Founders AND 3

Founders Fund is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2005, specializing in investments across various stages, from seed to later-stage funding. The firm targets companies that are developing transformative technologies in sectors such as consumer internet, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, energy, and health. Founders Fund has a diverse investment portfolio, having backed notable companies like SpaceX, Facebook, and Palantir. The firm employs a founder-friendly investment approach, aiming to support entrepreneurs with minimal interference. With over $2 billion in capital under management, Founders Fund continues to seek innovative solutions to global challenges, making investments typically ranging from $500,000 to $300 million.

Delian Asparouhov

Principal

Jennifer Campbell

Partner

Lauren Gross

Partner and COO

Bridget Harris

Associate

Sean Liu

Partner

Jeffrey Lonsdale

Managing Director, Asia

John Luttig

Partner

Amin Mirzadegan

Partner

Scott Nolan

Partner

Neil Ruthven

CFO

Trae Stephens

Partner

Napoleon Ta

Partner

Matias Van Thienen

Partner

Past deals in Autonomous Vehicles

OpenAI

Venture Round in 2023
OpenAI is a non-profit artificial intelligence (AI) research company, associated with business magnate Elon Musk, that aims to carefully promote and develop friendly AI in such a way as to benefit, rather than harm, humanity as a whole. The organization aims to "freely collaborate" with other institutions and researchers by making its patents and research open to the public. The company is supported by over US$1 billion in commitments; however, only a tiny fraction of the $1 billion pledged is expected to be spent in the first few years. The founders are motivated in part by concerns about existential risk from artificial general intelligence.

FleetZero

Venture Round in 2022
To deliver freight for our customers, Fleetzero is developing a fleet of electric ships without any green bonus. The company's vessels, unlike giant container ships, can be built inexpensively in domestic shipyards, which enables us to operate in regulated markets where ships must be built in the country they are traveling through. Fleetzero was established in 2021 in Auburn, Alabama.

Codeium

Series A in 2022
Developer of a deep learning acceleration platform designed to simplify and accelerate complex artificial intelligence workloads. The company's platform supports models from all deep learning frameworks by moving model inferences and supporting computations like video decoding and image preprocessing remotely, enabling clients to integrate accelerated deep learning into an interactive or batch application.

Built Robotics

Series C in 2022
Built Robotics Inc. develops automation technology solutions for the construction industry. It develops AI guidance systems to transform heavy equipment into autonomous robots, which combines various sensors, such as GPS, cameras, and Lidar with advanced software. The company’s guidance systems are deployed on earthmoving equipment, and used to build critical infrastructure, such as wind farms, oil and gas pipelines, mining, and new housing developments. Built Robotics Inc. was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Kargo

Series A in 2022
Kargo is a logistics management platform founded in 2019 and based in San Francisco, California. The company provides a smart loading dock solution that utilizes computer vision to enhance operational efficiency and responsiveness. Kargo enables businesses to achieve comprehensive visibility of incoming and outgoing shipments through real-time Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) verification. Its autonomous material inspection tower scans moving labels and identifies internal RFID tags, facilitating accurate tracking. By leveraging artificial intelligence and analytics, Kargo assists various industries, including logistics, automotive, and distribution, in saving time, gaining insights, and making informed business decisions. Previously known as Cognisense, Kargo aims to streamline supply chain processes and improve overall performance.

Hermeus

Series B in 2022
Hermeus Corporation, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, specializes in the development of hypersonic aircraft designed to enhance global transportation. The company's Mach 5 jets are capable of flying at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, significantly reducing travel times for long-haul flights. For instance, a journey from New York to London can be completed in just 90 minutes, compared to the typical seven-hour duration. Hermeus aims to improve safety and efficiency in business class air travel while allowing for seamless integration with existing aviation infrastructure. This innovative approach not only accelerates travel but also fosters enhanced connectivity among global cities.

Hermeus

Series B in 2022
Hermeus Corporation, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, specializes in the development of hypersonic aircraft designed to enhance global transportation. The company's Mach 5 jets are capable of flying at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, significantly reducing travel times for long-haul flights. For instance, a journey from New York to London can be completed in just 90 minutes, compared to the typical seven-hour duration. Hermeus aims to improve safety and efficiency in business class air travel while allowing for seamless integration with existing aviation infrastructure. This innovative approach not only accelerates travel but also fosters enhanced connectivity among global cities.

