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

Principal, Frontier Fund

Lisa Coca

Partner, Climate. Fund

David Sokolic

Partner

Ethan Sohn

Principal, Climate Fund

Past deals in Autonomous Vehicles

Capow

Series A in 2025
CaPow specializes in providing wireless power solutions tailored for automated robotics fleets, particularly in logistics centers and last-mile delivery scenarios. The company's technology ensures continuous power supply to moving robots, eliminating downtime associated with traditional charging methods. By utilizing adaptive lock-in technology, CaPow optimizes power transfer over a capacitive field, adapting to dynamic variations to maintain efficient energy distribution without the need for cables or connectors.

Agtonomy

Series A in 2024
Agtonomy is a company that provides a hybrid autonomous and tele-assist platform designed to tackle the challenges of labor shortages and sustainability in agriculture. By collaborating with established equipment developers, Agtonomy transforms traditional tractors and agricultural machinery into autonomous and remotely controlled systems. This innovation makes advanced farming technology accessible to local farmers, helping them improve efficiency while managing tight budgets and seasonal pressures. The company's solutions aim to enhance productivity in agricultural operations, supporting farmers in navigating the complexities of modern farming.

Burro

Series B in 2024
Burro is a developer of an autonomous farming platform designed to enhance productivity in agricultural and outdoor settings. The company creates robotic tools that autonomously follow workers and transport cargo, alleviating the physical burden of labor-intensive tasks. By automating these processes, Burro allows farmworkers to concentrate on more value-added activities. Additionally, the company's technology captures essential data that aids in further automating farm operations, ultimately aiming to streamline all tedious agricultural tasks. This focus on operational efficiency not only supports farmers in improving their workflows but also fosters growth within the sector.

Agtonomy

Series A in 2023
Agtonomy is a company that provides a hybrid autonomous and tele-assist platform designed to tackle the challenges of labor shortages and sustainability in agriculture. By collaborating with established equipment developers, Agtonomy transforms traditional tractors and agricultural machinery into autonomous and remotely controlled systems. This innovation makes advanced farming technology accessible to local farmers, helping them improve efficiency while managing tight budgets and seasonal pressures. The company's solutions aim to enhance productivity in agricultural operations, supporting farmers in navigating the complexities of modern farming.

May Mobility

Series D in 2023
May Mobility, Inc. is an autonomous vehicle company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing and deploying autonomous vehicle technology to enhance public transportation systems. May Mobility operates a fleet of six-passenger electric shuttles that navigate through traffic using mapped and closed-loop routes. By analyzing city traffic and commuter patterns, the company identifies bottlenecks and optimizes transit routes for various communities. Its services aim to reduce human error in driving, lower pollution levels, and provide economic benefits to both communities and riders. Through its innovative approach, May Mobility seeks to create a safer, greener, and more efficient transportation environment.

Boxbot

Series A in 2023
Boxbot is a logistics automation company based in Alameda, California, that specializes in transforming package handling through its innovative software and hardware platform. By utilizing robotics and automated systems, Boxbot addresses key operational challenges in parcel delivery networks, particularly focusing on last-mile logistics. Its modular solution allows for the storage, sorting, and sequencing of size-agnostic, high-throughput packages while maintaining a minimal physical footprint. This approach not only enhances the efficiency of package routing within warehouses but also contributes to reducing the costs associated with last-mile delivery, ultimately optimizing the experiences for both suppliers and consumers.

Agtonomy

Seed Round in 2022
Agtonomy is a company that provides a hybrid autonomous and tele-assist platform designed to tackle the challenges of labor shortages and sustainability in agriculture. By collaborating with established equipment developers, Agtonomy transforms traditional tractors and agricultural machinery into autonomous and remotely controlled systems. This innovation makes advanced farming technology accessible to local farmers, helping them improve efficiency while managing tight budgets and seasonal pressures. The company's solutions aim to enhance productivity in agricultural operations, supporting farmers in navigating the complexities of modern farming.

Xona Space Systems

Venture Round in 2022
Xona Space Systems, Inc. is a company focused on developing and manufacturing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite solutions. Established in 2019 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company is creating a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth orbit satellites designed to enhance navigation services for a variety of sectors, including smart transportation and infrastructure. Xona's flagship product, the Xona Pulsar, delivers high-power signals to support applications such as autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mobile robotics. The constellation aims to provide secure, resilient, and precise navigation and timing services essential for the safe and scalable operation of modern intelligent systems.

