General Catalyst is a venture capital firm that provides early-stage and growth equity investments. The company provides ongoing momentum that accelerates ideas, careers, and companies toward standout success.

General Catalyst

Y Combinator is a startup accelerator that invests in a large number of startups twice a year. It created a new model for funding startups. Twice a year, the company invests a small amount of money ($150k) in a large number of startups. The startup accelerator works intensively with the companies for three months, to get them into the best possible shape and refine their pitch to investors. Each cycle culminates in Demo Day when the startups present their companies to a carefully selected, invite-only audience.

Y Combinator

Andreessen Horowitz is a venture capital firm specializing in investing in seed, start-ups, early, mid-stage, growth, and late-stage. It prefers to invest in the social media business and technology sector with a focus on software, back-end infrastructure, the infrastructure of the Internet, cloud computing, enterprise software and services, consumer, business Internet, mobile-Internet, consumer Internet, cloud computing, data storage, social network browsers data-storage, consumer electronics, networking functions, software related biology, biotech, and medicine companies at the intersection of computer science and life sciences with a focus on digital therapeutics, cloud technology in biology, and computational medicine.

Andreessen Horowitz

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

Khosla Ventures invests in companies that are bold, early, and impactful. The firm was started in 2004 by Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, to provide venture assistance to entrepreneurs. Khosla Ventures invests in a range of areas including AI, climate, sustainability, enterprise, consumer, fintech, digital health, medtech and diagnostics, therapeutics, and frontier technology.

Khosla Ventures

BMW i Ventures invests in cutting-edge solutions focusing on BMW’s current and future business in the technology and customer and service space. BMW i Ventures invests in high-performance companies and helps them execute quickly by delivering agile precision—ensuring real-world impact on hardware, software, sustainability across manufacturing, transportation, and services.

BMW i Ventures

Block, Inc. (NYSE: SQ) (formerly Square, Inc.) is a technology company with a focus on financial services. Made up of Square, Cash App, TIDAL, and TBD, we build tools to help more people access the economy.

Block, Inc.

Maniv Mobility is helping to expedite the new age of advanced transportation technology, including safety, business model innovation, and vehicle autonomy (''driverless cars''). They believe that in the 21st century, the public should not have to endure the daily tragedy of automotive fatalities, the frustration and productivity loss of traffic congestion, and the polluted air and public space that slow-moving and parked cars bring to their urban centers. In the last 20 years technology has made information and communication ubiquitous and close to free. In the next 20 it will do the same for mobility. They work with start-up companies, entrepreneurs, financiers and others to overcome the hurdles that will herald a grand new age.

Maniv Mobility

Cox Automotive is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, vAuto®, Xtime® and a host of other brands. The global company has 33,000 team members in more than 200 locations and is partner to more than 40,000 auto dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, while engaging U.S. consumer car buyers with the most recognized media brands in the industry. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues of $18 billion and approximately 60,000 employees. Cox Enterprises’ other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group.

Cox Automotive

Activate Capital is a growth equity partner to companies building smart, sustainable systems across the energy, transportation, and industrial technology markets. The firm aims to generate financial returns while contributing to this vision of the future by investing in entrepreneurial management teams in high growth companies using technology to make the world more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable. The partners have collectively invested over $1 billion across their target sectors, resulting in 30 successful exits through IPO and M&A.

Activate Capital Partners

BNP Paribas Private Equity brings together the third party private equity teams of BNP Paribas Investment Partners. As of September 2008, this activity has EUR 817 million of assets under management, spread out over five different types of vehicles: funds of funds and investment management mandates, innovation funds (FCPI), local investment funds (FIP ISF), unlisted small cap funds and feeder funds.  The asset management activities are supported by:  - A strategy and development arm dedicated to the creation of new activities both in and outside France using BNPP IP's global network.  - A comprehensive fund administration service.

BNP Paribas Private Equity

Mitsui & Co is a general trading company. Mitsui & Co's business area covers energy, machinery, chemicals, food, textile, logistics, finance, and more.  They will contribute to address diverse industrial needs, through procurement, supply and sales of iron and steel products and investment to processing and distribution businesses in Japan and abroad.  Through business development, investment and trading of mineral, metal resources and metals, they reinforce a stable supply of the resources and materials necessary for both industry and society. They are also active in metal recycling and other initiatives to develop industrial solutions to environmental issues.  They contribute to creating better lives through the long-term, reliable supply of social infrastructure such as electricity, gas, water,railways and other logistics infrastructure. They provide sales, financing, lease, transportation and logistics, and project investment in a wide range of machineries, including large-scale plants, marine resource development facilities,ships, and aerospace, motor vehicles, construction/mining machinery and industrial machinery.  Their chemicals business encompasses trade and investment in a range of industries, from upstream chemicals such as basic chemicals, fertilizer resources, through to downstream chemicals such as functional materials, electronics materials,fertilizers,aguricultural chemicals and specialty chemicals. They are also pursuing new initiatives such as green chemicals.  Through upstream development, logistics and trading of energy resources such as oil, natural gas/LNG ,coal and uranium, they contribute to the stable supply of energy vital to both industry and society. As part of efforts to achieve a low-carbon society, they are also actively involved in next-generation energy and environemental businesses.   Adapting to changes in consumption and lifestyles while meeting consumers’ diverse needs, they provide value-added products and services, develop businesses and make investments in the fields of food resources, food products, retail support business, medical and healthcare, fashion, forestry plantation resources, real estate-related business.  Through their ICT, Finance and Logistics business, they work on a diverse range of projects aimed at developing innovative business and expanding their business field. At the same time, they aim to strengthen their company-wide earnings base by pursuing strategic projects and new opportunities and providing specialized functions that contribute to the whole Mitsui & Co. group.  Trading in various commodities led by overseas trading subisidiaries of offices located in the Americas area. Trading in various commodites led by overseas trading subsidiaries or offices located in Europe, the Middle East and Africa area. Trading in various commodities led by overseas trading subsidiaries of offices located in the Asia Pacific area.

Mitsui & Co

DENSO is a supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components for major automakers. They are committed to making the world a better place through their world-first products and technologies.

Denso

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. is an automotive retailer. The Company is engaged in the sale of new and used motor vehicles and related products and services, including vehicle service, collision repair, and placement of finance and lease contracts, third-party insurance products and other aftermarket products. The Company operates dealerships under franchise agreements with a number of automotive manufacturers and distributors. The Company operates in two segments: Retail, consisting of its automotive retail operations and PAG Investments, consisting of its investments in non-automotive retail operations. The Retail reportable segment includes all automotive dealerships and all departments relevant to the operation of the dealerships and the retail automotive joint ventures. In March 2014, the Company acquired BMW of Greenwich located in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Penske Automotive Group

Sony Innovation Fund is the corporate venture capital arm of Sony that invests and engages in early-stage companies. Beyond investment, our mission is to provide resources such as access to the broader Sony world and its global network, as well as collaborate with startups to:  • Foster business creation in related lines of business and new areas of interest to Sony  • Catalyze a talented and passionate team  Sony innovation Fund was founded in 2016.

Sony Innovation Fund

Deutsche Bahn Digital Ventures (DBDV) is the corporate venture arm of Deutsche Bahn Group, Germany’s largest railway company and leading mobility provider. With funds of €100 million, DBDV intends to invest in startups with data-driven business models in the areas of Mobility, Logistics, Smart City, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. All within and beyond Deutsche Bahn’s core rail businesses. Investments will be sourced on a global basis, with emphasis on Europe, the United States and Israel. Funding is provided for startups from the Seed to Series C stage, with significant possibilities for follow-up funding. Alongside external investments, DBDV also is focused on promoting intrapreneurship inside the Deutsche Bahn Group and is working closely together with the group’s existing startup engagement platform Beyond1435 to leverage the acceleration of financed startups.

Deutsche Bahn Digital Ventures

Ally Ventures looks for opportunities to work with businesses that align with Ally's strategic objectives. We help them grow through investment, a commercial relationship and mentorship with access to a broad range of resources. We collaborate throughout the entire process to ensure a win-win for their business and ours. Our team also works with three accelerator programs — FinTech Innovation Lab, Plug and Play, and Queen City Fintech — to identify commercial opportunities and investments at earlier stages of development. Ally is a leading digital financial services company and a top 25 U.S. financial holding company offering financial products for consumers, businesses, automotive dealers and corporate clients. We have an award-winning online bank, rewarding credit and lending experiences and a growing wealth management and brokerage platform. Ally is one of the largest full service auto finance operations in the country with a complementary auto-focused insurance business. Our corporate finance division provides senior secured loans to private equity-owned, U.S.-based middle market companies. For nearly 100 years, we've been committed to creating innovative experiences that make life easier, products that are never status quo and diverse thinking that inspires new ideas. Our headquarters are in Detroit, MI and have additional locations across the US.

Ally Ventures

ERGO, a subsidiary of Munich Re, is one of the major insurance groups in Germany and the rest of Europe. Worldwide, ERGO has branches in over 30 countries with a focus on Europe and Asia. Within the ERGO Group of companies, three entities (ERGO Deutschland, ERGO International, and ERGO Digital Ventures) manage domestic and international business, as well as direct and digital business. ERGO Digital Ventures is responsible for all of ERGO Group’s digital and direct activities. It is focused on digital transformation of traditional business in Germany and around the world, as well as the development of new digital business models and the integration of ERGO into new ecosystems.

Munich Re/ERGO Corporate Venture Fund

LG Technology Ventures was established in 2018 and is the venture capital investment arm of the LG Group of South Korea. The LG Technology Ventures team consists of experienced investors, entrepreneurs, technologists, and industry domain experts. Currently, LG Technology Ventures is managing over $400 million of fund assets and invests in early-stage information technology, automotive, manufacturing, life sciences, energy, and advanced materials companies. They strive to create value for their portfolio companies by helping them develop strategic partnerships with various LG Companies.

LG Technology Ventures

DENSO is a global automotive supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components, heading toward an automotive society where cars put less drag on the environment and drivers have fewer worries about traffic accidents.

DENSO International America

R136 Ventures is a multi-stage venture capital firm based in Woodside, California, primarily focused on enterprise SaaS, financial technology, data & analytics, cloud, artificial intelligence, machine learning, workflow automation and b2b marketplaces in the United States and Israel.

R136 Ventures

Solasta Ventures is investing in healthcare and life sciences for a brighter future.

Solasta Ventures

Ridecell

Ridecell Inc. is the way in the digital transformation of fleet businesses and operations. Our Fleet IoT (Internet of Things) Automation solutions modernize and monetize fleets by combining data insights with digital vehicle control to turn today’s manual processes into automated workflows. The result is unmatched levels of efficiency and control for shared services, motorpools, rental, and logistic fleets. Today Ridecell powers some of the most successful fleet businesses in cities across Europe and North America, including Ferrovial, Groupe Renault, Gig Car Share from AAA, and Toyota Sweden. Ridecell is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Madrid, Paris, Berlin, and Pune India.

Ridecell develops an internet of things (IoT)-driven automation and mobility platform for fleets. Its cloud-based data platform, launched in April 2021, integrates data from sensors and multiple IT systems to digitize fleet management. Ridecell’s Fleet Transformation Cloud Platform provides a data pipeline and APIs to connect existing IT, fleet management, and connected vehicle systems, which enables turning data insights into triggers for workflow automations. The platform combined with pre-integrated partner solutions enables fleet operators to manage fleet data, automate workflows, digital vehicle control, vehicle access, repairs, and scheduling.

Autonomous and connected technologies shaping the future of the auto industry

Auto Tech

Ridecell is a global fleet automation and mobility solutions provider. The company offers a fleet automation and mobility platform that modernizes and monetizes fleets by combining data insights with digital vehicle control, transforming manual processes into automated workflows. Ridecell's platform enables seamless user experiences, providing customers with flexibility in services, daily operations, and structural needs. It offers decentralized and convenient booking systems, allowing employees to use vehicles without relying on fleet managers. The platform also automates fleet operations, providing insights to ensure optimal fleet condition and tools for achieving sustainability and compliance goals.

Arval and Ridecell Sign Strategic Partnership to Deploy Next-Generation Shared Mobility Solutions Offering Customers Seamless and Global Mobility Coverage

Automated Vehicle Fleet Management Operations and Logistics

Simplify fleet operations. Maximize utilization. I Ridecell

Digging Into the Numbers: Research Reveals the Connected Future of Fleets

Ridecell Named Frost & Sullivan Company of the Year

Riding together toward a sustainable future

Shared Mobility

Ridecell Introduces Fleet Transformation Cloud™ to Accelerate Digital Transformation of Fleet-based Businesses

<div>
 
 Ridecell develops an internet of things (IoT)-driven automation and mobility platform for fleets. Its cloud-based data platform, launched in April 2021, integrates data from sensors and multiple IT systems to digitize fleet management. Ridecell&rsquo;s Fleet Transformation Cloud Platform provides a data pipeline and APIs to connect existing IT, fleet management, and connected vehicle systems, which enables turning data insights into triggers for workflow automations. The platform combined with pre-integrated partner solutions enables fleet operators to manage fleet data, automate workflows, digital vehicle control, vehicle access, repairs, and scheduling.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Ridecells portfolio of fleet automation solutions include 1) Operations 360, to automate fleet operations and life cycle management for every phase of the vehicle&rsquo;s life cycle using real-time data; 2) Sustainability, an offering with a sustainability focus (e.g., automatic idle reduction, driver optimization); and 3) Shared; 4) Rental; and 5) Fleet share solutions to cater to different operational models. The company pitches the product toward logistics, rental, motor pool, and shared fleets.
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 As of March 2022, the company&rsquo;s platform was used in fleets in European and North American cities, and its customers include Ferrovial, Groupe Renault, GIG Car Share (powered by AAA NCNU), KINTO by Toyota Sweden, Arval Car Sharing, and Thrifty Car &amp; Van Rental.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Ridecell also leverages partnerships with various service providers such as telematics, keyless entry and immobilizers, diagnostics, monetization, insurance, marketing, and cloud platforms to enable fleet automation integrations. The company&rsquo;s integration partners include Amazon Web Services, Denso, Checkr, Geotab, Salesforce, Hella, Sisense, Stripe, Continental and Jumio.
 
 
 
</div>

Ridecell develops an internet of things (IoT)-driven automation and mobility platform for fleets. Its cloud-based data platform, launched in April 2021, integrates data from sensors and multiple IT systems to digitize fleet management. Ridecell’s Fleet Transformation Cloud Platform provides a data pipeline and APIs to connect existing IT, fleet management, and connected vehicle systems, which enables turning data insights into triggers for workflow automations. The platform combined with pre-integrated partner solutions enables fleet operators to manage fleet data, automate workflows, digital vehicle control, vehicle access, repairs, and scheduling. Ridecells portfolio of fleet automation solutions include 1) Operations 360, to automate fleet operations and life cycle management for every phase of the vehicle’s life cycle using real-time data; 2) Sustainability, an offering with a sustainability focus (e.g., automatic idle reduction, driver optimization); and 3) Shared; 4) Rental; and 5) Fleet share solutions to cater to different operational models. The company pitches the product toward logistics, rental, motor pool, and shared fleets. Key customers and partnershipsAs of March 2022, the company’s platform was used in fleets in European and North American cities, and its customers include Ferrovial, Groupe Renault, GIG Car Share (powered by AAA NCNU), KINTO by Toyota Sweden, Arval Car Sharing, and Thrifty Car &amp; Van Rental. Ridecell also leverages partnerships with various service providers such as telematics, keyless entry and immobilizers, diagnostics, monetization, insurance, marketing, and cloud platforms to enable fleet automation integrations. The company’s integration partners include Amazon Web Services, Denso, Checkr, Geotab, Salesforce, Hella, Sisense, Stripe, Continental and Jumio.

<div>
 
 Aeva develops next-generation sensing and perception systems including 4D LiDAR-on-chip for autonomous vehicles and robotics. Its LiDAR sensors dubbed &ldquo;Aeries II&rdquo; are equipped with unique frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) 4D technology for high sensing capabilities and use a continuous laser. It can sense objects 500 meters away over a field of view (FoV) of 120 x 30 degrees. Aries II is powered by the company&rsquo;s proprietary 4D Perception software. Aeries II is reportedly the world&rsquo;s first LiDAR-on-chip silicon photonics design.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 The company launched Aeva Atlas, an automotive-grade 4D LiDAR sensor, 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25293">
 in January 2024.
 </a>
 It can sense objects 500 meters away over a field of FoV of 120 x 30 degrees. The company claims that Atlas is the first automotive-grade 4D LiDAR sensor for mass production in automotive applications. Atlas is powered by Aeva&rsquo;s proprietary Digital Signal Processing Software. The company claims the unit is 70% smaller and 4x more energy-efficient than the company&rsquo;s previous lidar solutions.
 
 
 
 
 Aeva sources product components from third-party vendors and assembles the final product in its assembly facility in San Francisco, California. However, since September 2021, the company has gradually shifted to a manufacturing model that solely relies on local and foreign third-party suppliers for both manufacturing and assembly. The company began shipping its LiDAR systems to strategic customers in mid-2022 and reported shipping 40+ units to customers by 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17245">
 December 2022
 </a>
 .
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 The company has entered into product collaborations with partners including automotive component manufacturers ZF Group (September 2020), Denso (January 2021), and Fabrinet (November 2021) to develop LiDAR systems for vehicles and Nikon to develop sensors for robotic factory production lines (August 2021).&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Avea has high-volume production deals with autonomous shuttle services provider May Mobility 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23631">
 (November 2023)
 </a>
 and an unnamed global automotive OEM 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25168">
 (January 2024).
 </a>
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 Aeva generated revenue of USD 4.3 million and reported a non-GAAP operating loss of USD 124.1 million in the year ended December 2023. The company has been listed on NYSE since March 2021, via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), which valued the combined entity at USD 2.1 billion (November 2020).
 
