Lightspeed Venture Partners

Lightspeed Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm that backs startups across enterprise software, consumer technologies, fintech, healthtech, and cleantech from seed through growth stages. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, it maintains offices in Beijing, Shanghai, New Delhi, and Herzliya to engage markets in the United States, Asia, and Israel. The firm focuses on technology-enabled businesses and has supported companies across software, mobile, data, e-commerce, and services, spanning early-stage to expansion rounds. It offers strategic guidance, network access, and capital, and has historically included debt financing as part of its investment approach. With a multi-region footprint and a broad multi-stage mandate, Lightspeed seeks to partner with entrepreneurs to scale innovative companies globally.

Shaurya Aggarwal

Partner

Vaibhav Agrawal

Associate Partner

James Alcorn

Partner

Moritz Baier-Lentz

Partner

Mercedes Bent

Partner

Past deals in Automotive

Whizzo

Seed Round in 2025
Whizzo is a manufacturer specializing in materials science-driven production of engineered fashion and technical textiles. The company's expertise lies in developing and executing innovative textile blends, tailored for diverse applications across industries such as automotive, agriculture, and medical textiles. These blends enable businesses to create functional, durable, and impactful products with a focus on sustainability and design.

Exponent Energy

Series B in 2023
Exponent Energy is a start-up dedicated to enhancing electric vehicle (EV) charging through innovative fast charging technology. The company specializes in battery-swapping infrastructure, aiming to provide a more efficient and cost-effective charging solution for EV users. It manufactures an integrated energy stack designed to minimize impedance build-up, which facilitates a smooth energy flow. This system includes a cohesive battery management system, battery pack, and charger that work in unison to streamline the charging process. By focusing on these advancements, Exponent Energy seeks to simplify and accelerate the energy replenishment for electric vehicles, catering to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions.

Ruitai Microelectronics

Series A in 2023
Ruitai Microelectronics is a domestic supplier of high-performance analog and analog-digital hybrid chips for intelligent networked vehicles.

InventChip Technology

Series B in 2023
InventChip Technology, established in 2017 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, specializes in the development and production of silicon carbide (SiC) power devices and driver/control ICs. The company offers power conversion solutions, including SiC power devices, SiC driver ICs, SiC power modules, and controllers, catering to diverse applications such as wind inverters, industrial power supplies, electric vehicles (EVs), motor drives, charging piles, and more. Its products are used in sectors like EV and chargers, data centers, renewable energy, consumer electronics, and industry.

Bonnet

Venture Round in 2023
Bonnet Ltd. is a London-based company established in 2019 that specializes in charging-as-a-service solutions for electric vehicle drivers. Its platform simplifies the charging experience by enabling users to access a wide network of public chargers through a single application, eliminating the need for separate registrations with individual charging networks. By streamlining the process, Bonnet aims to enhance convenience for both drivers and businesses, facilitating easier and more efficient electric vehicle charging.

DAISCH

Series A in 2022
DAISCH, established in 2015 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, specializes in high-precision motion and position sensing systems and tool chains for autonomous driving. The company offers industrial unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous vehicles, leveraging technologies such as carrier phase differential, inertial navigation, and machine vision to provide precise positioning and environmental information for self-driving vehicles across varied road conditions.

Exponent Energy

Series A in 2022
Exponent Energy is a start-up dedicated to enhancing electric vehicle (EV) charging through innovative fast charging technology. The company specializes in battery-swapping infrastructure, aiming to provide a more efficient and cost-effective charging solution for EV users. It manufactures an integrated energy stack designed to minimize impedance build-up, which facilitates a smooth energy flow. This system includes a cohesive battery management system, battery pack, and charger that work in unison to streamline the charging process. By focusing on these advancements, Exponent Energy seeks to simplify and accelerate the energy replenishment for electric vehicles, catering to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions.

