Fontinalis Partners

Fontinalis Partners, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2009, with offices in Detroit and Boston. The firm specializes in stage-agnostic investments ranging from seed stage to pre-IPO, focusing on technology companies within the next-generation mobility, transportation, software and services, and communications equipment sectors. Its investment strategy emphasizes mobility solutions, including connected vehicles, data analytics, intelligent infrastructure, and new mobility models such as car sharing and smart logistics. Additionally, Fontinalis invests in consumer and enterprise technology, particularly in software-as-a-service, big data, mobile, and cloud-based solutions. The firm typically invests between $3 million and $10 million in early-stage startups, with smaller amounts for seed investments and larger sums for select later-stage opportunities. Fontinalis aims to partner strategically across the entire mobility ecosystem, promoting innovation across various transportation modes.

Ralph Booth

Founder and Managing Partner

Christopher Cheever

Partner

Gabe Cunningham

Principal

Amy Dai

Associate

Bill Ford

Founder and Partner

Laura Petterle

Partner and CFO

Dan Ratliff

Principal

Jake Simon

Associate

Past deals in Transport and logistics

Chain.io

Series A in 2022
Chain.io's integration platform enables the logistics industry to provide a seamless digital experience that consumers demand by connecting partners through reusable, best practice integrations.

Vecna Robotics

Series C in 2022
Vecna Robotics, Inc. specializes in the development and marketing of robotic autonomous vehicles aimed at enhancing logistics and material handling operations. Founded in 2018 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company offers a range of solutions including automated material handling, hybrid fulfillment, and workflow optimization. Its flagship product, Pivot.al, is a multi-agent AI-based orchestration engine that monitors operational states and adjusts processes to ensure optimal performance across all team members. Additionally, Vecna provides Beacon, a comprehensive solution that integrates software updates, data analytics, and remote operations, enabling the analysis of data collected by its robots. By focusing on the integration of workflows with robotic systems, Vecna Robotics seeks to revolutionize customer productivity through advanced automation technologies.

Veho

Series A in 2021
Veho Tech, Inc. is a parcel delivery service aimed at e-commerce retailers, providing end-to-end transportation solutions. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the company utilizes advanced technology and a crowdsourced model for final-mile delivery. Veho has developed a mobile application that allows users to monitor, track, and check the status of their packages, enhancing the delivery experience for both retailers and customers. By enabling individuals with cars to participate in the delivery process, Veho creates a flexible and efficient logistics network.

Coros

Seed Round in 2021
Developer of logistics technology designed to make the supply chain quicker and more efficient. The company's technology utilizes advanced optics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence to add intelligence to every touchpoint in the logistics chain, enabling companies to optimize the movement of their goods with real-time visibility and actionable insights.

FreightWaves

Private Equity Round in 2021
FreightWaves is a data and content forum that provides market participants with near-time analytics on the state of the freight market. The company offers current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. The company's​ SaaS product, SONAR, is a freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. The platform is mode agnostic and has time-series and geo-based data from all modes of freight, including truck, rail, ocean, air, and warehouse. FreightWaves was founded to provide transparency and risk-management products to the freight markets. As a provider of aggregated data-sets across the North American freight markets, FreightWaves' SaaS platform helps companies take action based on the signals in the market.

Gatik

Series A in 2020
Gatik is a startup developing technology for deploying autonomous vehicles for short-haul logistics. It specializes in the fields of artificial intelligence, automotive, and logistics. It was founded in 2017 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

Denim

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Axle Payments specializes in providing financial solutions to the freight industry, focusing on small freight brokers and their carriers. Founded in 2016 by Shawn Vo and Bharath Krishnamoorthy, the company is headquartered in New York. Axle Payments offers non-recourse factoring and payment processing services, which help brokers and carriers access the working capital they need to operate effectively. In addition to factoring, the company provides integrated payment solutions, collections, and financing options that enhance the efficiency and transparency of financial transactions within the logistics sector. Axle Payments aims to support the sustainability of the global logistics industry through its innovative financial services.

