Skip to main content

Toyota AI launches $100m fund for mobility start-ups

Toyota AI Ventures has announced a $100 million fund dedicated to investing in early-stage start-ups developing autonomous mobility and robotics. The company says the fund brings its total assets under management to more than $200m to invest in and support promising projects around the world. Jim Adler, managing director of Toyota AI Ventures, says: “Investing in start-ups creates long-term relationships that help Toyota explore the latest innovations in mobility.” The company looks across a range of in
May 13, 2019 Read time: 2 mins
1686 Toyota AI Ventures has announced a $100 million fund dedicated to investing in early-stage start-ups developing autonomous mobility and robotics.


The company says the fund brings its total assets under management to more than $200m to invest in and support promising projects around the world.

Jim Adler, managing director of Toyota AI Ventures, says: “Investing in start-ups creates long-term relationships that help Toyota explore the latest innovations in mobility.”

The company looks across a range of industries that are applying artificial intelligence (AI), data, and cloud technologies. Existing investments includes the following companies:

  • Joby Aviation: Pioneering an electric vertical take-off and landing passenger aircraft service
  • May Mobility: A Level 4 self-driving shuttle service
  • Sea Machines: Building autonomous control and navigation systems for the maritime industry
  • Elementary Robotics: Developing robotics platforms to assist with automating everyday tasks
  • Intuition Robotics: Creating social companion technologies using cognitive AI


Edwin Olson, co-founder and CEO of May Mobility, says: “For us, Toyota AI Ventures isn’t just an important investor, they are a critical partner in helping us realise our long-term vision of making transportation safer and more personal.”

UTC

Related Content

  • October 12, 2022
    AI: a means to an end
    Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool to create a balance between safety, resilience, sustainability and inclusivity when it comes to connected and automated driving, says Margriet van Schijndel of TU/e
  • November 14, 2019
    Amey: sustainability ‘crucial’ for future of mobility
    No business conversation over the next 10 years can really be had without talking about sustainability, says infrastructure support company Amey. Speaking at the launch of the firm’s latest white paper at the London Transport Museum this week, managing director of Amey Investments Asif Ghafoor insisted that “it needs to be part of your core DNA in your business decisions and investment decisions”. He explained that the paper addresses issues such as having the right people to deliver infrastructure wh
  • March 23, 2023
    Goggo & Oxbotica drive AV logistics in Spain
    Full autonomy is eventual plan as Goggo Network works with retailers such as Carrefour
  • July 17, 2012
    Transportation infrastructure technology continues its advance
    It is now 20 years since publication of the Strategic Plan for Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems. A select group of luminary figures of the ITS industry give their assessment of progress to date This year the IVHS Strategic Plan turns 20, signaling the graduation of the field of Intelligent Transportation Systems from its tumultuous teens to young adulthood. After two decades tethered by the cords of youth and protected by the strict control of adult institutions, ITS has reached a turning point. Its y