AirGarage

Series A in 2021
AirGarage, Inc. is a parking management company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. The firm connects homeowners, businesses, and organizations with underutilized parking spaces to drivers seeking parking. As a full-stack operator, AirGarage offers a comprehensive platform that facilitates the management of parking lots and garages. This includes tools for user acquisition, payment processing, enforcement, and customer support. By streamlining the rental process, AirGarage enables property owners, such as churches and businesses, to monetize their extra parking spaces efficiently, allowing them to boost their revenue while providing drivers with convenient parking options on demand.

Kavak

Series E in 2021
KAVAK is the online platform that offers an exceptional experience of buying and selling used cars in Mexico, with the best prices on the market and without leaving home.

Osaro

Series C in 2021
Osaro, Inc. develops industrial-grade artificial intelligence (AI) software to automate the manual picking and assembly tasks in distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. It offers automation solutions for computer and robotic systems driven by advanced machine learning software. The company also provides machine learning products that automatically processes large amounts of unstructured data and learns complex control tasks. Osaro, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Lula

Series A in 2021
Lula operates a peer-to-peer marketplace that connects vehicle owners with individuals seeking to rent those vehicles. It allows vehicle owners to list their vehicles for rent and facilitates direct communication and transactions between owners and renters. Lula does not own or manage the vehicles and does not engage in the contracts formed between owners and renters. Additionally, Lula provides insurance technology solutions tailored for various sectors, including car rental companies and logistics firms. Their offerings include policy management, risk assessment tools, and claims handling services, which help clients streamline their insurance processes and reduce operational costs.

Regent

Seed Round in 2021
Regent is a maritime mobility company founded in 2020 and headquartered in Winchester, Massachusetts. The company specializes in developing all-electric sea gliders designed to provide fast, safe, and cost-effective coastal transportation. These innovative machines fly just above the water's surface, serving as a replacement for traditional ferries and short-haul aircraft on coastal routes. By combining the high speed of an airplane with the lower operating costs of a boat, Regent aims to enhance local and regional transportation options between coastal cities, improving accessibility and efficiency for its customers.

Scale AI

Series E in 2021
Scale AI, Inc. is a data platform that specializes in providing high-quality training and validation data for artificial intelligence applications. Founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, the company offers a range of annotation tools, including platforms for 3D sensor data, images, videos, text, and documents. Its products support various AI tasks such as content moderation, transcription, and data comparison, and are utilized across multiple sectors including autonomous vehicles, retail, conversational AI, and robotics. Scale AI's technology enables companies to streamline their machine learning processes, allowing teams to concentrate on developing innovative models rather than the labor-intensive task of data labeling. The company serves notable clients in the technology and transportation industries, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of AI development.

Regent

Seed Round in 2021
Regent is a maritime mobility company founded in 2020 and headquartered in Winchester, Massachusetts. The company specializes in developing all-electric sea gliders designed to provide fast, safe, and cost-effective coastal transportation. These innovative machines fly just above the water's surface, serving as a replacement for traditional ferries and short-haul aircraft on coastal routes. By combining the high speed of an airplane with the lower operating costs of a boat, Regent aims to enhance local and regional transportation options between coastal cities, improving accessibility and efficiency for its customers.

Kavak

Series D in 2021
KAVAK is the online platform that offers an exceptional experience of buying and selling used cars in Mexico, with the best prices on the market and without leaving home.

Kargo

Seed Round in 2021
Kargo is a logistics management platform founded in 2019 and based in San Francisco, California. The company provides a smart loading dock solution that utilizes computer vision to enhance operational efficiency and responsiveness. Kargo enables businesses to achieve comprehensive visibility of incoming and outgoing shipments through real-time Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) verification. Its autonomous material inspection tower scans moving labels and identifies internal RFID tags, facilitating accurate tracking. By leveraging artificial intelligence and analytics, Kargo assists various industries, including logistics, automotive, and distribution, in saving time, gaining insights, and making informed business decisions. Previously known as Cognisense, Kargo aims to streamline supply chain processes and improve overall performance.

Ghost Autonomy

Funding Round in 2021
Ghost turns your car into a self-driving car. By adding a few small cameras and a compact computer to existing cars, Ghost will deliver Real Self-Driving on freeways, with a system so safe commuters can fully pay attention to something other than driving. Ghost was founded by John Hayes and Volkmar Uhlig in 2017. John previously founded Pure Storage (NYSE: PSTG), taking the company public in 2015. The company is backed by Mike Speiser at Sutter Hill Ventures, Keith Rabois at Founders Fund, and Vinod Khosla at Khosla Ventures and is headquartered in Mountain View, CA.