Vecna Robotics

Series B in 2020
Vecna Robotics, Inc. specializes in the development and marketing of robotic autonomous vehicles aimed at enhancing logistics and material handling operations. Founded in 2018 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company offers a range of solutions including automated material handling, hybrid fulfillment, and workflow optimization. Its flagship product, Pivot.al, is a multi-agent AI-based orchestration engine that monitors operational states and adjusts processes to ensure optimal performance across all team members. Additionally, Vecna provides Beacon, a comprehensive solution that integrates software updates, data analytics, and remote operations, enabling the analysis of data collected by its robots. By focusing on the integration of workflows with robotic systems, Vecna Robotics seeks to revolutionize customer productivity through advanced automation technologies.

Gatik

Seed Round in 2019
Gatik is a startup developing technology for deploying autonomous vehicles for short-haul logistics. It specializes in the fields of artificial intelligence, automotive, and logistics. It was founded in 2017 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

FreightWaves

Series B in 2019
FreightWaves is a data and content forum that provides market participants with near-time analytics on the state of the freight market. The company offers current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. The company's​ SaaS product, SONAR, is a freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. The platform is mode agnostic and has time-series and geo-based data from all modes of freight, including truck, rail, ocean, air, and warehouse. FreightWaves was founded to provide transparency and risk-management products to the freight markets. As a provider of aggregated data-sets across the North American freight markets, FreightWaves' SaaS platform helps companies take action based on the signals in the market.

Wise Systems

Series A in 2018
Wise Systems Inc. develops autonomous dispatch and routing software designed to enhance the efficiency of last-mile delivery operations across various industries, including food and beverage, courier, and field service. Founded in 2014 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company leverages machine learning to optimize fleet performance and improve customer service. Its platform includes tools such as Scheduler for creating dynamic route plans, Dispatcher for real-time monitoring of delivery progress and performance metrics, and a Customer Portal for tracking orders with accurate ETAs. The software processes millions of data points to make intelligent, real-time decisions, resulting in significant mileage reductions, increased fleet utilization, and a substantial decrease in late deliveries. Wise Systems aims to help customers better manage their delivery logistics by providing flexibility and optimizing routes, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Cargo

Series A in 2018
Cargo Systems, Inc. operates a mobile marketplace designed for selling products to passengers in transit, primarily through rideshare services. The company's platform, known as Cargo, enables passengers to order a diverse range of products, including snacks, electronics, and health and beauty items, delivered directly to them without the need for a dedicated app. Founded in 2016 by former employees of Birchbox, Cargo initially launched in New York and Boston and has since expanded its reach across 49 states. The company collaborates with rideshare drivers and brand partners to facilitate this unique in-car shopping experience, providing an opportunity for drivers to earn additional income while enhancing passenger convenience. Cargo is headquartered in New York, New York, and has received backing from various venture capital firms.

FreightWaves

Series A in 2018
FreightWaves is a data and content forum that provides market participants with near-time analytics on the state of the freight market. The company offers current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. The company's​ SaaS product, SONAR, is a freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. The platform is mode agnostic and has time-series and geo-based data from all modes of freight, including truck, rail, ocean, air, and warehouse. FreightWaves was founded to provide transparency and risk-management products to the freight markets. As a provider of aggregated data-sets across the North American freight markets, FreightWaves' SaaS platform helps companies take action based on the signals in the market.

Zagster

Series C in 2018
Zagster is a transportation provider offering turnkey bike-sharing systems. The company designs, builds, and operates private bike-sharing programs for universities, corporate campuses, hotels, and residential communities across the United States. Moreover, Zagster provides customers a complete bike sharing solution - including system design, installation, sharing technology, maintenance, rider support, and marketing services. Zagster was founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.

Cargo

Seed Round in 2018
Cargo Systems, Inc. operates a mobile marketplace designed for selling products to passengers in transit, primarily through rideshare services. The company's platform, known as Cargo, enables passengers to order a diverse range of products, including snacks, electronics, and health and beauty items, delivered directly to them without the need for a dedicated app. Founded in 2016 by former employees of Birchbox, Cargo initially launched in New York and Boston and has since expanded its reach across 49 states. The company collaborates with rideshare drivers and brand partners to facilitate this unique in-car shopping experience, providing an opportunity for drivers to earn additional income while enhancing passenger convenience. Cargo is headquartered in New York, New York, and has received backing from various venture capital firms.

