Founders Fund

Founders Fund, Inc. is a venture capital firm headquartered in San Francisco, California, established in 2005. The firm specializes in investing across various stages, including seed, early, mid, and growth stages, with a focus on transformative technologies. Founders Fund targets a wide range of sectors, such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, advanced computing, biotechnology, cybersecurity, energy, fintech, and consumer internet. The firm aims to support companies that are developing revolutionary technologies and typically invests between $500,000 and $300 million in its portfolio companies. Founders Fund's partners have a strong background in technology, having been investors, founders, and early employees of notable technology companies, including PayPal. The firm seeks to make investments globally, emphasizing innovation and impact.

Delian Asparouhov

Principal

Leigh Marie Braswell

Principal

Lauren Gross

Partner and COO

Jeffrey Lonsdale

Managing Director, Asia

John Luttig

Principal

Amin Mirzadegan

Principal

Scott Nolan

Partner

Luke Nosek

Managing Partner

Neil Ruthven

CFO

Brian Singerman

Partner

Napoleon Ta

Partner

Matias Van Thienen

Principal

Past deals in Transportation

Regent

Series A in 2023
Regent is a maritime mobility company focused on developing electric flying machines for coastal transportation. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing seagliders, which are wing-in-ground-effect crafts that operate a few meters above the water's surface. These innovative vehicles combine the high speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat, enabling them to travel at speeds of up to 180 mph (290 km/h) over suitable ranges for regional trips. Regent's seagliders aim to replace traditional ferries and short-haul aircraft on coastal routes, providing fast, safe, and cost-effective transportation solutions that connect coastal cities and islands. By revolutionizing regional transportation, Regent seeks to enhance connectivity among coastal communities while promoting sustainable travel options.

GAIL

Series B in 2023
GAIL is a generative AI solution for insurance agencies. It provides a multilingual AI capable of communicating via speech, SMS, email, and WhatsApp. It also provides recordings, transcripts, analytics, and follows up with callers with any necessary deliverables.

ISEE

Series B in 2022
ISEE, Inc. is an autonomous driving technology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2016. The company specializes in developing artificial intelligence-driven software and hardware solutions for self-driving vehicles, with a focus on modernizing the global supply chain. ISEE's autonomous yard trucks are utilized by major clients, including Maersk and various Fortune 100 retailers, to enhance the automation of logistics hubs. The company's proprietary technology excels at predicting human behavior and managing risk, allowing for improved safety, cost efficiency, and consistent performance in yard operations. By enabling seamless and safe operation of autonomous machines, ISEE aims to transform the logistics and supply chain industries.

TruckSmarter

Series B in 2022
TruckSmarter provides a free electronic load board that simplifies the process for truck drivers to find and book loads from numerous brokers through a user-friendly mobile application. By offering access to better-paying loads without monthly fees or long-term contracts, TruckSmarter enhances the daily operations of drivers, enabling them to efficiently manage their routes and maximize earnings. The platform not only benefits drivers by improving their quality of life and operational efficiency but also helps brokers by connecting them with a broader pool of carriers. As a result, TruckSmarter facilitates a more effective and profitable relationship between drivers and brokers in the trucking industry.

FleetZero

Venture Round in 2022
Fleetzero, established in 2021 in Auburn, Alabama, is focused on developing a fleet of battery-electric cargo ships aimed at decarbonizing ocean freight. The company designs zero-emission vessels that can be constructed affordably in domestic shipyards, allowing operations in regulated markets where local shipbuilding is required. These electric ships promise lower operational costs and improved reliability compared to traditional fossil-fuel vessels, providing clients with an efficient and sustainable alternative for marine transportation. By facilitating significant reductions in fuel, maintenance, and crew expenses, Fleetzero seeks to transform the freight industry while adhering to environmental standards.

The Boring Company

Series C in 2022
The Boring Company is an infrastructure and tunnel construction firm focused on developing underground transportation networks. Its primary objective is to address traffic congestion by creating safe, efficient, and cost-effective tunnels for transportation, utility, and freight purposes. By providing tunneling services, the company aims to offer users affordable and rapid transit options, thereby alleviating urban traffic issues.

Impulse Space

Seed Round in 2022
Impulse Space is an in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, focused on expanding access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) through its innovative fleet of transportation vehicles. The company operates the Mira vehicle, which utilizes a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to provide services such as orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry for clients across various orbits. Additionally, the Helios vehicle, equipped with the powerful Deneb engine, facilitates payload deliveries to orbits beyond LEO, including medium Earth orbit (MEO), geostationary orbit (GEO), and even lunar and other planetary orbits. With a team that has a proven track record in developing some of the most reliable rockets, Impulse Space aims to offer economical and efficient transportation solutions for space payloads, enabling clients to manage costs while achieving rapid operational improvements.