Bonnet

Venture Round in 2022
Bonnet Ltd. is a London-based company established in 2019 that specializes in charging-as-a-service solutions for electric vehicle drivers. Its platform simplifies the charging experience by enabling users to access a wide network of public chargers through a single application, eliminating the need for separate registrations with individual charging networks. By streamlining the process, Bonnet aims to enhance convenience for both drivers and businesses, facilitating easier and more efficient electric vehicle charging.

Urtopia

Seed Round in 2022
Urtopia is a company focused on designing and developing innovative e-bikes and smart commuting solutions aimed at enhancing urban living. With a vision of creating a new urban utopia, Urtopia combines futuristic design with advanced technology to improve the biking experience and promote a healthier lifestyle. The company integrates various IoT sensors, including fingerprint recognition, torque sensors, gyroscopes, mmWave radar, and GPS, into its products. These e-bikes feature smart functionalities such as cellphone unlocking, voice control, remote tracking, and riding activity analysis, providing riders with a greener and more efficient mode of transportation. Urtopia's offerings empower urbanites to travel happily and healthily, redefining urban mobility and encouraging a lifestyle that embraces freedom and sustainability.

Apex.AI

Series B in 2021
Apex.AI develops software for autonomous mobility, offering a framework and tools that simplify the development of safe and secure autonomous driving applications. Its platform includes Apex.OS, which abstracts hardware, middleware, kernels, interfaces, and drivers into usable APIs, and Apex.Autonomy for safety-critical applications. It also offers MARV.Automotive, a data management platform that transfers vehicle data to the cloud, enables dynamic search-based analytics, analyzes partial logs, runs algorithms on real data, and provides graphical data introspection and team collaboration. Founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, Apex.AI builds on open-source software such as ROS and Eclipse iceoryx to provide building blocks for developers creating AI and safety-critical software for autonomous vehicles.

Kodiak Robotics

Series B in 2021
Founded in 2018, Kodiak Robotics specializes in developing autonomous technology for long-haul trucking. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, the company focuses on creating safe and efficient self-driving trucks equipped with advanced sensor fusion systems.

Qianchen Automobile

Series B in 2021
Qianchen Automobile is a smart electric commercial vehicle manufacturer of smart connected new energy commercial vehicles.

Standard Robots

Series B in 2020
Standard Robots is a company based in Baoan, Guangdong, specializing in the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and Robot Internet of Things (RIoT) software systems. Established in 2016, the company serves industries such as semiconductors, auto parts, and energy by offering standardized solutions that enhance the flexibility and agility of mobile robots in manufacturing environments. Its focus on scalable applications and predictable outcomes allows clients to achieve intelligent logistics transformation through repeatable algorithm scenarios. By providing dedicated services, Standard Robots aims to improve operational efficiency and innovation in the sectors it serves.

Adaps Photonics

Series A in 2020
Shenzhen Adaps Photonics Technologies Co., Ltd, established in May 2018 by a team of four doctors, specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced 3D sensor chips that enhance smart hardware and three-dimensional perception capabilities. Based in Nanshan, Shenzhen, with a research and development facility in Zhangjiang, Shanghai, the company employs over 80 professionals, including more than ten doctorate holders from prestigious universities. Adaps Photonics leverages cutting-edge single-photon detector technology to serve various applications, including unmanned driving, communication equipment, security monitoring, and smart home systems. Their chips are integral to mobile phone 3D modules, lidar, and other high-performance depth sensing systems, enabling downstream operators to create sophisticated three-dimensional perception modules and enhance the functionality of existing technologies. In 2019, the company achieved recognition by securing first place in the electronic information category at the Shenzhen Peacock Team's China Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition.

Apex.AI

Venture Round in 2019
Apex.AI develops software for autonomous mobility, offering a framework and tools that simplify the development of safe and secure autonomous driving applications. Its platform includes Apex.OS, which abstracts hardware, middleware, kernels, interfaces, and drivers into usable APIs, and Apex.Autonomy for safety-critical applications. It also offers MARV.Automotive, a data management platform that transfers vehicle data to the cloud, enables dynamic search-based analytics, analyzes partial logs, runs algorithms on real data, and provides graphical data introspection and team collaboration. Founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, Apex.AI builds on open-source software such as ROS and Eclipse iceoryx to provide building blocks for developers creating AI and safety-critical software for autonomous vehicles.