Osaro

Series B in 2020
Osaro, Inc. develops industrial-grade artificial intelligence (AI) software to automate the manual picking and assembly tasks in distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. It offers automation solutions for computer and robotic systems driven by advanced machine learning software. The company also provides machine learning products that automatically processes large amounts of unstructured data and learns complex control tasks. Osaro, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Manna Drone Delivery

Seed Round in 2019
Manna Drone Delivery is a provider of drone delivery services that aims to enhance the efficiency of food and goods distribution. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the company utilizes custom-developed aerospace-grade drones to facilitate quick deliveries from restaurants, dark kitchens, and convenience stores directly to consumers' homes. Operating at an altitude of 80 meters and reaching speeds exceeding 80 kilometers per hour, Manna's drones can deliver within a 2-kilometer radius in less than three minutes. This innovative approach replaces traditional road-based delivery methods, significantly reducing delivery times and improving the overall consumer experience, especially in suburban and rural areas.

Ghost Autonomy

Series C in 2019
Ghost turns your car into a self-driving car. By adding a few small cameras and a compact computer to existing cars, Ghost will deliver Real Self-Driving on freeways, with a system so safe commuters can fully pay attention to something other than driving. Ghost was founded by John Hayes and Volkmar Uhlig in 2017. John previously founded Pure Storage (NYSE: PSTG), taking the company public in 2015. The company is backed by Mike Speiser at Sutter Hill Ventures, Keith Rabois at Founders Fund, and Vinod Khosla at Khosla Ventures and is headquartered in Mountain View, CA.

ISEE

Series A in 2019
ISEE, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software and hardware solutions for autonomous vehicles. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, ISEE focuses on creating humanistic AI that can navigate complex driving scenarios and unfamiliar situations. The company draws inspiration from computational cognitive science, aiming to ensure that its technology integrates seamlessly into society and enhances human lives. The team at ISEE comprises leading technologists and researchers from prestigious institutions such as MIT, Harvard, and Carnegie Mellon University, reflecting a commitment to innovative thinking in the field of AI autonomy.

Vahan

Seed Round in 2019
Vahan Inc. develops a mobile education platform for low-income populations. The company offers Vahan, an application for feature phones and smartphones that enables students to practice what they’re learning in the classroom, outside it. Its application helps students maximize learning outcomes; and Web-based learning management system allows instructors to track their students' scores and progress, review students' responses, and send them feedback via SMS or voice messages. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

Osaro

Series B in 2019
Osaro, Inc. develops industrial-grade artificial intelligence (AI) software to automate the manual picking and assembly tasks in distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. It offers automation solutions for computer and robotic systems driven by advanced machine learning software. The company also provides machine learning products that automatically processes large amounts of unstructured data and learns complex control tasks. Osaro, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Built Robotics

Series B in 2019
Built Robotics Inc. develops automation technology solutions for the construction industry. It develops AI guidance systems to transform heavy equipment into autonomous robots, which combines various sensors, such as GPS, cameras, and Lidar with advanced software. The company’s guidance systems are deployed on earthmoving equipment, and used to build critical infrastructure, such as wind farms, oil and gas pipelines, mining, and new housing developments. Built Robotics Inc. was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

SmartDrive

Venture Round in 2019
SmartDrive Inc. is a technology company specializing in vehicle tracking and big data analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and based in Shinagawa-ku, Japan, it develops a data platform that provides insights into vehicle management, route optimization, and safe driving practices through real-time GPS services. SmartDrive offers various products, including mobile applications like DriveOn, which provides drivers with information on speed and vehicle performance, and hardware devices such as OBD and car chargers. In the United States, SmartDrive Systems, Inc., a related entity established in 2004, focuses on providing fuel management and driver safety solutions across diverse industries, including waste management and food distribution. Its offerings include video analytics for driver performance coaching, fuel performance tracking, and a transportation intelligence suite that transforms data into actionable insights. With a global presence and a commitment to improving driving safety and efficiency, SmartDrive serves a broad range of agencies and fleet operators.

