Tech Coast Angels is the largest angel investor group in the United States, possessing more than 300 members in five networks in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Central Coast, and the Inland Empire. Its members provide funding and guidance to more early-stage, high-growth companies in Southern California than any other investment group.  Members invest in companies in a wide range of industries, including the life sciences, biotech, IT, services, retail, Internet, financial, software, media, consumer products, and tech startups. TCA as a whole gives companies more than just capital; they also provide counsel, mentoring, and access to an extensive network of potential investors, customers, strategic partners, and management talent.   Tech Coast Angels has been ranked by CB Insights to be among the Top 20 Angel Groups in the US; TCA was also ranked as #1 for Network Centrality, meaning we have more connections than anyone! If you are in the game-changing business, we are here to help.

Tech Coast Angels

Initialized Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on the seed. Initialized has 6 investing partners and over $3.2B under management over five core funds since its founding in 2012. The firm's startups have created in aggregate over $200B in market value so far.

Initialized Capital

HaulPay

HaulPay used to be ComFreight: ComFreight's flagship product is HaulPay (Fintech for Freight) which digitizes and automates payments, invoicing and finance for trucking and logistics. ComFreight also provides an advanced load board and free software to help carriers and brokers grow and automate more of their back-office operations and workflows. The goal is to create a more fair and transparent set of finance, payment and software options for the most active businesses that keep the supply chain moving.

HaulPay (formerly ComFreight) provides digital financial solutions for the trucking and logistics industry. The company offers carrier and broker factoring services, automates payments, and provides a load board to connect shippers and carriers. Its services include same-day or next-day payments, risk reduction in freight payments, and workflow automation. HaulPay also integrates with transportation management systems (TMS) to streamline invoicing and payment processes.

Using online platforms, autonomy, electric and fuel-cell tech solutions to shape the future of trucking.

Truck Industry Tech

HaulPay (formerly ComFreight) provides digital financial solutions for the trucking and logistics industry. The company offers carrier and broker factoring services, automates payments, and provides a load board to connect shippers and carriers. Its services include same-day or next-day payments, risk reduction in freight payments, and workflow automation. HaulPay also integrates with transportation management systems (TMS) to streamline invoicing and payment processes.Key customers and partnershipsHaulPay’s customers include Liwmi Logistics, Tridell Transport, and AH Trans.The company entered into a partnership with a similar online freight matching solutions provider LoadBoard Network in February 2022 to bring more load opportunities to the platform.

<div>
 
 Einride is a Swedish startup developing technology for both autonomous and electric trucks. Its product portfolio includes the freight-hauling autonomous Class 8 trucks &ldquo;Pods,&rdquo; electrified commercial mobility solutions &ldquo;E-trucks,&rdquo; electric semi-trailer 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10558">
 &ldquo;Einride Trailer,&rdquo;
 </a>
 its operating system &ldquo;Saga&rdquo;&mdash;an IoT-based system that runs through Einride&rsquo;s vehicles 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14209">
 (also offered to third parties),
 </a>
 a developer application programming interface called 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10558">
 &ldquo;Einride Extend&rdquo;;
 </a>
 and charging stations called 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14209">
 &ldquo;Einride Stations.&rdquo;
 </a>
 The company offers electric trucks to customers across Europe, US, and 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19012">
 the UAE.
 </a>
 It also has approval to launch its autonomous trucks in countries including Sweden, 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11283">
 the US,
 </a>
 and 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13069">
 Germany.
 </a>
 &nbsp;
 
 
 Einride offers its products on a subscription-based delivery-as-a-service business model. The subscription includes the use of Einride's electric and autonomous trucks, access to its routing software, and maintenance services.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 Einride&rsquo;s customers using its electric trucking solutions include 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9350">
 A.P. Moller-Maersk
 </a>
 (US), Bridgestone (US), 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9350">
 Beyond Meat
 </a>
 (US), Lidl (Sweden), 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11100">
 Oatly
 </a>
 (Sweden and US), 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25917">
 Mars
 </a>
 (Europe), Heineken (Netherlands and Germany), 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15017">
 AB InBev
 </a>
 (Benelux region), PepsiCo snack food subsidiary 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17838">
 Walkers
 </a>
 (UK), 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18586">
 REWE
 </a>
 (Germany), and 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19409">
 PostNord
 </a>
 (Sweden and Norway). Its customers that use the autonomous version of its trucks include 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24002">
 GE Appliances
 </a>
 (US).&nbsp;
 