Kargo

Series A in 2022
Kargo is a logistics management platform aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of freight operations by connecting physical logistics with digital management systems. Established in 2019 and based in San Francisco, Kargo offers a loading dock sensor platform that verifies all incoming and outgoing freight. This technology aggregates data to provide real-time visibility into dock operations, enabling shippers and carriers to optimize supplier management and understand material flow. Kargo serves various industries, including logistics, automotive, and distribution, by streamlining supply chain processes and facilitating better decision-making through enhanced insights and performance monitoring.

Hermeus

Series B in 2022
Hermeus is developing Mach 5 aircraft to speed up the global transportation network. Mach 5 flight is not just supersonic, it's hypersonic. At these speeds, a flight from New York to London is 90 minutes, rather than 7 hours. Its aircraft massively reduces flight times and increases safety for the long haul and business class air travel, enabling businesses to operate with minimal changes to current aviation infrastructure. The company was founded in 2018 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Flexport

Series E in 2022
Flexport, Inc. is a global freight forwarder and logistics platform that offers online customs brokerage and freight forwarding services. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, the company provides a comprehensive online dashboard that allows businesses to understand, purchase, manage, and track essential services for global trade. Flexport's offerings include customs brokerage, which encompasses customs clearances, bonds, product classification, and government filings, as well as freight forwarding services such as ocean, air, and road transport. The company also delivers supply chain solutions, including cargo insurance, quality inspections, warehousing, fulfillment, product sourcing, and trade finance. By leveraging modern software, Flexport aims to enhance the user experience in global trade, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of goods to fulfillment centers.

Supermove

Series A in 2022
Supermove is a software company that focuses on modernizing the moving industry by providing cloud-based solutions tailored for moving businesses. Its software enhances operational efficiency by streamlining job scheduling and dispatching, allowing users to manage tasks and personnel with ease. By automating essential processes such as timesheets, job forms, and contracts, Supermove helps businesses eliminate paperwork and focus more on customer service. The platform ensures that all team members have access to vital information at any time, facilitating better organization and scalability for moving companies.

Coco

Series A in 2021
Coco is a last-mile delivery service that utilizes human-operated sidewalk robots to transport goods from merchants to customers. Since its launch in February 2020, the company has established a presence in cities such as Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Austin, and Houston, serving thousands of customers weekly. Coco partners with both national restaurant brands, like SBE (Umami Burger), and local establishments, such as Bangkok West Thai and San Pedro Brewing Company, to enhance delivery efficiency. The service aims to reduce costs for merchant clients while ensuring consistent and reliable delivery quality, preserving the condition of food, and streamlining kitchen operations. By connecting local businesses with customers, Coco contributes to the development of supportive community-based delivery solutions.

Arevo

Venture Round in 2021
Arevo, located in Silicon Valley, California, specializes in the development of advanced technology for direct digital additive manufacturing of lightweight, ultra-strong composite parts intended for high-volume end-use applications. By integrating innovative materials, robust design and build software, and free motion robotics, Arevo facilitates true three-dimensional construction, advancing 3D printing into mainstream manufacturing. The company empowers designers and manufacturers to leverage the exceptional strength-to-weight ratio of composite materials across various sectors, including aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, transportation, and consumer goods. Arevo has achieved early success in producing continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composite parts for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and is well-positioned to enhance additive manufacturing services globally.

GAIL

Series A in 2021
GAIL is a generative AI solution for insurance agencies. It provides a multilingual AI capable of communicating via speech, SMS, email, and WhatsApp. It also provides recordings, transcripts, analytics, and follows up with callers with any necessary deliverables.

Replica

Series B in 2021
Replica is an innovative urban planning tool that assists cities in addressing transportation-related challenges. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, the company offers insights into city movement patterns by analyzing how people travel across various modes, including cars, transit, bicycles, and walking. Utilizing a combination of public datasets, such as census information and land use regulations, alongside private data sources like mobile location and credit transaction data, Replica creates a detailed picture of urban mobility and economic activity. This analytical engine enables public agencies and land developers to understand travel behaviors and trip purposes, informing decisions related to infrastructure, transportation planning, and city design. By measuring its outputs against observed data, such as vehicle counts and transit ridership, Replica enhances the reliability of its insights, allowing customers to provide their own data for more tailored analysis.