Scale AI

Series C in 2019
Scale AI, Inc. is a data platform that specializes in providing high-quality training and validation data for artificial intelligence applications. Founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, the company offers a range of annotation tools, including platforms for 3D sensor data, images, videos, text, and documents. Its products support various AI tasks such as content moderation, transcription, and data comparison, and are utilized across multiple sectors including autonomous vehicles, retail, conversational AI, and robotics. Scale AI's technology enables companies to streamline their machine learning processes, allowing teams to concentrate on developing innovative models rather than the labor-intensive task of data labeling. The company serves notable clients in the technology and transportation industries, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of AI development.

AirGarage

Seed Round in 2019
AirGarage, Inc. is a parking management company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. The firm connects homeowners, businesses, and organizations with underutilized parking spaces to drivers seeking parking. As a full-stack operator, AirGarage offers a comprehensive platform that facilitates the management of parking lots and garages. This includes tools for user acquisition, payment processing, enforcement, and customer support. By streamlining the rental process, AirGarage enables property owners, such as churches and businesses, to monetize their extra parking spaces efficiently, allowing them to boost their revenue while providing drivers with convenient parking options on demand.

Flock Safety

Series A in 2018
Flock Safety is a crime-fighting technology company that specializes in developing wireless security systems for neighborhoods, law enforcement, and municipalities. Founded in 2017 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, the company designs outdoor cameras equipped with machine-learning algorithms to automatically capture images and record the license plates of vehicles passing through monitored areas. This technology not only aids local police by providing essential data when crimes occur but also proactively alerts officers when stolen vehicles enter a neighborhood. By enabling residents to share critical information with law enforcement, Flock Safety enhances community safety and assists in crime prevention efforts.

Beam

Seed Round in 2018
Beam Mobility Holdings Pte. Ltd. is a micro-mobility company that offers electric scooters for rent through a user-friendly mobile application. Established in 2018 and based in Singapore, Beam aims to enhance urban mobility by providing a network of shared e-scooters that can be easily accessed on a pay-per-use basis. The company promotes responsible parking by incentivizing users to return scooters to designated parking spots, thereby minimizing clutter on city streets. By leveraging Internet of Things technology, Beam contributes to improved last-mile connectivity, helps alleviate traffic congestion, and supports environmental sustainability efforts.

Cobalt

Series A in 2018
Cobalt Robotics, Inc. designs and manufactures indoor security robots that collaborate with human security personnel. These robots are capable of patrolling various environments, including warehouses, schools, offices, hospitals, data centers, and museums, while detecting intruders and identifying anomalies. Equipped with advanced mapping and sensing technologies, as well as features for human-robot interaction, Cobalt's robots enhance security measures by providing real-time monitoring and response capabilities. Founded in 2016 by Erik Schluntz and Travis Deyle, the company is headquartered in San Mateo, California.

Optimal Agriculture

Seed Round in 2017
We are a collection of engineers from Palantir, DeepMind, Oxford University and Cambridge University, on a mission to grow safer, healthier food by deploying fully autonomous greenhouses outside every city on earth. High-tech greenhouses are key to our agricultural future - for improving human nutrition and for securing our food system against climate change and population growth. We are doing everything we can to accelerate the deployment of new farms around the world.

Built Robotics

Series A in 2017
Built Robotics Inc. develops automation technology solutions for the construction industry. It develops AI guidance systems to transform heavy equipment into autonomous robots, which combines various sensors, such as GPS, cameras, and Lidar with advanced software. The company’s guidance systems are deployed on earthmoving equipment, and used to build critical infrastructure, such as wind farms, oil and gas pipelines, mining, and new housing developments. Built Robotics Inc. was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Hive

Series A in 2016
Hive is a full-stack AI company established in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in computer vision and deep learning, providing practical AI solutions and data labeling services. Hive operates through several key products, including Hive Media, Hive Security, Hive Auto, and Hive Retail. Hive Media offers an analytics platform tailored for broadcasters, brands, and advertising agencies, while Hive Security delivers video analytics and visual intelligence software for security applications. Hive Auto focuses on autonomous vehicles, providing data labeling and visual perception solutions. Hive Retail utilizes deep learning to create customized analytics solutions for retail operations, integrating seamlessly with client systems. Additionally, Hive Data serves as a two-sided marketplace for machine learning data labeling, leveraging a network of over two million workers to generate high-quality datasets for various applications, including autonomous driving and robotics.

vicarious

Series B in 2014
Vicarious is an artificial intelligence company founded in 2010 by Dr. Dileep George and D. Scott Phoenix, headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company focuses on developing general intelligence for robots by leveraging the computational principles of the human brain. Vicarious aims to tackle significant challenges in the field of AI, fostering a culture that values intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and passion among its team members.