 
 Einride has truck purchase agreements with automakers including Mercedes-Benz (120 trucks for deployments in Europe; 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/sectors/commerce-and-hospitality/updates/7396">
 December 2021)
 </a>
 BYD (200 trucks for US deployments; 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/8645">
 February 2022)
 </a>
 , Scania (110 trucks for deployment in Europe; 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11190">
 May 2022),
 </a>
 DAF Trucks (50 electric trucks; 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18731">
 May 2023)
 </a>
 and Paccar (150 trucks, 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/29863">
 May 2024),
 </a>
 which would be retrofitted with Einride&rsquo;s autonomous/operating software.&nbsp;
 
 
 Key competitors: None comparable 
 (Einride is the only company in the Truck Industry Tech that offers battery-electric and autonomous trucking solutions.)
 
</div>

Einride

Kodiak Robotics develops Level-4 autonomous trucks (i.e., fully autonomous vehicles but limited to specific locations and/or conditions) powered by its autonomous technology “Kodiak Driver,” for long-haul transportation. Its approach to system engineering is unique and involves a ground-up approach without retrofitting systems from other autonomous vehicles. Its technology consists of 1) “SensorPods,” a sensor suite that uses cameras, LiDAR, and radars to perceive the environment; 2) “Kodiak Maps,” a flexible routing layer that offers information for autonomous driving; and 3) “Guardian,” its fault management system that runs safety and performance checks to ensure safe movements.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25348">January 2024</a>, the company unveiled its sixth-generation driverless semi-truck designed for scaled deployment on public roads. The company plans to make the technology available for users in two ways: 1) shippers can either request to integrate the sensor pods into their fleets and pay a subscription fee for Kodiak Driver or 2) partner with Kodiak Robotics to ship goods using Kodiak’s fleet of autonomous trucks for a subscription fee. The company launched commercial operations in 2019 and launched the Partner Deployment Program (PDP) to structure work with commercial partners in 2022. It operates in cities in states including Texas, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21110">Georgia,</a> Oklahoma, and Florida. The company also planned to expand operations <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/3402">to Asia-Pacific</a>, including South Korea and China (via a partnership with South Korean conglomerate SK Group; announced in May 2021).In terms of driverless operations, Kodiak Robotics had a fleet of 40 autonomous trucks in testing, with a driver following the route as of September 2023. The company intended to launch fully driverless tests in 2024 and commercial driverless operations by 2025.Key customers and partnershipsKodiak Robotics’ customers include <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/8991">Ceva Logistics,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9650">U.S. Xpress,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11864">10 Roads Express,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22474">Maersk,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13839">IKEA,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27196">Martin Brower,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13398">Werner Enterprises,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19644">Loadsmith,</a> Tyson Foods, C.R. England, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30953">Artur Express</a> and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31883">Atlas Energy Solutions</a>.The company also has partnerships to establish truckports and other related services to facilitate its operations. Such partnerships include 1) logistics and transportation firm Ryder Systems to establish a truckport in Houston, Texas <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25804">(January 2024);</a> 2) weigh station bypass solutions provider Drivewyze to pilot a motor vehicle inspection program for autonomous trucks in Texas <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/20326">(July 2023);</a> 3) Forward Air Corporation, an asset-light provider of transportation services, to operate 24/7 trucking services between routes in Dallas (Texas) and Atlanta (Georgia; March 2023); and 4) travel center operator Pilot Company to co-develop truck service stations across North America <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12559">(August 2022).</a>Its other product partners include semiconductor design company Ambarella to integrate Ambarella’s perception system-on-chip (SoC) (January 2023) and AI domain control SoC (January 2024) into Kodiak’s self-driving trucks.

