Liquid 2 Ventures

Liquid 2 Ventures, established in 2015, is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm. It specializes in seed-stage investments, focusing on early-stage technology companies, particularly in the software and TMT sectors. The firm, founded by Joe Montana, Mike Miller, and Michael Ma, aims to support and nurture startups during their initial growth phases.

Michael Ma

Partner and Founder

Mike Miller

General Partner and Founder

Joe Montana

Founder and Managing Partner

Nathaniel Montana

Partner

Matt Mulvey

Partner

Past deals in Autonomous Vehicles

Maven Robotics

Seed Round in 2024
Maven Robotics specializes in developing advanced, AI-driven robotic systems for diverse industries. Their platform combines artificial intelligence and sophisticated hardware to deliver high performance, adaptability, and user-friendly solutions, enabling businesses to enhance operational efficiency and explore new automation opportunities.

Tezi

Seed Round in 2024
Tezi is a technology company that specializes in autonomous AI-driven recruitment software. It is designed to streamline the entire hiring process by proactively sourcing candidates, screening applications, scheduling interviews, and collecting feedback, all while being trained by top hiring managers and recruiters. This enables businesses to hire more efficiently, quickly, and cost-effectively.

Sauron

Seed Round in 2024
Meet your home operating system. Home security should reinforce your peace of mind. You deserve a sanctuary, one that gives you the freedom to live your life with the people that matter most. That’s why we created something entirely new. Sauron is an autonomous platform for the perimeter of your home. It works discreetly in the background to reliably identify potential threats in all environmental conditions and it instantly recognizes who’s part of your inner circle. We provide a bespoke white-glove service, ensuring that each client’s security platform is installed with precision and care, swiftly and without disrupting the comfort or aesthetics of their home. To complement the technology, Sauron leverages its Intelligent Response and Intrusion Suppression (IRIS) Command Center, staffed 24/7 by exceptionally trained agents with diverse backgrounds in law enforcement, military service, executive protection, and other critical security fields. The team builds relationships with local police departments to ensure a rapid police response to verified security incidents.

Carbon Robotics

Series C in 2023
Carbon Robotics is a robotics company dedicated to advancing agricultural practices through innovative technology. Its flagship product, the Autonomous Weeder, is designed to autonomously identify and remove weeds from crop fields. This robotic system employs artificial intelligence and computer vision to differentiate between crops and weeds, allowing it to accurately target and eliminate unwanted plants without the use of herbicides or manual labor. By offering a more sustainable and efficient approach to weed management, Carbon Robotics aims to transform traditional farming methods and help farmers optimize crop yields.

Natilus

Venture Round in 2022
Natilus Inc., founded in 2016 and based in San Jose, California, develops innovative aircraft drones for freight forwarding. Co-founded by Aleksey Matyushev and Anatoly Starikov, the company aims to revolutionize the freight transport industry through advanced technology and design, leveraging a team with extensive experience in various aviation sectors. Natilus seeks to reduce air freight costs, making goods more affordable and enhancing global trade by connecting underdeveloped regions. The market for autonomous cargo aircraft is estimated to exceed $280 billion, and Natilus projects that its cost-effective solutions could expand the total addressable market to $470 billion. The company’s drones utilize carbon fiber composites and existing engine technology, allowing for efficient operation with standard air cargo containers. Its product line includes several models tailored for varying ranges and capacities, providing a comprehensive solution for transport and delivery companies.

Airhart Aeronautics

Venture Round in 2022
Airhart Aeronautics, founded in 2022, specializes in the development of semi-autonomous airplanes designed to enhance the flying experience for pilots. By utilizing advanced fault-tolerant fly-by-wire control technology, Airhart streamlines all phases of flight, ensuring that operations are both safe and intuitive. The company's comprehensive testing processes are integrated into the design from the beginning, prioritizing flight safety. Airhart aims to personalize the flying experience, allowing pilots to focus on navigation while the aircraft manages the complexities of flight. Through its innovative approach, Airhart seeks to redefine the perception of small aircraft, making flying more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience.

