Toyota Ventures

Toyota Ventures, founded in 2017 and based in the San Francisco Bay Area, serves as the corporate venture capital arm of Toyota Motor. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage startups worldwide that are developing disruptive technologies and innovative business models. With over $500 million in assets under management, Toyota Ventures aims to identify and support advancements in sectors such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, mobility, robotics, cloud technology, climate tech, renewable energy, smart cities, digital health, fintech, and materials. The company operates two primary funds: the Toyota Ventures Frontier Fund, which targets a broad range of technological advancements, and the Toyota Ventures Climate Fund, dedicated to solutions that promote carbon neutrality.

Chris Abshire

Principal, Frontier Fund

Lisa Coca

Partner, Climate. Fund

David Sokolic

Partner

Ethan Sohn

Principal, Climate Fund

Past deals in Self-driving

May Mobility

Series D in 2023
May Mobility, Inc. is an autonomous vehicle company focused on transforming urban transportation through the development and operation of driverless shuttle services. Founded in 2017 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company utilizes six-passenger electric vehicles that navigate mapped routes to provide micro-transit services for enterprise and municipal clients. By analyzing traffic patterns and commuter flows, May Mobility designs optimal routes that enhance public transit systems. Their autonomous shuttles aim to minimize human error in driving, reduce pollution, and improve economic benefits for communities and riders. The company offers a fleet operation service that contributes to creating safer, more efficient, and accessible transportation solutions.

May Mobility

Series C in 2022
May Mobility, Inc. is an autonomous vehicle company focused on transforming urban transportation through the development and operation of driverless shuttle services. Founded in 2017 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company utilizes six-passenger electric vehicles that navigate mapped routes to provide micro-transit services for enterprise and municipal clients. By analyzing traffic patterns and commuter flows, May Mobility designs optimal routes that enhance public transit systems. Their autonomous shuttles aim to minimize human error in driving, reduce pollution, and improve economic benefits for communities and riders. The company offers a fleet operation service that contributes to creating safer, more efficient, and accessible transportation solutions.

Recogni

Series B in 2021
Recogni Inc. is an innovative company that specializes in the development of artificial intelligence-based cameras and processors aimed at real-time object identification. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Jose, California, with an additional office in Munich, Germany, Recogni focuses on creating high-performance, low-power inference processing solutions tailored for the automotive industry in both Germany and the U.S. The company’s technology integrates visual and depth sensor data to optimize performance, power efficiency, and visual range for autonomous vehicles. By providing scalable solutions for generative AI and intelligent autonomous platforms, Recogni enables clients to achieve advanced edge processing capabilities and enhances data center efficiency, ultimately supporting the growth of mobility markets.

Sea Machines Robotics

Series B in 2020
Sea Machines Robotics, Inc. is an autonomous technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in the development and manufacturing of autonomous control and navigation systems for the commercial marine and boating industries. Founded in 2014, the company creates advanced control systems designed to improve operational safety and efficiency for various marine applications. Its product lineup includes the SM300, which allows for remote command of vessels; the SM200, facilitating integrated control for collaborative operations; and the SM400, an AI-powered situational awareness system tailored for container ships. Additionally, the company offers the RC NXT, a remote command system for existing and new marine vessels, and the DP-NXT, which enables traditional vessels to operate with minimal or no crew onboard. Sea Machines Robotics also provides solutions for unmanned applications, including bathymetric survey vessels and subsea asset inspections, focusing on sectors such as shipping, offshore energy, and maritime logistics.

Sea Machines Robotics

Series B in 2020
Sea Machines Robotics, Inc. is an autonomous technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in the development and manufacturing of autonomous control and navigation systems for the commercial marine and boating industries. Founded in 2014, the company creates advanced control systems designed to improve operational safety and efficiency for various marine applications. Its product lineup includes the SM300, which allows for remote command of vessels; the SM200, facilitating integrated control for collaborative operations; and the SM400, an AI-powered situational awareness system tailored for container ships. Additionally, the company offers the RC NXT, a remote command system for existing and new marine vessels, and the DP-NXT, which enables traditional vessels to operate with minimal or no crew onboard. Sea Machines Robotics also provides solutions for unmanned applications, including bathymetric survey vessels and subsea asset inspections, focusing on sectors such as shipping, offshore energy, and maritime logistics.

Apex.AI

Venture Round in 2019
Apex.AI, Inc. is a software company that focuses on developing solutions for autonomous mobility systems, particularly self-driving vehicles. Founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, the company offers Apex.OS, a software framework that simplifies the complexity of hardware and software integration through user-friendly APIs. Additionally, Apex.AI provides Apex.Autonomy, which is tailored for safety-critical applications, and MARV.Automotive, a versatile data management platform that facilitates data transfer between vehicles and the cloud. This platform allows for advanced analytics, data introspection, and team collaboration. Apex.AI's software products leverage open-source technologies, enabling developers to create secure and efficient applications for autonomous vehicles.

Recogni

Series A in 2019
Recogni Inc. is an innovative company that specializes in the development of artificial intelligence-based cameras and processors aimed at real-time object identification. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Jose, California, with an additional office in Munich, Germany, Recogni focuses on creating high-performance, low-power inference processing solutions tailored for the automotive industry in both Germany and the U.S. The company’s technology integrates visual and depth sensor data to optimize performance, power efficiency, and visual range for autonomous vehicles. By providing scalable solutions for generative AI and intelligent autonomous platforms, Recogni enables clients to achieve advanced edge processing capabilities and enhances data center efficiency, ultimately supporting the growth of mobility markets.