Kodiak Robotics

Plus (formerly Plus.ai) develops automated and autonomous trucking solutions. Its product portfolio consists of 1) “PlusVision,” an AI-based perception software designed for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and higher levels of autonomous driving; 2) <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/29369">“PlusProtect,”</a> a scalable AI-based technology that allows global tier 1 automotive suppliers and OEMs to develop functionalities such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, traffic jam assist, predictive fuel optimization, etc.; 3) “PlusDrive,” for advanced Level 2++ supervised driving functions (i.e., vehicles can control the speed and the steering but require a safety driver to maintain full vigilance); 4) “SuperDrive,” a Level 4 autonomous driving software for driverless operations (i.e., fully autonomous vehicles limited to specific locations and/or conditions); and 5) <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26625">“Plus Open Platform for Autonomy,”</a> an initiative focused on providing a set of hardware and software tools that allow developers to create and integrate various autonomous driving solutions.As of May 2024, the company had customers in the US, Europe, and Australia. The company offers its technology as a subscription-based SaaS offering.Key customers and partnershipsOEMs that have integrated Plus’ technology include Nikola (to integrate PlusDrive into Nikola’s trucks; February 2023), TRATON Group (to integrate Scania, MAN, and Navistar trucks with SuperDrive to be sold directly to the OEMs’ customers; <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27515">March 2024),</a> and IVECO (to integrate IVECO’s heavy-duty truck with PlusDrive in April 2021; public road tests commenced in Germany <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19927">in July 2023)</a>. Its customers include Amazon, which ordered 1,000 self-driving truck systems (<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/3407">June 2021).</a> The company also has a partnership with Hyundai Motor Company to equip fuel-cell electric trucks with Plus SuperDrive (<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/29863">May 2024</a>).Plus’ key product partnerships include ones with 1) automotive technology company Luminar to integrate Luminar’s LiDAR solutions into PlusDrive <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19201">(June 2023);</a> 2) engineering and technology company Bosch to integrate PlusDrive with the Bosch integrated steering systems <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18177">(May 2023);</a> and 3) Transurban, a company managing urban toll road networks, to test Level 4 autonomous driving technology in Australia <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21220">(August 2023).</a>Its business in China was separated <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22722">in October 2023</a> following a deal with China-based digital freight platform operator Full Truck Alliance (FTA), which enabled Plus to operate and expand across other global markets while FTA was to operate its China business.

Plus

Gatik develops and operates a fleet of light and medium-duty trucks with Level-4 automation (i.e., fully autonomous vehicles limited to specific locations and/or conditions) for middle-mile delivery. Gatik operates as an autonomous delivery as a service (ADaaS) provider to its customers. The company has operations in Arkansas, Texas, and California in the US and Ontario in Canada. As of May 2024, Gatik had a fleet of more than 60 trucks and had completed more than 600,000 order deliveries.Key customers and partnershipsGatik’s customers include <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17132">Kroger</a> (US), <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/6505">Walmart</a> (US), <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12708">Pitney Bowes</a> (US), <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21574">Tyson Food</a> (US), <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10926">Georgia-Pacific, KBX</a> (US), and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13535">Loblaw’s PC Express</a> (Canada).Gatik’s product collaborations include those with 1) electric vehicle manufacturer Via Motors (introduced electric autonomous box trucks; February 2021); 2) Isuzu North America to mass-produce autonomous medium-duty delivery trucks (April 2021); 3) American multinational tire manufacturer Goodyear for tire intelligence technology (<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/5712">September 2021;</a> extended in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25347">January 2024</a>); 4) fleet management solutions provider Ryder System to retrofit its autonomous technology into Ryder’s trucks and obtain its maintenance facilities (<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/6070">October 2021);</a> 5) ChargePoint, an EV charging network to offer charging infrastructure and services for Gatik’s customers (<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9390">March 2022); </a>and 6) Isuzu Motors to co-design a redundant chassis for autonomous driving systems <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/29407">(May 2024).</a>Gatik also has secured strategic partnerships with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32844">Nippon Express Holdings</a>, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30366">ITOCHU Corporation</a> and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/29407">Isuzu Motors</a> under which it secured strategic investments.&nbsp;