SLAMcore

Series A in 2022
SLAMcore Limited is a London-based company specializing in advanced simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solutions tailored for augmented reality, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2016, SLAMcore develops software that enables devices with outward-looking sensors to accurately localize, navigate, and comprehend unfamiliar environments. Their offerings include Visual SLAM, sensor fusion techniques, and Event Camera SLAM, which facilitates incremental tracking and mapping from event camera data. By leveraging spatial artificial intelligence, the company fuses information from various sensors to create a cohesive understanding of surroundings, optimizing performance while reducing energy consumption. Through its software development kit (SDK), SLAMcore supports rapid prototyping and customization for commercial applications in industrial and consumer robotics, positioning its technology as a critical component in advancing the integration of robotic solutions into daily life.

May Mobility

Series C in 2022
May Mobility, Inc. is an autonomous vehicle company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing and deploying autonomous vehicle technology to enhance public transportation systems. May Mobility operates a fleet of six-passenger electric shuttles that navigate through traffic using mapped and closed-loop routes. By analyzing city traffic and commuter patterns, the company identifies bottlenecks and optimizes transit routes for various communities. Its services aim to reduce human error in driving, lower pollution levels, and provide economic benefits to both communities and riders. Through its innovative approach, May Mobility seeks to create a safer, greener, and more efficient transportation environment.

Agtonomy

Seed Round in 2022
Agtonomy is a company that provides a hybrid autonomous and tele-assist platform designed to tackle the challenges of labor shortages and sustainability in agriculture. By collaborating with established equipment developers, Agtonomy transforms traditional tractors and agricultural machinery into autonomous and remotely controlled systems. This innovation makes advanced farming technology accessible to local farmers, helping them improve efficiency while managing tight budgets and seasonal pressures. The company's solutions aim to enhance productivity in agricultural operations, supporting farmers in navigating the complexities of modern farming.

Burro

Series A in 2021
Burro is a developer of an autonomous farming platform designed to enhance productivity in agricultural and outdoor settings. The company creates robotic tools that autonomously follow workers and transport cargo, alleviating the physical burden of labor-intensive tasks. By automating these processes, Burro allows farmworkers to concentrate on more value-added activities. Additionally, the company's technology captures essential data that aids in further automating farm operations, ultimately aiming to streamline all tedious agricultural tasks. This focus on operational efficiency not only supports farmers in improving their workflows but also fosters growth within the sector.

Xona Space Systems

Seed Round in 2021
Xona Space Systems, Inc. is a company focused on developing and manufacturing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite solutions. Established in 2019 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company is creating a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth orbit satellites designed to enhance navigation services for a variety of sectors, including smart transportation and infrastructure. Xona's flagship product, the Xona Pulsar, delivers high-power signals to support applications such as autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mobile robotics. The constellation aims to provide secure, resilient, and precise navigation and timing services essential for the safe and scalable operation of modern intelligent systems.

Third Wave Automation

Series B in 2021
Third Wave Automation, Inc. is a technology company based in Union City, California, that specializes in developing autonomous forklift solutions. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes machine learning, computer vision, and advanced robotics to create a Shared Autonomy Platform that enhances material handling operations. This platform allows human operators to supervise forklift activities while intervening only when necessary, thereby improving safety and operational efficiency. The autonomous forklifts are designed to perform complex tasks with precision, adapting to various warehouse configurations and demands. By integrating deep learning and modern software practices, Third Wave Automation aims to optimize warehouse throughput and streamline supply chain logistics, ultimately making forklift operations safer and more efficient.

Realtime Robotics

Series A in 2021
Realtime Robotics, Inc. is a Boston-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in developing motion planning and control technologies for robots and autonomous vehicles. The company offers a collision-free motion planning platform that allows robots to react instantaneously to their surroundings, enabling safe operation in unstructured environments. Their RapidPlan processor integrates advanced software and hardware, allowing for the generation of safe motion plans in milliseconds, effectively eliminating the trade-off between speed and safety in automation. By facilitating seamless interaction with both static and dynamic objects, Realtime Robotics enhances the capabilities of robots in various applications, including industrial automation and autonomous vehicles, thereby promoting broader adoption and integration of robotics technology in everyday operations.

Parallel Domain

Series A in 2020
Parallel Domain Inc. is a technology company specializing in the design and development of 3D environment generation software specifically for autonomous vehicle simulation. Founded in 2017 and located in Palo Alto, California, Parallel Domain offers a synthetic data generation platform that enables users to create rich, annotated datasets for various autonomous system training and testing scenarios. By providing controllable sensor feeds and simulation worlds, the platform facilitates the development, training, and testing of algorithms in a safe virtual environment, thereby reducing the time and resources required for real-world deployment. This innovative approach aids perception teams in enhancing machine learning models and preparing both machines and human operators for practical applications in autonomy.