Log 9 Materials

Series A in 2019
Log9 Materials Scientific Private Limited, established in 2015 and based in Deoband, India, focuses on graphene research and development. The company has made significant strides in commercializing graphene nanotechnology, highlighted by its innovative product, Smoke-safe, a graphene-based cigarette filter that reportedly reduces cancer risk by 90%. In addition to this product, Log9 offers various forms of graphene, including CVD graphene and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), along with their derivatives. The company is also engaged in developing graphene nanotechnology battery cells aimed at enhancing sustainable mobility and energy storage solutions. These battery cells are designed for rapid charging in electric vehicles, long-lasting stationary storage, and grid-scale energy storage, contributing to cost savings and environmental benefits for clients.

Aurora

Series B in 2019
Aurora Innovation develops advanced software and hardware products for self-driving vehicles, aiming to transform the movement of people and goods. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, the company operates additional offices in the Bay Area, Bozeman, Pittsburgh, and Dallas. Its primary offering, the Aurora Driver, is a scalable self-driving system capable of operating various vehicle types, including freight-hauling trucks and ride-hailing passenger vehicles. This technology supports Aurora's driver-as-a-service products, Aurora Horizon and Aurora Connect, catering to trucking and ride-hailing sectors. By integrating rigorous engineering with applied machine learning, Aurora Innovation seeks to create a comprehensive transportation ecosystem that connects automakers, logistics services, and mobility providers.

Lexing Technology

Series A in 2018
Guangzhou Lexing Computing Systems Co., Ltd., founded in 2018 and based in Guangzhou, China, operates an automobile industry Internet platform. This platform is designed to facilitate a full chain service for automobile circulation, providing users with valuable information to assist in their car buying decisions. By leveraging scientific and technological tools, Lexing Technology aims to enhance the car purchasing experience, enabling buyers to make informed and profitable deals.

Apex.AI

Series A in 2018
Apex.AI develops software for autonomous mobility, offering a framework and tools that simplify the development of safe and secure autonomous driving applications. Its platform includes Apex.OS, which abstracts hardware, middleware, kernels, interfaces, and drivers into usable APIs, and Apex.Autonomy for safety-critical applications. It also offers MARV.Automotive, a data management platform that transfers vehicle data to the cloud, enables dynamic search-based analytics, analyzes partial logs, runs algorithms on real data, and provides graphical data introspection and team collaboration. Founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, Apex.AI builds on open-source software such as ROS and Eclipse iceoryx to provide building blocks for developers creating AI and safety-critical software for autonomous vehicles.

Kodiak Robotics

Series A in 2018
Founded in 2018, Kodiak Robotics specializes in developing autonomous technology for long-haul trucking. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, the company focuses on creating safe and efficient self-driving trucks equipped with advanced sensor fusion systems.

Xpeng Motors

Series A in 2017
Xpeng Motors is a Chinese electric vehicle and technology company that specializes in the design and manufacture of smart cars. The company emphasizes local market needs and prioritizes consumer experience, integrating advanced autonomous driving features and internet-connected technologies into its vehicles. This approach aims to enhance the overall functionality and appeal of their cars, making them more than just traditional vehicles. Additionally, Xpeng Motors has a subsidiary, Xpeng Robotics, which focuses on developing smart robots as part of its broader mobility ecosystem.

Plus

Seed Round in 2016
Plus is a global technology company headquartered in Silicon Valley that develops highly automated and fully autonomous driving solutions. Its open‑autonomy platform powers commercial vehicles in the United States and Germany and is used by leading automakers, fleets, and technology partners worldwide. The company focuses on making driving safer, more comfortable, and more sustainable, and it has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Insider, CES, and AUVSI for its innovative technology. Plus also builds AI‑driven autonomous driving software for trucks, leveraging large AI models and generative AI to enable safe, affordable, and scalable deployment of autonomous freight vehicles.