AeroVect

Seed Round in 2022
AeroVect Technologies Inc. specializes in developing autonomous cargo handling systems tailored for airport operations. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company offers advanced ground support equipment (GSE) technology along with ground handling management software. Its systems incorporate a combination of LiDAR, cameras, radars, and GPS-RTK technology to enhance airside operations at major passenger and cargo hubs worldwide. AeroVect's solutions aim to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability, addressing challenges such as irregular operations, ground damage, and suboptimal equipment utilization. By streamlining baggage and cargo handling processes, AeroVect enables its clients to achieve more cost-effective operations in the aviation sector.

Polymath Robotics

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Polymath Robotics specializes in a plug-and-play software solution aimed at automating industrial vehicles within closed environments. The company provides a software development kit that facilitates the creation of basic generalizable autonomy, allowing clients to efficiently and cost-effectively automate their vehicles. Additionally, the software enables users to develop applications in a simulated environment at no cost, streamlining the process of integrating automation into their operations.

AIM

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Developer of autonomous machines intended to upshift the civilization's capabilities. The company transforms existing heavy equipment into fully autonomous machines by retrofitting any earthmoving machine irrespective of age, size, or brand, and preserves the ability to manually operate the equipment, enabling construction companies to grow and upskill to advanced site planning, remote management, analytics, higher value jobs.

Carbon Robotics

Series B in 2021
Carbon Robotics is a robotics company dedicated to advancing agricultural practices through innovative technology. Its flagship product, the Autonomous Weeder, is designed to autonomously identify and remove weeds from crop fields. This robotic system employs artificial intelligence and computer vision to differentiate between crops and weeds, allowing it to accurately target and eliminate unwanted plants without the use of herbicides or manual labor. By offering a more sustainable and efficient approach to weed management, Carbon Robotics aims to transform traditional farming methods and help farmers optimize crop yields.

CrowdAI

Series A in 2020
CrowdAI, Inc. is a technology company based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2016. It offers an artificial intelligence-as-a-service platform designed for analyzing imagery from autonomous vehicles, satellites, and drones. The platform enables users to create custom machine learning models for processing and interpreting images and video, making it accessible to individuals without a data science background. By transforming raw visual data into structured insights, CrowdAI facilitates the identification of features in satellite imagery and the tracking of obstacles for self-driving cars and automated drones. This approach not only streamlines the model creation process but also allows for the integration of real-time data, supporting operational decision-making across various applications.

Scoot Science

Seed Round in 2019
Scoot Science is a company that specializes in ocean data analysis software aimed at reducing marine risk through advanced ocean observing and forecasting. By utilizing autonomous underwater vehicles, Scoot Science gathers data on local ocean conditions and generates forecasts that address existing data gaps. Their software integrates traditional numerical ocean models with predictive artificial intelligence, allowing marine stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding logistics and operations. Additionally, the company offers consulting services to fish farmers, helping them protect their assets, enhance sustainability, and improve profitability through innovative assessment solutions.

Freedom Robotics

Seed Round in 2019
Freedom Robotics, Inc. is a software company that provides essential infrastructure for modern robotics companies, enabling them to build, operate, support, and scale robotic systems and fleets. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, the company develops powerful control and monitoring software tailored for robotic applications. Its platform is designed for easy integration and customization through an API, allowing businesses to manage fleets of robots from various devices, including desktops and smartphones. Freedom Robotics focuses on streamlining the deployment and automation of diverse robotic fleets, facilitating the market entry of robotics companies with minimal resource investment.