Sea Machines Robotics

Series B in 2020
Sea Machines Robotics, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, specializes in developing and manufacturing advanced autonomous control and navigation systems for the commercial marine industry. Established in 2014, the company produces systems like SM300 for remote vessel command, SM200 for collaborative operations, SM400 for AI-powered situational awareness on container ships, RC NXT for PLC-based wireless control, and DP-NXT for crew reduction or elimination on vessels. Sea Machines offers solutions for various unmanned applications, including bathymetric surveys, AUV-tendering, subsea asset inspection, passive acoustic monitoring, and dual towing.

Sea Machines Robotics

Series B in 2020
Sea Machines Robotics, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, specializes in developing and manufacturing advanced autonomous control and navigation systems for the commercial marine industry. Established in 2014, the company produces systems like SM300 for remote vessel command, SM200 for collaborative operations, SM400 for AI-powered situational awareness on container ships, RC NXT for PLC-based wireless control, and DP-NXT for crew reduction or elimination on vessels. Sea Machines offers solutions for various unmanned applications, including bathymetric surveys, AUV-tendering, subsea asset inspection, passive acoustic monitoring, and dual towing.

Third Wave Automation

Series A in 2020
Third Wave Automation, Inc. is a technology company based in Union City, California, that specializes in developing autonomous forklift solutions. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes machine learning, computer vision, and advanced robotics to create a Shared Autonomy Platform that enhances material handling operations. This platform allows human operators to supervise forklift activities while intervening only when necessary, thereby improving safety and operational efficiency. The autonomous forklifts are designed to perform complex tasks with precision, adapting to various warehouse configurations and demands. By integrating deep learning and modern software practices, Third Wave Automation aims to optimize warehouse throughput and streamline supply chain logistics, ultimately making forklift operations safer and more efficient.

SLAMcore

Funding Round in 2020
SLAMcore Limited is a London-based company specializing in advanced simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solutions tailored for augmented reality, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2016, SLAMcore develops software that enables devices with outward-looking sensors to accurately localize, navigate, and comprehend unfamiliar environments. Their offerings include Visual SLAM, sensor fusion techniques, and Event Camera SLAM, which facilitates incremental tracking and mapping from event camera data. By leveraging spatial artificial intelligence, the company fuses information from various sensors to create a cohesive understanding of surroundings, optimizing performance while reducing energy consumption. Through its software development kit (SDK), SLAMcore supports rapid prototyping and customization for commercial applications in industrial and consumer robotics, positioning its technology as a critical component in advancing the integration of robotic solutions into daily life.

Apex.AI

Venture Round in 2019
Apex.AI, Inc. is a software development company focused on creating solutions for autonomous mobility systems, particularly for self-driving vehicles. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, the company offers Apex.OS, a software framework that simplifies the complexity of hardware and software integration through user-friendly, secure APIs. Additionally, Apex.AI provides Apex.Autonomy, a tool designed for safety-critical applications, and MARV.Automotive, a data management platform that facilitates the transfer of vehicle data to the cloud and enables advanced analytics and collaboration. The company's products leverage open-source technologies, allowing software developers to build reliable and efficient applications for autonomous vehicles.

Realtime Robotics

Series A in 2019
Realtime Robotics, Inc. is a Boston-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in developing motion planning and control technologies for robots and autonomous vehicles. The company offers a collision-free motion planning platform that allows robots to react instantaneously to their surroundings, enabling safe operation in unstructured environments. Their RapidPlan processor integrates advanced software and hardware, allowing for the generation of safe motion plans in milliseconds, effectively eliminating the trade-off between speed and safety in automation. By facilitating seamless interaction with both static and dynamic objects, Realtime Robotics enhances the capabilities of robots in various applications, including industrial automation and autonomous vehicles, thereby promoting broader adoption and integration of robotics technology in everyday operations.

AutoBrains

Series B in 2019
AutoBrains is a company specializing in automotive visual intelligence. Their platform is designed to enhance autonomous driving services by providing safer and more effective solutions. The technology is built on over 200 patents and employs signature-based representation structures along with unsupervised learning methodologies. This approach allows for a detailed understanding of the vehicle's environment, benefiting applications such as advanced driver assistance systems, mobility, and localization. Ultimately, AutoBrains aims to increase car safety and reduce casualties on global motorways.