Regent

Seed Round in 2021
Regent is a maritime mobility company focused on developing electric flying machines for coastal transportation. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing seagliders, which are wing-in-ground-effect crafts that operate a few meters above the water's surface. These innovative vehicles combine the high speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat, enabling them to travel at speeds of up to 180 mph (290 km/h) over suitable ranges for regional trips. Regent's seagliders aim to replace traditional ferries and short-haul aircraft on coastal routes, providing fast, safe, and cost-effective transportation solutions that connect coastal cities and islands. By revolutionizing regional transportation, Regent seeks to enhance connectivity among coastal communities while promoting sustainable travel options.

Kargo

Seed Round in 2021
Kargo is a logistics management platform aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of freight operations by connecting physical logistics with digital management systems. Established in 2019 and based in San Francisco, Kargo offers a loading dock sensor platform that verifies all incoming and outgoing freight. This technology aggregates data to provide real-time visibility into dock operations, enabling shippers and carriers to optimize supplier management and understand material flow. Kargo serves various industries, including logistics, automotive, and distribution, by streamlining supply chain processes and facilitating better decision-making through enhanced insights and performance monitoring.

Ghost Autonomy

Funding Round in 2021
Ghost Autonomy is focused on making self-driving technology accessible to the consumer car market. The company develops a software-defined autonomous driving platform that leverages advancements in artificial intelligence to ensure highway autonomy is both safe and scalable. Its platform includes AI-enabled software that encompasses a perception system, planning and decision-making algorithms, and vehicle control software. This comprehensive offering allows automakers and suppliers to integrate autonomous driving capabilities into their vehicles efficiently, minimizing the need for extensive hardware modifications. Through its innovative approach, Ghost aims to facilitate the widespread adoption of autonomous driving technology in everyday vehicles.

Ghost Autonomy

Series C in 2019
Ghost Autonomy is focused on making self-driving technology accessible to the consumer car market. The company develops a software-defined autonomous driving platform that leverages advancements in artificial intelligence to ensure highway autonomy is both safe and scalable. Its platform includes AI-enabled software that encompasses a perception system, planning and decision-making algorithms, and vehicle control software. This comprehensive offering allows automakers and suppliers to integrate autonomous driving capabilities into their vehicles efficiently, minimizing the need for extensive hardware modifications. Through its innovative approach, Ghost aims to facilitate the widespread adoption of autonomous driving technology in everyday vehicles.

ISEE

Series A in 2019
ISEE, Inc. is an autonomous driving technology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2016. The company specializes in developing artificial intelligence-driven software and hardware solutions for self-driving vehicles, with a focus on modernizing the global supply chain. ISEE's autonomous yard trucks are utilized by major clients, including Maersk and various Fortune 100 retailers, to enhance the automation of logistics hubs. The company's proprietary technology excels at predicting human behavior and managing risk, allowing for improved safety, cost efficiency, and consistent performance in yard operations. By enabling seamless and safe operation of autonomous machines, ISEE aims to transform the logistics and supply chain industries.

Flexport

Series D in 2019
Flexport, Inc. is a global freight forwarder and logistics platform that offers online customs brokerage and freight forwarding services. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, the company provides a comprehensive online dashboard that allows businesses to understand, purchase, manage, and track essential services for global trade. Flexport's offerings include customs brokerage, which encompasses customs clearances, bonds, product classification, and government filings, as well as freight forwarding services such as ocean, air, and road transport. The company also delivers supply chain solutions, including cargo insurance, quality inspections, warehousing, fulfillment, product sourcing, and trade finance. By leveraging modern software, Flexport aims to enhance the user experience in global trade, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of goods to fulfillment centers.

Beam

Seed Round in 2018
Beam is a micro-mobility startup that encourages users to park their e-scooters in pre-determined parking spots via its app by offering incentives, instead of parking it anywhere randomly on the street.

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.

Flexport

Corporate Round in 2018
Flexport, Inc. is a global freight forwarder and logistics platform that offers online customs brokerage and freight forwarding services. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, the company provides a comprehensive online dashboard that allows businesses to understand, purchase, manage, and track essential services for global trade. Flexport's offerings include customs brokerage, which encompasses customs clearances, bonds, product classification, and government filings, as well as freight forwarding services such as ocean, air, and road transport. The company also delivers supply chain solutions, including cargo insurance, quality inspections, warehousing, fulfillment, product sourcing, and trade finance. By leveraging modern software, Flexport aims to enhance the user experience in global trade, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of goods to fulfillment centers.

Grabr

Series A in 2018
Grabr is a global community marketplace that allows people to get unique or hard-to-find items from around the world by connecting them with travelers headed their way. Grabr is the safe, fast and friendly way to get anything from anywhere in the world and earn money on the road.