Freedom Robotics

Seed Round in 2018
Freedom Robotics, Inc. is a software company that provides essential infrastructure for modern robotics companies, enabling them to build, operate, support, and scale robotic systems and fleets. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, the company develops powerful control and monitoring software tailored for robotic applications. Its platform is designed for easy integration and customization through an API, allowing businesses to manage fleets of robots from various devices, including desktops and smartphones. Freedom Robotics focuses on streamlining the deployment and automation of diverse robotic fleets, facilitating the market entry of robotics companies with minimal resource investment.

Bear Flag Robotics

Seed Round in 2018
Bear Flag Robotics, Inc. specializes in developing autonomous technology for farm tractors, aiming to enhance productivity and safety in agriculture. Founded in 2017 by Igino Cafiero and Aubrey Donnellan, the company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Its software enables users to plan routes, schedule jobs, and receive real-time alerts about equipment status. Additionally, it features remote emergency stop capabilities and obstacle avoidance, ensuring safe operation in various conditions. By utilizing perception sensors and robotic actuators, Bear Flag Robotics' technology allows central mission control to manage tractor operations, providing real-time data that helps farmers optimize their practices, reduce input costs, and increase production yields.

Shone

Seed Round in 2018
Shone Automation specializes in developing autonomous retrofitted ships aimed at enhancing safety and sustainability in ocean trade. The company's platform utilizes artificial intelligence to provide a digital co-pilot for container ships, effectively minimizing risks associated with maritime operations. By optimizing navigation and reducing fuel consumption, Shone Automation helps shipowners safeguard their crews and contribute to environmental protection.

PointCloud

Seed Round in 2018
Pointcloud is a developer of a 3D imaging platform that utilizes advanced technology for big data analytics on 3D point clouds, leveraging machine learning. The company's innovations are aimed at enhancing applications in augmented reality, robotics, and autonomous mobility, facilitating clearer and more effective visualization of the environment. By focusing on high-performance 4D imaging, Pointcloud positions itself at the forefront of emerging technologies that are set to transform various industries.

Passenger AI

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Passenger AI develops remote monitoring software specifically for robotaxi operations. The company's technology employs deep learning and computer vision to automatically identify in-cabin incidents, such as passengers smoking, littering, or carrying weapons. By providing fleet operators with the necessary tools to intervene in these situations, Passenger AI enhances fleet management capabilities, contributing to safer and more efficient autonomous mobility.

Natilus

Seed Round in 2017
Natilus Inc., founded in 2016 and based in San Jose, California, develops innovative aircraft drones for freight forwarding. Co-founded by Aleksey Matyushev and Anatoly Starikov, the company aims to revolutionize the freight transport industry through advanced technology and design, leveraging a team with extensive experience in various aviation sectors. Natilus seeks to reduce air freight costs, making goods more affordable and enhancing global trade by connecting underdeveloped regions. The market for autonomous cargo aircraft is estimated to exceed $280 billion, and Natilus projects that its cost-effective solutions could expand the total addressable market to $470 billion. The company’s drones utilize carbon fiber composites and existing engine technology, allowing for efficient operation with standard air cargo containers. Its product line includes several models tailored for varying ranges and capacities, providing a comprehensive solution for transport and delivery companies.

May Mobility

Seed Round in 2017
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.

Applied Intuition

Series A in 2017
Applied Intuition, Inc. is a company that creates software infrastructure to facilitate the safe development, testing, and deployment of autonomous vehicles at scale. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company also maintains offices in Silicon Valley and Detroit, Michigan. Its advanced simulation infrastructure software offers a comprehensive suite of products focused on simulation and analytics, enabling automotive industries to thoroughly test and expedite the development of their autonomous vehicle technologies. By providing sophisticated tools designed for scalability, Applied Intuition supports the automotive sector in navigating the complexities of autonomous vehicle deployment effectively.

Skyways

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Skyways is a company based in Austin, Texas, specializing in the development and construction of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones. These drones are designed primarily for military applications, providing autonomous delivery systems that can transport payloads of up to 45 pounds without risking human life. Founded in 2017 and backed by Y Combinator, Skyways aims to revolutionize cargo transportation and is also exploring the future potential of personal air transportation services. The company emphasizes the development of advanced software to support full autonomy and large-scale fleet operations, positioning itself as a leader in unmanned transport solutions for emergency situations and military logistics.