Freedom Robotics

Seed Round in 2019
Freedom Robotics, founded in 2018 by Dimitri Onistsuk, Hans Lee, and Joshua Wilson, develops software infrastructure for modern robotics companies. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company creates powerful control and monitoring software designed for out-of-the-box operation, enabling businesses to customize offerings using its API. Freedom Robotics' platform allows operators to orchestrate fleets of machines from desktops, smartphones, or via an API, providing essential building blocks for operating, prototyping, scaling, and building robot fleets efficiently across complex environments.

May Mobility

Series A in 2019
May Mobility, Inc. is an autonomous vehicle company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing and deploying autonomous vehicle technology to enhance public transportation systems. May Mobility operates a fleet of six-passenger electric shuttles that navigate through traffic using mapped and closed-loop routes. By analyzing city traffic and commuter patterns, the company identifies bottlenecks and optimizes transit routes for various communities. Its services aim to reduce human error in driving, lower pollution levels, and provide economic benefits to both communities and riders. Through its innovative approach, May Mobility seeks to create a safer, greener, and more efficient transportation environment.

Apex.AI

Series A in 2018
Apex.AI, Inc. is a software development company focused on creating solutions for autonomous mobility systems, particularly for self-driving vehicles. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, the company offers Apex.OS, a software framework that simplifies the complexity of hardware and software integration through user-friendly, secure APIs. Additionally, Apex.AI provides Apex.Autonomy, a tool designed for safety-critical applications, and MARV.Automotive, a data management platform that facilitates the transfer of vehicle data to the cloud and enables advanced analytics and collaboration. The company's products leverage open-source technologies, allowing software developers to build reliable and efficient applications for autonomous vehicles.

Perceptive Automata

Series A in 2018
Perceptive Automata, Inc. is a technology company specializing in machine learning and computer vision solutions aimed at predicting human behavior in the context of automated driving. Founded in 2014 and located in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company addresses the complex challenges associated with the safe deployment of highly automated and fully autonomous vehicles, particularly in urban settings. Its advanced AI inference models allow vehicles to anticipate the actions of pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers, enhancing safety and enabling smoother navigation in human-dominated environments. By integrating its software into autonomous driving systems, Perceptive Automata facilitates a more natural driving experience, which is crucial for the acceptance of autonomous vehicles and robotaxi services. The company's team comprises experts from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, reflecting a strong foundation in neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

SLAMcore

Seed Round in 2018
SLAMcore Limited is a London-based company specializing in advanced simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solutions tailored for augmented reality, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2016, SLAMcore develops software that enables devices with outward-looking sensors to accurately localize, navigate, and comprehend unfamiliar environments. Their offerings include Visual SLAM, sensor fusion techniques, and Event Camera SLAM, which facilitates incremental tracking and mapping from event camera data. By leveraging spatial artificial intelligence, the company fuses information from various sensors to create a cohesive understanding of surroundings, optimizing performance while reducing energy consumption. Through its software development kit (SDK), SLAMcore supports rapid prototyping and customization for commercial applications in industrial and consumer robotics, positioning its technology as a critical component in advancing the integration of robotic solutions into daily life.

Boxbot

Seed Round in 2018
Boxbot is a logistics automation company based in Alameda, California, that specializes in transforming package handling through its innovative software and hardware platform. By utilizing robotics and automated systems, Boxbot addresses key operational challenges in parcel delivery networks, particularly focusing on last-mile logistics. Its modular solution allows for the storage, sorting, and sequencing of size-agnostic, high-throughput packages while maintaining a minimal physical footprint. This approach not only enhances the efficiency of package routing within warehouses but also contributes to reducing the costs associated with last-mile delivery, ultimately optimizing the experiences for both suppliers and consumers.

Metawave

Venture Round in 2018
Metawave Corporation is a technology company based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in the development of advanced beamsteering radars using metamaterials and artificial intelligence. Founded in 2017, the company primarily serves the automotive industry, offering innovative solutions for safe automated driving. Its flagship product, SPEKTRA, is designed to enhance safety for automakers by providing high-performance radar capabilities for 3D imaging and vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Additionally, Metawave develops TURBO active repeaters to extend signal coverage in difficult environments, as well as ECHO passive reflectors to optimize signal direction in areas with lower coverage. The company also offers AWARE, an AI platform that leverages deep learning to extract valuable information from radar signals. In parallel, Metawave is working on smart beamsteering antennas to improve 4G and 5G networks, aiming to enhance connectivity for billions of users.

Parallel Domain

Seed Round in 2018
Parallel Domain Inc. is a technology company specializing in the design and development of 3D environment generation software specifically for autonomous vehicle simulation. Founded in 2017 and located in Palo Alto, California, Parallel Domain offers a synthetic data generation platform that enables users to create rich, annotated datasets for various autonomous system training and testing scenarios. By providing controllable sensor feeds and simulation worlds, the platform facilitates the development, training, and testing of algorithms in a safe virtual environment, thereby reducing the time and resources required for real-world deployment. This innovative approach aids perception teams in enhancing machine learning models and preparing both machines and human operators for practical applications in autonomy.