Flexport

Series C in 2017
Flexport, Inc. is a global freight forwarder and logistics platform that offers online customs brokerage and freight forwarding services. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, the company provides a comprehensive online dashboard that allows businesses to understand, purchase, manage, and track essential services for global trade. Flexport's offerings include customs brokerage, which encompasses customs clearances, bonds, product classification, and government filings, as well as freight forwarding services such as ocean, air, and road transport. The company also delivers supply chain solutions, including cargo insurance, quality inspections, warehousing, fulfillment, product sourcing, and trade finance. By leveraging modern software, Flexport aims to enhance the user experience in global trade, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of goods to fulfillment centers.

HyperTrack

Series A in 2017
HyperTrack, Inc. offers a location infrastructure solution that simplifies the integration of location services into applications through a user-friendly API. Founded in 2015 and based in Foster City, California, the company provides tools for businesses in sectors such as on-demand delivery, logistics, field service, and gig work. Its platform enables developers to implement features like real-time tracking, distance and time metering, programmable alerts, route replay with event annotations, and accurate estimated times of arrival. HyperTrack's solutions are compatible with various mobile development frameworks, including iOS, Android, React Native, and Cordova, allowing businesses to enhance their operational efficiency and improve user experience by leveraging precise location data.

Trade Ghana

Seed Round in 2017
Trade Ghana is a platform that facilitates direct trading among buyers, sellers, and transporters of commodities in the country. By eliminating middlemen, Trade Ghana allows users to specify their desired quantity, grade, and price, connecting them with sellers that meet their requirements. The platform also provides essential services, including the weighing and grading of goods, direct delivery to buyers, and a return policy for any rejected products. Additionally, it offers vital market information and payment handling, ensuring user anonymity and assisting small-scale farmers in navigating the agricultural market. Through its comprehensive database, Trade Ghana supports the efficient management of agricultural production and market dynamics, promoting a streamlined trading experience.

Flexport

Series B in 2016
Flexport, Inc. is a global freight forwarder and logistics platform that offers online customs brokerage and freight forwarding services. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, the company provides a comprehensive online dashboard that allows businesses to understand, purchase, manage, and track essential services for global trade. Flexport's offerings include customs brokerage, which encompasses customs clearances, bonds, product classification, and government filings, as well as freight forwarding services such as ocean, air, and road transport. The company also delivers supply chain solutions, including cargo insurance, quality inspections, warehousing, fulfillment, product sourcing, and trade finance. By leveraging modern software, Flexport aims to enhance the user experience in global trade, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of goods to fulfillment centers.

Flexport

Series A in 2015
Flexport, Inc. is a global freight forwarder and logistics platform that offers online customs brokerage and freight forwarding services. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, the company provides a comprehensive online dashboard that allows businesses to understand, purchase, manage, and track essential services for global trade. Flexport's offerings include customs brokerage, which encompasses customs clearances, bonds, product classification, and government filings, as well as freight forwarding services such as ocean, air, and road transport. The company also delivers supply chain solutions, including cargo insurance, quality inspections, warehousing, fulfillment, product sourcing, and trade finance. By leveraging modern software, Flexport aims to enhance the user experience in global trade, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of goods to fulfillment centers.

SpaceX

Series G in 2015
SpaceX, Inc., founded in 2002 and headquartered in Hawthorne, California, specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company develops various products, including the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship, with a focus on creating reusable launch vehicles. These vehicles are engineered for the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, incorporating features such as multiple engines, an attached trunk, and parachute systems. SpaceX aims to reduce the costs of space travel, thereby making space exploration more accessible and advancing the capabilities of the space industry.

Lyft

Series D in 2014
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.

Lyft

Series C in 2013
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.

Lyft

Series B in 2013
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.

SpaceX

Series F in 2010
SpaceX, Inc., founded in 2002 and headquartered in Hawthorne, California, specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company develops various products, including the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship, with a focus on creating reusable launch vehicles. These vehicles are engineered for the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, incorporating features such as multiple engines, an attached trunk, and parachute systems. SpaceX aims to reduce the costs of space travel, thereby making space exploration more accessible and advancing the capabilities of the space industry.

SpaceX

Series D in 2008
SpaceX, Inc., founded in 2002 and headquartered in Hawthorne, California, specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company develops various products, including the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship, with a focus on creating reusable launch vehicles. These vehicles are engineered for the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, incorporating features such as multiple engines, an attached trunk, and parachute systems. SpaceX aims to reduce the costs of space travel, thereby making space exploration more accessible and advancing the capabilities of the space industry.
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