Gatik

<div>
 
 Aurora Innovation (Aurora) is an autonomous vehicle technology startup providing autonomous vehicles under two divisions, namely &ldquo;Aurora Horizon&rdquo; (its autonomous trucking service) and &ldquo;Aurora Connect&rdquo; (its autonomous ride-hailing service). Both are powered by the company&rsquo;s self-driving technology &ldquo;Aurora Driver,&rdquo; which is equipped with a hardware kit that includes a computer, proprietary &ldquo;FirstLight Lidar,&rdquo; radar, and cameras, as well as a software platform that features perception, motion planning, mapping, and simulation systems to understand its environment.
 
 
 Aurora has operations in cities including the Bay Area (California), Bozeman (Montana), Dallas (Texas), Detroit (Michigan), Louisville (Colorado), Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), and Seattle (Washington). It launched its first commercial-ready truck route connecting Dallas and Houston, Texas in 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23374">
 November 2023.
 </a>
 However, Aurora laid off 3% of its workforce (about 53 employees) 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25865">
 in January 2024,
 </a>
 to boost the commercial launch efficiency of its autonomous trucking business.
 
 
 Aurora planned to provide the service to customers on a subscription-based delivery-as-a-service business model, charging a fee per mile. As of January 2024, the company intended to launch the service commercially in late 2024 and start mass producing trucks by 2027.
 
 
 Aurora&rsquo;s complementary acquisitions include Uber&rsquo;s self-driving car unit, Advanced Technologies Group (ATG; December 2020), to complement its autonomous technology development and LiDAR startups Blackmore (May 2019) and OURS Technology (February 2021) to expedite and complement its LiDAR development process.
 
 
 Aurora was listed on the Nasdaq in November 2021 by 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/4258">
 merging with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC),
 </a>
 valuing the combined entity at USD 13 billion. The company did not generate revenue in 2023 and reported an operating loss of USD 835 million for the year.&nbsp;
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 Aurora&rsquo;s partners to pilot its technology include logistics companies such as 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9619">
 Werner Enterprises,
 </a>
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18176">
 Hirschbach,
 </a>
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10521">
 FedEx,
 </a>
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30781">
 Uber Freight,
 </a>
 and 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11986">
 Schneider.
 </a>
 
 
 Its product partners include OEMs, such as Volvo (March 2021; a production-ready version unveiled 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/29593">
 in May 2024)
 </a>
 and PACCAR (January 2021) to jointly develop autonomous trucks, fleet service partner 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14317">
 Ryder
 </a>
 (November 2022), and hardware and service partner 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18085">
 Continental
 </a>
 (April 2023).
 
 
 
</div>

Aurora Innovation

Developers of autonomous light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks. Most companies outfit truck chassis with their technology. The majority of autonomous trucks available test at SAE Level 3 (i.e., require a driver present and ready to take control or remote assistance by an operator).

Providers of self-driving and safety-related hardware and software that provide features such as platooning, collision avoidance alerts, blind spot detection, automatic braking, automated manual transmissions, and eco-driving systems.

Developers of electric and hydrogen-powered trucks.

Apps and devices that show comprehensive routes and provide truck drivers with up-to-date gas prices, locations of nearby truck stops, bypass weigh stations, available parking, etc.

Apps that help shippers connect with carriers, optimize freight logistics, track shipment and driver hours, etc.

Companies in "safety and driving assist tools" and "autonomous trucks" use AI/ML for autonomous navigation

Companies operating in "Autonomous trucks" segment often provide autonomous mobility solutions

Autonomous trucking solutions fall under Industry 4.0

Electric and fuel cell trucks contribute to reduced carbon footprint of vehicle fleets

HaulPay

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