Blackmore Sensors and Analytics

Series B in 2018
Blackmore Sensors and Analytics Inc. specializes in frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) Lidar technology, providing advanced imaging and analytic tools designed to measure radial velocity at every data point. Founded in 2016 and based in Bozeman, Montana, the company focuses on enhancing the capabilities of Lidar systems through innovative software solutions. As of May 2019, Blackmore operates as a subsidiary of Aurora Innovation, Inc., expanding its reach and technological expertise in the field of sensor analytics and autonomous vehicle applications.

May Mobility

Seed Round in 2018
May Mobility, Inc. is an autonomous vehicle company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing and deploying autonomous vehicle technology to enhance public transportation systems. May Mobility operates a fleet of six-passenger electric shuttles that navigate through traffic using mapped and closed-loop routes. By analyzing city traffic and commuter patterns, the company identifies bottlenecks and optimizes transit routes for various communities. Its services aim to reduce human error in driving, lower pollution levels, and provide economic benefits to both communities and riders. Through its innovative approach, May Mobility seeks to create a safer, greener, and more efficient transportation environment.

Realtime Robotics

Seed Round in 2017
Realtime Robotics, Inc. is a Boston-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in developing motion planning and control technologies for robots and autonomous vehicles. The company offers a collision-free motion planning platform that allows robots to react instantaneously to their surroundings, enabling safe operation in unstructured environments. Their RapidPlan processor integrates advanced software and hardware, allowing for the generation of safe motion plans in milliseconds, effectively eliminating the trade-off between speed and safety in automation. By facilitating seamless interaction with both static and dynamic objects, Realtime Robotics enhances the capabilities of robots in various applications, including industrial automation and autonomous vehicles, thereby promoting broader adoption and integration of robotics technology in everyday operations.

Nauto

Series B in 2017
Nauto, Inc. is an artificial intelligence technology company based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in software solutions for autonomous and commercial vehicles. Founded in 2015, Nauto develops an intelligent driver safety system that utilizes an after-market dual-camera device to collect and analyze visual data in real-time, aiming to reduce distracted driving and prevent collisions. This system includes features such as GPS, wireless connectivity, and night vision support, allowing fleet managers to monitor driver performance and vehicle safety effectively. Nauto also offers VERA (Vision Enhanced Risk Assessment), a scoring system that rates the frequency and severity of distracted driving incidents. The company collaborates with strategic partners including Allianz Insurance, Toyota, and BMW, and has expanded its presence with subsidiary locations in Dublin, Ireland, and Tokyo, Japan. Through its innovative technology, Nauto enhances safety and productivity for fleets while contributing to the advancement of self-driving technology.

SLAMcore

Pre Seed Round in 2017
SLAMcore Limited is a London-based company specializing in advanced simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solutions tailored for augmented reality, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2016, SLAMcore develops software that enables devices with outward-looking sensors to accurately localize, navigate, and comprehend unfamiliar environments. Their offerings include Visual SLAM, sensor fusion techniques, and Event Camera SLAM, which facilitates incremental tracking and mapping from event camera data. By leveraging spatial artificial intelligence, the company fuses information from various sensors to create a cohesive understanding of surroundings, optimizing performance while reducing energy consumption. Through its software development kit (SDK), SLAMcore supports rapid prototyping and customization for commercial applications in industrial and consumer robotics, positioning its technology as a critical component in advancing the integration of robotic solutions into daily life.

Nauto

Series A in 2016
Nauto, Inc. is an artificial intelligence technology company based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in software solutions for autonomous and commercial vehicles. Founded in 2015, Nauto develops an intelligent driver safety system that utilizes an after-market dual-camera device to collect and analyze visual data in real-time, aiming to reduce distracted driving and prevent collisions. This system includes features such as GPS, wireless connectivity, and night vision support, allowing fleet managers to monitor driver performance and vehicle safety effectively. Nauto also offers VERA (Vision Enhanced Risk Assessment), a scoring system that rates the frequency and severity of distracted driving incidents. The company collaborates with strategic partners including Allianz Insurance, Toyota, and BMW, and has expanded its presence with subsidiary locations in Dublin, Ireland, and Tokyo, Japan. Through its innovative technology, Nauto enhances safety and productivity for fleets while contributing to the advancement of self-driving technology.
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