May Mobility

Series A in 2019
May Mobility, Inc. is an autonomous vehicle company focused on transforming urban transportation through the development and operation of driverless shuttle services. Founded in 2017 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company utilizes six-passenger electric vehicles that navigate mapped routes to provide micro-transit services for enterprise and municipal clients. By analyzing traffic patterns and commuter flows, May Mobility designs optimal routes that enhance public transit systems. Their autonomous shuttles aim to minimize human error in driving, reduce pollution, and improve economic benefits for communities and riders. The company offers a fleet operation service that contributes to creating safer, more efficient, and accessible transportation solutions.

Apex.AI

Series A in 2018
Apex.AI, Inc. is a software company that focuses on developing solutions for autonomous mobility systems, particularly self-driving vehicles. Founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, the company offers Apex.OS, a software framework that simplifies the complexity of hardware and software integration through user-friendly APIs. Additionally, Apex.AI provides Apex.Autonomy, which is tailored for safety-critical applications, and MARV.Automotive, a versatile data management platform that facilitates data transfer between vehicles and the cloud. This platform allows for advanced analytics, data introspection, and team collaboration. Apex.AI's software products leverage open-source technologies, enabling developers to create secure and efficient applications for autonomous vehicles.

Perceptive Automata

Series A in 2018
Perceptive Automata, Inc. specializes in developing machine learning and computer vision solutions focused on human behavior prediction for automated vehicles. Founded in 2014 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company addresses critical challenges in the safe deployment of highly automated and fully autonomous vehicles, particularly in urban settings. Its technology enables these vehicles to anticipate the actions of pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers, allowing for safe navigation in human-dominated environments. By employing advanced AI inference models, Perceptive Automata enhances the driving experience, facilitating smoother and more natural interactions between autonomous vehicles and their surroundings. The company collaborates with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, and technology firms in the development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies, leveraging expertise from leading institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.

Metawave

Venture Round in 2018
Metawave Corporation, founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, specializes in developing advanced beamsteering radars that utilize metamaterials and artificial intelligence for the automotive industry. The company focuses on enhancing safety and connectivity in autonomous driving through its flagship radar platform, SPEKTRA, which enables 3D imaging and vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Additionally, Metawave offers TURBO active repeaters to improve signal coverage in challenging environments and ECHO passive reflectors that help direct signals in areas with limited connectivity. The company is also advancing wireless communications by creating smart beamsteering antennas designed for 4G and 5G networks, aiming to support faster connectivity for a wide range of users. Metawave's innovative technology originated from research at Xerox PARC, reflecting its commitment to revolutionizing the future of transportation and communications.

May Mobility

Seed Round in 2018
May Mobility, Inc. is an autonomous vehicle company focused on transforming urban transportation through the development and operation of driverless shuttle services. Founded in 2017 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company utilizes six-passenger electric vehicles that navigate mapped routes to provide micro-transit services for enterprise and municipal clients. By analyzing traffic patterns and commuter flows, May Mobility designs optimal routes that enhance public transit systems. Their autonomous shuttles aim to minimize human error in driving, reduce pollution, and improve economic benefits for communities and riders. The company offers a fleet operation service that contributes to creating safer, more efficient, and accessible transportation solutions.

Nauto

Series B in 2017
Nauto, Inc. is an artificial intelligence technology company based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in software solutions for autonomous and commercial vehicles. Founded in 2015, Nauto develops an intelligent driver safety system that utilizes an after-market dual-camera device to collect and analyze visual data in real-time, aiming to reduce distracted driving and prevent collisions. This system includes features such as GPS, wireless connectivity, and night vision support, allowing fleet managers to monitor driver performance and vehicle safety effectively. Nauto also offers VERA (Vision Enhanced Risk Assessment), a scoring system that rates the frequency and severity of distracted driving incidents. The company collaborates with strategic partners including Allianz Insurance, Toyota, and BMW, and has expanded its presence with subsidiary locations in Dublin, Ireland, and Tokyo, Japan. Through its innovative technology, Nauto enhances safety and productivity for fleets while contributing to the advancement of self-driving technology.

Nauto

Series A in 2016
Nauto, Inc. is an artificial intelligence technology company based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in software solutions for autonomous and commercial vehicles. Founded in 2015, Nauto develops an intelligent driver safety system that utilizes an after-market dual-camera device to collect and analyze visual data in real-time, aiming to reduce distracted driving and prevent collisions. This system includes features such as GPS, wireless connectivity, and night vision support, allowing fleet managers to monitor driver performance and vehicle safety effectively. Nauto also offers VERA (Vision Enhanced Risk Assessment), a scoring system that rates the frequency and severity of distracted driving incidents. The company collaborates with strategic partners including Allianz Insurance, Toyota, and BMW, and has expanded its presence with subsidiary locations in Dublin, Ireland, and Tokyo, Japan. Through its innovative technology, Nauto enhances safety and productivity for fleets while contributing to the advancement of self-driving technology.
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