FreightWaves

Seed Round in 2017
FreightWaves is a data and content forum that provides market participants with near-time analytics on the state of the freight market. The company offers current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. The company's​ SaaS product, SONAR, is a freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. The platform is mode agnostic and has time-series and geo-based data from all modes of freight, including truck, rail, ocean, air, and warehouse. FreightWaves was founded to provide transparency and risk-management products to the freight markets. As a provider of aggregated data-sets across the North American freight markets, FreightWaves' SaaS platform helps companies take action based on the signals in the market.

Cargo

Seed Round in 2016
Cargo Systems, Inc. operates a mobile marketplace designed for selling products to passengers in transit, primarily through rideshare services. The company's platform, known as Cargo, enables passengers to order a diverse range of products, including snacks, electronics, and health and beauty items, delivered directly to them without the need for a dedicated app. Founded in 2016 by former employees of Birchbox, Cargo initially launched in New York and Boston and has since expanded its reach across 49 states. The company collaborates with rideshare drivers and brand partners to facilitate this unique in-car shopping experience, providing an opportunity for drivers to earn additional income while enhancing passenger convenience. Cargo is headquartered in New York, New York, and has received backing from various venture capital firms.

Elementum

Venture Round in 2016
Elementum makes supply chain simple. By means of intuitive, mobile-first apps, we help companies streamline procurement, logistics, and manufacturing operations. Powered by the world’s first product graph, Elementum makes sense of millions of data sources to provide a full picture of the global product economy. Customers get actionable insights and warning signals to better assign, collaborate on, and resolve issues, making supply chains smarter and more proactive.

TransLoc

Series A in 2016
Transloc's mission is to make transit the first choice for all. In its first ten years, Transloc created America's first live regional transit map, the first bus tracking mobile app, and was awarded a transit innovation award by the White House. Public transit should be the first and most convenient choice for people to travel within their community. Transloc is creating the technology that will enable transit to become that choice and we are working to change the future of mobility.

Zagster

Series A in 2015
Zagster is a transportation provider offering turnkey bike-sharing systems. The company designs, builds, and operates private bike-sharing programs for universities, corporate campuses, hotels, and residential communities across the United States. Moreover, Zagster provides customers a complete bike sharing solution - including system design, installation, sharing technology, maintenance, rider support, and marketing services. Zagster was founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.

Lyft

Series E in 2015
Lyft is an on-demand transportation service that connects passengers with drivers through a mobile application. Founded in June 2012 in San Francisco by Logan Green and John Zimmer, Lyft allows users to request rides with a simple tap on their smartphones and facilitates payment directly through the app. The platform also offers the option to schedule rides up to seven days in advance. Lyft primarily serves college, university, and corporate communities and has rapidly expanded to cover 95 percent of the U.S. population. The company focuses on providing accessible peer-to-peer transportation solutions, contributing to the growing ridesharing market.

Telogis

Venture Round in 2014
Telogis is a cloud-based Mobile Enterprise Management (MEM) software company that specializes in providing solutions for dynamic routing, real-time work order management, navigation, telematics, and mobile integration services for mobile workforces. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California, Telogis operates development and support centers across Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Europe, and North America. The company’s innovative approach aims to deliver quick returns on investment while enhancing driver safety, operational efficiency, and minimizing the environmental impact of commercial vehicles. Telogis has a global presence, with its products and services utilized in over 100 countries.

Everyday Solutions

Venture Round in 2010
Everyday Solutions, Inc. provides GPS-based vehicle tracking solutions designed for student transportation markets. It offers GPS-based vehicle and student tracking solutions to pupil transportation marketplace in the United States and Canada. The company provides real-time tracking solution insuring route compliance, driver safety compliance, student attendance tracking, automatic parent notifications, and management reporting. Everyday Solutions has strategic partnership with Sprint Nextel, Trapeze Software Group, VersaTrans Solutions, Transfinder, Orbit Software, EDULOG, and U.S. Computing. The company was founded in 2000 as Everyday Wireless, Inc. and changed its name to Everyday Solutions, Inc. in July 2008. Everyday Solutions, Inc. is headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts.