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

Senior Associate

Jim Adler

Founding Managing Director

Lisa Coca

Partner, Climate. Fund

Erin Keller

Senior Associate

Ethan Sohn

Principal, Climate Fund

Past deals in Transportation

Starfish Space

Series A in 2024
Starfish Space Inc. specializes in providing on-demand in-space transportation and maintenance services for satellites. The company develops small space tugs equipped with proprietary Proximity Operations Software, which integrates orbital mechanics, machine vision artificial intelligence, and a low-thrust electric propulsion system. This innovative technology allows the tugs to conduct various satellite servicing missions, including life extension, relocation, disposal, and inspection. Founded in 2019 and based in Kent, Washington, Starfish Space aims to support satellite companies by enhancing their operational capabilities in orbit.

River

Series B in 2024
River is an electric vehicle manufacturer focused on enhancing livelihoods through its products. The company specializes in producing high-quality utility electric mopeds, which provide customers with affordable mobility solutions suitable for various purposes, including work and recreation. By offering these economical vehicles, River aims to meet the diverse transportation needs of its clients.

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.

Boxbot

Series A in 2023
Boxbot is a technology company based in Alameda, California, specializing in parcel logistics automation. Its proprietary software and hardware platform enhances package handling by transforming traditional conveyors into three-dimensional systems. This modular solution allows for the efficient storage, sorting, and sequencing of various package sizes while occupying a minimal physical footprint. By integrating robotics and automated systems, Boxbot addresses key operational challenges in last-mile logistics, facilitating faster and more efficient routing of packages within warehouses. The company's innovations aim to reduce costs associated with last-mile delivery, ultimately improving the overall experience for both suppliers and consumers.

River

Series B in 2023
River is an electric vehicle manufacturer focused on enhancing livelihoods through its products. The company specializes in producing high-quality utility electric mopeds, which provide customers with affordable mobility solutions suitable for various purposes, including work and recreation. By offering these economical vehicles, River aims to meet the diverse transportation needs of its clients.

Starfish Space

Series A in 2023
Starfish Space Inc. specializes in providing on-demand in-space transportation and maintenance services for satellites. The company develops small space tugs equipped with proprietary Proximity Operations Software, which integrates orbital mechanics, machine vision artificial intelligence, and a low-thrust electric propulsion system. This innovative technology allows the tugs to conduct various satellite servicing missions, including life extension, relocation, disposal, and inspection. Founded in 2019 and based in Kent, Washington, Starfish Space aims to support satellite companies by enhancing their operational capabilities in orbit.

Pickle Robot

Series A in 2022
Pickle Robot Company, founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, develops an innovative package handling robot designed to automate critical tasks in the e-commerce supply chain. The company's first robot, named Dill, addresses the physically demanding nature of package handling, which often results in high employee turnover. Dill is capable of performing multiple shifts and effectively communicates with human workers, continuously developing new skills to enhance operations. The robot's capabilities include loading and unloading feeder trucks, palletizing and depalletizing mixed parcels, preloading last-mile delivery vehicles, and sorting packages. By automating these processes, Pickle Robot aims to help logistics companies reduce labor costs and increase efficiency, addressing a significant bottleneck in the rapidly growing e-commerce sector.

Xona Space Systems

Venture Round in 2022
Xona Space Systems, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite solutions. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company is focused on creating a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth orbiting satellites designed to enhance navigation for various applications, including autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mobile robotics. Their flagship product, the Xona Pulsar, delivers high-power signals from low Earth orbit, ensuring secure and accurate navigation and timing services. This innovative approach aims to meet the demands of smart transportation and smart infrastructure, providing the resilience and precision necessary for modern intelligent systems to operate safely and efficiently at scale.

River

Series A in 2022
River is an electric vehicle manufacturer focused on enhancing livelihoods through its products. The company specializes in producing high-quality utility electric mopeds, which provide customers with affordable mobility solutions suitable for various purposes, including work and recreation. By offering these economical vehicles, River aims to meet the diverse transportation needs of its clients.