QuantumScape

Venture Round in 2015
QuantumScape is a renewable energy company focused on advancing solid-state battery technology to enhance the performance and range of electric vehicles. Founded in 2010 by Jagdeep Singh in San Jose, California, the company aims to transform the battery industry by creating a solid-state battery that offers significantly higher energy storage capacity compared to traditional batteries. QuantumScape is developing next-generation solid-state lithium-metal batteries, featuring an innovative anode-less cell design that improves energy density while reducing material costs and streamlining manufacturing processes. Through these advancements, QuantumScape seeks to facilitate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Leyden Energy

Series C in 2013
Leyden Energy, formerly known as Mobius Power, Inc., is a manufacturer specializing in advanced lithium-ion batteries tailored for the consumer electronics, energy storage, and electric vehicle markets. The company utilizes patented and proprietary cell technology that enhances energy density, extends product life, and ensures optimal safety, even in high-temperature conditions. Leyden Energy's commitment to innovation was recognized in 2010 when it secured a contract from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium for the development of superior electromechanical energy storage technologies aimed at supporting hybrid and electric vehicle commercialization. The company's pilot manufacturing and testing facility, along with its executive offices, are located in Fremont, California.

SureAuto

Series B in 2012
SureAuto Corporation is a retailer of used cars based in Beijing, China. The company specializes in the sale of second-hand automobiles, focusing on providing quality vehicles to its customers. SureAuto offers a range of services, including warranties, maintenance, insurance, and repurchase guarantees, which ensure that consumers can purchase reliable vehicles at reasonable prices. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and vehicle quality, SureAuto positions itself as a trusted option in the used car market.

Leyden Energy

Series B in 2011
Leyden Energy, formerly known as Mobius Power, Inc., is a manufacturer specializing in advanced lithium-ion batteries tailored for the consumer electronics, energy storage, and electric vehicle markets. The company utilizes patented and proprietary cell technology that enhances energy density, extends product life, and ensures optimal safety, even in high-temperature conditions. Leyden Energy's commitment to innovation was recognized in 2010 when it secured a contract from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium for the development of superior electromechanical energy storage technologies aimed at supporting hybrid and electric vehicle commercialization. The company's pilot manufacturing and testing facility, along with its executive offices, are located in Fremont, California.

Beifang

Series A in 2008
Beifang is an automobile education center. They create assessment centers, including 5G unmanned driving, electric new energy, and hybrid vehicle training bases, and integrate internationalization. They provide auto repair education services.

StreetFire

Series B in 2008
StreetFire is a prominent vertical social media platform tailored for automotive enthusiasts. It attracts over a million unique visitors each month and streams more than a million videos daily, establishing itself as one of the largest online destinations for the automotive community. The platform focuses on delivering a wide array of car-related content, fostering engagement among users who share a passion for automobiles. Through its extensive video offerings, StreetFire serves as a vital resource and social hub for individuals interested in automotive culture and information.

Leyden Energy

Series A in 2008
Leyden Energy, formerly known as Mobius Power, Inc., is a manufacturer specializing in advanced lithium-ion batteries tailored for the consumer electronics, energy storage, and electric vehicle markets. The company utilizes patented and proprietary cell technology that enhances energy density, extends product life, and ensures optimal safety, even in high-temperature conditions. Leyden Energy's commitment to innovation was recognized in 2010 when it secured a contract from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium for the development of superior electromechanical energy storage technologies aimed at supporting hybrid and electric vehicle commercialization. The company's pilot manufacturing and testing facility, along with its executive offices, are located in Fremont, California.

StreetFire

Series A in 2007
StreetFire is a prominent vertical social media platform tailored for automotive enthusiasts. It attracts over a million unique visitors each month and streams more than a million videos daily, establishing itself as one of the largest online destinations for the automotive community. The platform focuses on delivering a wide array of car-related content, fostering engagement among users who share a passion for automobiles. Through its extensive video offerings, StreetFire serves as a vital resource and social hub for individuals interested in automotive culture and information.