Zippy.ai

Seed Round in 2017
Zippy.ai specializes in the development of autonomous robots aimed at enhancing last-mile delivery services for groceries and packages. The company employs advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and GPS to create a fleet of robots that can efficiently deliver orders directly to consumers. These robots are designed to integrate smoothly into urban environments, facilitating everyday activities like food delivery and online shopping. By focusing on autonomous mobility, Zippy.ai aims to contribute to a future economy that relies on intelligent and independent robotic solutions, ultimately improving efficiency and productivity for its clients.

Zendar

Series A in 2017
Zendar Inc. specializes in the manufacture of high-resolution radar systems for autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2017 and located in Berkeley, California, the company offers a product that merges the advantages of radar technology, such as long-range capabilities and all-weather functionality, with the resolution typically associated with lidar systems. Zendar's radar solutions are designed to enhance the safety and reliability of self-driving cars, allowing them to operate effectively in adverse weather conditions. Through its innovative technology, Zendar aims to enable true all-weather autonomy for autonomous vehicles, ensuring safer driving experiences in challenging climatic environments.

Skyways

Seed Round in 2017
Skyways is a company based in Austin, Texas, specializing in the development and construction of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones. These drones are designed primarily for military applications, providing autonomous delivery systems that can transport payloads of up to 45 pounds without risking human life. Founded in 2017 and backed by Y Combinator, Skyways aims to revolutionize cargo transportation and is also exploring the future potential of personal air transportation services. The company emphasizes the development of advanced software to support full autonomy and large-scale fleet operations, positioning itself as a leader in unmanned transport solutions for emergency situations and military logistics.

Perceptive Automata

Pre Seed Round in 2017
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.

Prenav

Seed Round in 2016
Prenav, Inc. specializes in developing automated systems for infrastructure inspection, leveraging advanced drone technology and AI. Founded in 2013 and based in San Carlos, California, the company’s innovative platform combines commercial drones, ground guidance robots, and sophisticated software to conduct precise inspections of complex structures such as cell towers, wind turbines, and bridges. Their technology enables drones to navigate with centimeter-level accuracy, allowing for the inspection of critical components like bolts and cabling, while also capturing detailed imagery to create accurate 3D models of industrial assets. This approach significantly enhances safety and efficiency by replacing traditional inspection methods, which often involve climbing or scaffolding, with automated, cost-effective solutions. With a strong team of experts in robotics and computer vision, Prenav is focused on addressing fundamental challenges in the field and expanding its capabilities for various industrial applications.

Starsky Robotics

Pre Seed Round in 2016
Starsky Robotics, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California, is focused on developing technology to automate vehicles, particularly in the trucking sector. Recognizing that trucking is essential to the American economy, transporting 70% of all freight, the company aims to enhance safety and efficiency by creating autonomous trucks for highway use, while allowing drivers to remotely control the vehicles for the initial and final segments of delivery. This approach not only seeks to improve road safety but also offers drivers the opportunity to work closer to home, thereby addressing the challenges faced by long-haul truck drivers who often spend extended periods away from their families.

Carmera

Seed Round in 2015
Carmera develops a street-level intelligence platform that offers real-time 3D maps and critical navigation data for autonomous vehicles. The company also provides 3D scene reconstruction and analytics data tailored for sectors such as architecture, construction, and real estate. Carmera operates a proprietary and crowdsourced vehicular sensor network that continually collects updated 3D scene data and change detection analytics. Its technology enhances safety for vehicles on urban streets while adhering to privacy standards. By delivering rich insights through advanced machine vision and geospatial data pipelines, Carmera aims to facilitate informed decision-making in various industries, ultimately striving to automate urban environments with accessible, real-time intelligence.
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