Kolors

Series A in 2022
Kolors is a technological platform that focuses on providing intelligent intercity mobility of bus transportation in the region.

Revel

Series B in 2022
Revel is a company focused on promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption in urban environments through its all-electric rideshare service and a network of fast-charging stations. The company operates a fleet of easily recognizable blue, all-electric vehicles that provide a cleaner and safer rideshare experience. Revel emphasizes affordability, safety, and cleanliness, featuring vetted drivers and regularly detailed cars. Users can conveniently request rides via the Revel app, available on both iOS and Android platforms. Additionally, Revel offers shared electric mopeds, allowing customers to easily locate and book a ride through the mobile application, which also facilitates access to charging stations for immediate energy replenishment.

Universal Hydrogen

Series B in 2021
Universal Hydrogen is focused on advancing hydrogen aviation by creating a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem tailored for the aviation industry. Founded in 2020 and based in Hawthorne, California, the company develops innovative technologies for hydrogen distribution and propulsion. It manufactures capsule modules designed to safely store hydrogen during transit, which also function as modular fuel tanks that can be directly loaded onto aircraft. Universal Hydrogen provides an end-to-end hydrogen value chain, facilitating the transport of hydrogen from production facilities to airports using existing freight infrastructure. This approach eliminates the need for expensive new pipelines and storage facilities, supporting the transition to carbon-free flight and helping to mitigate the climate impact of air travel. Through strategic partnerships and dedicated logistics, Universal Hydrogen aims to make hydrogen-powered aviation a practical reality.

Burro

Series A in 2021
Burro is a mobile application for Android and iOS devices that offers delivery and on-demand moving services to its users. The application enables its users to request pickups by filling up their personal information and items required. The platform offers its services to individuals and businesses. Its delivery portfolio consists of household goods, carpets, wood, and retail store items. Burro was launched in 2014 by Jason Ervin and Ethan Hurtado and is based in Texas.

Xona Space Systems

Seed Round in 2021
Xona Space Systems, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite solutions. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company is focused on creating a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth orbiting satellites designed to enhance navigation for various applications, including autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mobile robotics. Their flagship product, the Xona Pulsar, delivers high-power signals from low Earth orbit, ensuring secure and accurate navigation and timing services. This innovative approach aims to meet the demands of smart transportation and smart infrastructure, providing the resilience and precision necessary for modern intelligent systems to operate safely and efficiently at scale.

Universal Hydrogen

Series A in 2021
Universal Hydrogen is focused on advancing hydrogen aviation by creating a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem tailored for the aviation industry. Founded in 2020 and based in Hawthorne, California, the company develops innovative technologies for hydrogen distribution and propulsion. It manufactures capsule modules designed to safely store hydrogen during transit, which also function as modular fuel tanks that can be directly loaded onto aircraft. Universal Hydrogen provides an end-to-end hydrogen value chain, facilitating the transport of hydrogen from production facilities to airports using existing freight infrastructure. This approach eliminates the need for expensive new pipelines and storage facilities, supporting the transition to carbon-free flight and helping to mitigate the climate impact of air travel. Through strategic partnerships and dedicated logistics, Universal Hydrogen aims to make hydrogen-powered aviation a practical reality.

Pickle Robot

Seed Round in 2021
Pickle Robot Company, founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, develops an innovative package handling robot designed to automate critical tasks in the e-commerce supply chain. The company's first robot, named Dill, addresses the physically demanding nature of package handling, which often results in high employee turnover. Dill is capable of performing multiple shifts and effectively communicates with human workers, continuously developing new skills to enhance operations. The robot's capabilities include loading and unloading feeder trucks, palletizing and depalletizing mixed parcels, preloading last-mile delivery vehicles, and sorting packages. By automating these processes, Pickle Robot aims to help logistics companies reduce labor costs and increase efficiency, addressing a significant bottleneck in the rapidly growing e-commerce sector.