Lyft

Series D in 2014
Lyft is an on-demand transportation service that connects riders with drivers through a mobile application, allowing users to request rides and make payments seamlessly. Founded in June 2012 in San Francisco, Lyft has become the second-largest ridesharing provider in the U.S. and Canada, serving approximately 95 percent of the U.S. population. The platform offers various ride options, including traditional private rides, shared rides, and luxury vehicles. In addition to standard ride-sharing services, Lyft has expanded into the bike and scooter-sharing market, promoting multimodal transportation solutions. The service is particularly popular among college, university, and corporate communities, and it allows riders to schedule rides up to seven days in advance.

Lyft

Series C in 2013
Lyft is an on-demand transportation service that connects riders with drivers through a mobile application, allowing users to request rides and make payments seamlessly. Founded in June 2012 in San Francisco, Lyft has become the second-largest ridesharing provider in the U.S. and Canada, serving approximately 95 percent of the U.S. population. The platform offers various ride options, including traditional private rides, shared rides, and luxury vehicles. In addition to standard ride-sharing services, Lyft has expanded into the bike and scooter-sharing market, promoting multimodal transportation solutions. The service is particularly popular among college, university, and corporate communities, and it allows riders to schedule rides up to seven days in advance.

Lyft

Series B in 2013
Lyft is an on-demand transportation service that connects riders with drivers through a mobile application, allowing users to request rides and make payments seamlessly. Founded in June 2012 in San Francisco, Lyft has become the second-largest ridesharing provider in the U.S. and Canada, serving approximately 95 percent of the U.S. population. The platform offers various ride options, including traditional private rides, shared rides, and luxury vehicles. In addition to standard ride-sharing services, Lyft has expanded into the bike and scooter-sharing market, promoting multimodal transportation solutions. The service is particularly popular among college, university, and corporate communities, and it allows riders to schedule rides up to seven days in advance.

vicarious

Series A in 2012
Vicarious is an artificial intelligence company founded in 2010 by Dr. Dileep George and D. Scott Phoenix, headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company focuses on developing general intelligence for robots by leveraging the computational principles of the human brain. Vicarious aims to tackle significant challenges in the field of AI, fostering a culture that values intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and passion among its team members.

vicarious

Venture Round in 2012
Vicarious is an artificial intelligence company founded in 2010 by Dr. Dileep George and D. Scott Phoenix, headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company focuses on developing general intelligence for robots by leveraging the computational principles of the human brain. Vicarious aims to tackle significant challenges in the field of AI, fostering a culture that values intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and passion among its team members.

Cherry

Series A in 2012
The carwash that comes to you: Park anywhere, check in online, and Cherry will wash your car right where you left it.

SmartDrive

Series D in 2007
SmartDrive Inc. is a technology company specializing in vehicle tracking and big data analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and based in Shinagawa-ku, Japan, it develops a data platform that provides insights into vehicle management, route optimization, and safe driving practices through real-time GPS services. SmartDrive offers various products, including mobile applications like DriveOn, which provides drivers with information on speed and vehicle performance, and hardware devices such as OBD and car chargers. In the United States, SmartDrive Systems, Inc., a related entity established in 2004, focuses on providing fuel management and driver safety solutions across diverse industries, including waste management and food distribution. Its offerings include video analytics for driver performance coaching, fuel performance tracking, and a transportation intelligence suite that transforms data into actionable insights. With a global presence and a commitment to improving driving safety and efficiency, SmartDrive serves a broad range of agencies and fleet operators.

SmartDrive

Series C in 2007
SmartDrive Inc. is a technology company specializing in vehicle tracking and big data analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and based in Shinagawa-ku, Japan, it develops a data platform that provides insights into vehicle management, route optimization, and safe driving practices through real-time GPS services. SmartDrive offers various products, including mobile applications like DriveOn, which provides drivers with information on speed and vehicle performance, and hardware devices such as OBD and car chargers. In the United States, SmartDrive Systems, Inc., a related entity established in 2004, focuses on providing fuel management and driver safety solutions across diverse industries, including waste management and food distribution. Its offerings include video analytics for driver performance coaching, fuel performance tracking, and a transportation intelligence suite that transforms data into actionable insights. With a global presence and a commitment to improving driving safety and efficiency, SmartDrive serves a broad range of agencies and fleet operators.
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