zendrive is leading the evolution of safety in an era of transportation innovation and mobile ubiquity. We are dedicated to making roads safer through data and analytics. Through our product suite, we leverage mobile sensor data to provide actionable insights that improve safety for passengers and drivers worldwide.

Telogis

Venture Round in 2014
Telogis is a provider of a cloud-based Mobile Enterprise Management (MEM) software platform tailored for companies needing efficient management of mobile workforces. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California, the company offers solutions that include dynamic routing, real-time work order management, navigation, telematics, and mobile integration services. Telogis aims to enhance driver safety and efficiency while minimizing the environmental impact of commercial vehicles. With development and support centers across Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Europe, and North America, the company's products and services are utilized in over 100 countries worldwide, reflecting its global reach and commitment to innovation.

Streetline

Series D in 2014
Streetline builds solutions to longstanding problems in city management and operations, through the customized design and application of new sensing technologies. Our parking management system offers cities the first real control and oversight of their complex inventory of on- and off-street spaces, and forms the backbone for other sensing solutions that lower city costs and improve public services.

QuickPay

Series A in 2013
QuickPay was founded in 2010 with a vision to leverage trends in mobile technology to remove the pain and hassle of finding, accessing, and paying for parking and transportation. Their revolutionary QP QuickPay mobile parking platform offers users one mobile parking application that works across all parking environments — drivers can even raise parking gates using their mobile phones — and gives parking owners and operators an efficient way to enable mobile parking across all their assets with a single integrated solution. Today drivers can use QP QuickPay and a mobile phone to find and pay for parking at hundreds of locations across the U.S., with new locations being added continually.

Masabi

Venture Round in 2013
Masabi Limited specializes in mobile ticketing and fare collection solutions for public transport systems in the United Kingdom and globally. The company offers the JustRide platform, a comprehensive cloud-based system that facilitates ticket purchasing, display, and inspection, along with backend infrastructure for secure payments, ticket management, and real-time analytics. JustRide includes customer apps for ticket sales and management, a Hub for reporting and administration, and an Inspect tool for validating tickets using common devices. Additionally, the Web Sales Portal allows transport providers to integrate ticketing into their websites, while the Software Development Kit supports further customization for the transport industry. With operations across various transport agencies worldwide, Masabi aims to enhance passenger convenience by eliminating physical ticketing challenges. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in London, the company also has offices in New York and Boston.

Streetline

Series C in 2013
Streetline builds solutions to longstanding problems in city management and operations, through the customized design and application of new sensing technologies. Our parking management system offers cities the first real control and oversight of their complex inventory of on- and off-street spaces, and forms the backbone for other sensing solutions that lower city costs and improve public services.

QuickPay

Seed Round in 2012
QuickPay was founded in 2010 with a vision to leverage trends in mobile technology to remove the pain and hassle of finding, accessing, and paying for parking and transportation. Their revolutionary QP QuickPay mobile parking platform offers users one mobile parking application that works across all parking environments — drivers can even raise parking gates using their mobile phones — and gives parking owners and operators an efficient way to enable mobile parking across all their assets with a single integrated solution. Today drivers can use QP QuickPay and a mobile phone to find and pay for parking at hundreds of locations across the U.S., with new locations being added continually.

QuickPay

Venture Round in 2012
QuickPay was founded in 2010 with a vision to leverage trends in mobile technology to remove the pain and hassle of finding, accessing, and paying for parking and transportation. Their revolutionary QP QuickPay mobile parking platform offers users one mobile parking application that works across all parking environments — drivers can even raise parking gates using their mobile phones — and gives parking owners and operators an efficient way to enable mobile parking across all their assets with a single integrated solution. Today drivers can use QP QuickPay and a mobile phone to find and pay for parking at hundreds of locations across the U.S., with new locations being added continually.

Streetline

Series B in 2011
Streetline builds solutions to longstanding problems in city management and operations, through the customized design and application of new sensing technologies. Our parking management system offers cities the first real control and oversight of their complex inventory of on- and off-street spaces, and forms the backbone for other sensing solutions that lower city costs and improve public services.

Everyday Solutions

Venture Round in 2010
Everyday Solutions, Inc. provides GPS-based vehicle tracking solutions designed for student transportation markets. It offers GPS-based vehicle and student tracking solutions to pupil transportation marketplace in the United States and Canada. The company provides real-time tracking solution insuring route compliance, driver safety compliance, student attendance tracking, automatic parent notifications, and management reporting. Everyday Solutions has strategic partnership with Sprint Nextel, Trapeze Software Group, VersaTrans Solutions, Transfinder, Orbit Software, EDULOG, and U.S. Computing. The company was founded in 2000 as Everyday Wireless, Inc. and changed its name to Everyday Solutions, Inc. in July 2008. Everyday Solutions, Inc. is headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts.
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