Joby Aviation

Series C in 2020
Joby Aviation is an electric mobility company based in Santa Cruz, California, focused on developing fully electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Established in 2009, the company is designing an aircraft that can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, with a range of 150 miles on a single charge. Joby Aviation aims to launch its air taxi service in 2024, providing a fast, quiet, and convenient transportation option to alleviate urban congestion and promote sustainable transit solutions. The company's innovative approach positions it at the forefront of the emerging air transportation market.

Revel

Series A in 2019
Revel is a company focused on promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption in urban environments through its all-electric rideshare service and a network of fast-charging stations. The company operates a fleet of easily recognizable blue, all-electric vehicles that provide a cleaner and safer rideshare experience. Revel emphasizes affordability, safety, and cleanliness, featuring vetted drivers and regularly detailed cars. Users can conveniently request rides via the Revel app, available on both iOS and Android platforms. Additionally, Revel offers shared electric mopeds, allowing customers to easily locate and book a ride through the mobile application, which also facilitates access to charging stations for immediate energy replenishment.

Skip Scooters

Series A in 2019
Skip Scooters operates shared electric scooters for reliable last-mile transportation. The company works with cities to ensure our fleets are operated with the support of the surrounding communities, and they stand behind their riders by providing vehicles, safety education, and training, and world-class support. The scooter rental company is based in San Francisco, California. It is formerly known by its Y Combinator codename, Waybots.

Connected Signals

Venture Round in 2019
Connected Signals, Inc. is a company based in Eugene, Oregon, that specializes in providing a cloud-based system connecting vehicles to traffic signals. This technology prioritizes various types of vehicles, including buses, emergency services, and pedestrians, to enhance traffic flow and reduce trip times by optimizing traffic light changes. The company has developed Transit Signal Priority (TSP) that leverages existing hardware in buses along fixed routes. Its applications, such as EnLighten, offer real-time predictions of traffic signal states, enhancing driving safety and efficiency without distracting drivers. EnLighten informs drivers about the duration of red lights and provides alerts as lights change. Additionally, Connected Signals partners with municipalities to gather and standardize real-time traffic signal data, ensuring compatibility with diverse signal infrastructures without necessitating expensive upgrades. Founded in 2013, Connected Signals aims to improve urban mobility while focusing on safety and reducing environmental impact.

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.

Boxbot

Seed Round in 2018
Boxbot is a technology company based in Alameda, California, specializing in parcel logistics automation. Its proprietary software and hardware platform enhances package handling by transforming traditional conveyors into three-dimensional systems. This modular solution allows for the efficient storage, sorting, and sequencing of various package sizes while occupying a minimal physical footprint. By integrating robotics and automated systems, Boxbot addresses key operational challenges in last-mile logistics, facilitating faster and more efficient routing of packages within warehouses. The company's innovations aim to reduce costs associated with last-mile delivery, ultimately improving the overall experience for both suppliers and consumers.

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.

Joby Aviation

Series B in 2018
Joby Aviation is an electric mobility company based in Santa Cruz, California, focused on developing fully electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Established in 2009, the company is designing an aircraft that can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, with a range of 150 miles on a single charge. Joby Aviation aims to launch its air taxi service in 2024, providing a fast, quiet, and convenient transportation option to alleviate urban congestion and promote sustainable transit solutions. The company's innovative approach positions it at the forefront of the emerging air transportation market.

Proterra

Series A in 2011
Proterra Inc. designs and manufactures zero-emission electric buses, including its 35-foot and 40-foot Catalyst models, aimed at reducing operating costs and delivering clean transportation across North America. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including pre-delivery consultations, training programs, mid-life inspections, and vehicle electrification solutions. Proterra also produces batteries, chargers, and drive trains, alongside a connected vehicle intelligence system. Their electric buses are built to accommodate various urban and regional transit needs and are noted for their durability and energy efficiency, as demonstrated through independent testing. By providing fleet planning, charging infrastructure, telematics, and energy management solutions, Proterra helps clients transition away from fossil fuels. Established in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, the company has additional offices in South Carolina and California, contributing to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption through its innovative technologies.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.