Leyden Energy

Seed Round in 2007
Leyden Energy, formerly known as Mobius Power, Inc., is a manufacturer specializing in advanced lithium-ion batteries tailored for the consumer electronics, energy storage, and electric vehicle markets. The company utilizes patented and proprietary cell technology that enhances energy density, extends product life, and ensures optimal safety, even in high-temperature conditions. Leyden Energy's commitment to innovation was recognized in 2010 when it secured a contract from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium for the development of superior electromechanical energy storage technologies aimed at supporting hybrid and electric vehicle commercialization. The company's pilot manufacturing and testing facility, along with its executive offices, are located in Fremont, California.

SiPort

Series B in 2007
SiPort is a developer of digital radio semiconductors that specializes in high-performance, low-power, single-chip CMOS solutions. These products enable both free-to-air and subscription broadcast audio and data services across a range of devices, including MP3 players, mobile handsets, personal navigation devices, automotive radios, and home audio systems. SiPort's technology supports various analog and digital broadcast standards, allowing manufacturers to deliver an array of audio content, including HD digital radio and familiar live programming, to consumers on-the-go. The company's solutions are designed to meet the demands of mobile and portable devices by providing the necessary low power consumption, compact form factor, and cost-effectiveness for applications such as live navigation data services.

D2Audio

Series D in 2006
D2Audio Corporation specializes in the manufacturing and supply of intelligent digital amplifiers, which are unique in the market. The company offers a comprehensive range of cost-effective and powerful multi-channel amplifier modules designed for high-quality audio equipment across various sectors, including consumer electronics, commercial applications, and the automotive industry. In addition to its amplifier products, D2Audio provides integrated circuit platforms tailored for digital media applications. The company also offers technical support services to its clients, ensuring effective implementation and operation of its audio solutions.

D2Audio

Series C in 2005
D2Audio Corporation specializes in the manufacturing and supply of intelligent digital amplifiers, which are unique in the market. The company offers a comprehensive range of cost-effective and powerful multi-channel amplifier modules designed for high-quality audio equipment across various sectors, including consumer electronics, commercial applications, and the automotive industry. In addition to its amplifier products, D2Audio provides integrated circuit platforms tailored for digital media applications. The company also offers technical support services to its clients, ensuring effective implementation and operation of its audio solutions.

OnStation

Venture Round in 2004
OnStation (formerly CarStation.com ) is an online customer relationship management (CRM) solutions for enterprises in the automotive service industry, is redefining the way companies in the $132 billion market manage their customers. OnStation's online CRM solutions enable enterprises to improve profitability by stimulating increased customer visits, spending, loyalty and satisfaction

D2Audio

Series B in 2003
D2Audio Corporation specializes in the manufacturing and supply of intelligent digital amplifiers, which are unique in the market. The company offers a comprehensive range of cost-effective and powerful multi-channel amplifier modules designed for high-quality audio equipment across various sectors, including consumer electronics, commercial applications, and the automotive industry. In addition to its amplifier products, D2Audio provides integrated circuit platforms tailored for digital media applications. The company also offers technical support services to its clients, ensuring effective implementation and operation of its audio solutions.

Promptu Systems

Series B in 2000
Promptu Systems Corporation specializes in developing voice recognition and natural language processing applications. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Robina Town Centre, Australia, the company provides a global speech user interface that efficiently converts spoken language into text. Utilizing its automated Network Speech Recognition platform, Promptu ensures privacy, security, scalability, and speed in its services. Its applications support over 40 languages and dialects, can be tailored to regional accents, and include features for real-time review and editing of transcribed text. The company primarily serves automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and smart television manufacturers. Promptu Systems was incorporated in 2000 and was previously known as AgileTV Corporation before renaming itself in August 2006.
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