 
 
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23632">
 In November 2023,
 </a>
 the company raised USD 145 million via a combined private investment and preferred facility deal from existing long-term stockholders. The company intended to utilize the funds to enhance its standing with OEMs, and improve its ability to support various high-volume production programs, potentially increasing its prospects for securing additional contracts.
 
 
 
</div>

Aeva

<div>
 
 Israel-based Innoviz Technologies develops LiDAR sensors and perception software specifically catering to autonomous vehicles. Its LiDAR product portfolio includes 1) &ldquo;InnovizOne,&rdquo; a solid-state LiDAR sensor specifically designed for autonomous vehicles with a detection range of up to 250 m and field of view (FoV) of 115 x 25 degrees; 2) &ldquo;InnovizTwo,&rdquo; a next-gen automotive-grade LiDAR sensor with a detection range of up to 300 m and FoV of 120 x 40 degrees; and 3) &ldquo;Innoviz360,&rdquo; a 360-degree LiDAR sensor with a detection range up to 300 m and pitched toward automotive and non-automotive applications.&nbsp;
 
 
 The company&rsquo;s target market spans across the US, Europe, and Asia, and it had an order book worth USD 6.9 billion 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14444">
 as of September 2022.
 </a>
 As of February 2024, Innoviz Technologies had 18 of Innoviz&rsquo;s products protected by US patents.&nbsp;
 
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26155">
 In January 2024,
 </a>
 Innoviz released a strategic realignment plan for its operations from Q1 2024, which included a reduction of its workforce by ~13% (about 60 employees) to lower expenses and enhance its financial longevity. This was to mainly consolidate expenditures by transitioning the InnovizOne program to series production and focusing on the InnovizTwo sensor and software suite.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 Innoviz Technologies has entered product collaborations with partners including Curium, a developer of automated calibration services for autonomous systems (August 2021); Ansys, a provider of simulation software (January 2022); Visionary.ai, a developer of software-based image signal processor technology (June 2022); and Japan-based software company Kudan 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14117">
 (October 2022)
 </a>
 and Mobileye (as of February 2024) to obtain technology to be integrated with its LiDAR solutions.
 
 
 The company secured 15 pre-production orders and four series production customers as of September 2023. Its customers include Twinner, Whale Dynamics, Syracuse, BMW, 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12378">
 Volkswagen,
 </a>
 and Delphi Automotive&mdash;of which BMW and Volkswagen were among the series production customers.&nbsp;
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 Innoviz Technologies generated revenue of USD 20.9 million and reported an operating loss of USD 132.6 million during the year ended December 2023. The company has been listed on the Nasdaq since April 2021 via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), which valued the combined entity at USD 1.4 billion (December 2020).
 
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/20883">
 In August 2023,
 </a>
 Innoviz Technologies announced plans for a public offering to issue USD 60 million of its ordinary shares to underwriters so they can purchase up to an additional USD 9 million of ordinary shares. The company planned to use the funds raised for general corporate purposes.
 
</div>

Innoviz Technologies

<div>
 
 AEye develops artificial intelligence (AI)-powered LiDAR for various applications, including vehicle autonomy, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and robotic vision. The company&rsquo;s products include &ldquo;4SIGHT,&rdquo; a software-defined, solid-state LiDAR sensor for automotive applications. The company claims that 4SIGHT offers the industry&rsquo;s longest detection range with the ability to identify small obstacles at over 300m and a 128 degree horizontal field of view (FoV). 4SIGHT uses adaptive LiDAR sensors as opposed to traditional sensors that passively collect data. AEye&rsquo;s next gen product 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24047">
 &ldquo;4IGHT Flex,&rdquo;
 </a>
 is an ultra-compact, high-performance LiDAR for in-cabin autonomy and safety features. It comes with a 120 x 30-degree FoV, high resolution, and a detection range of up to 275 meters. The company 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14502">
 launched a new 4Sight product line
 </a>
 in November 2022, which it claims was built on a high-performance adaptive LiDAR platform. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates?industryIds=70">
 March 2024
 </a>
 , AEye announced the launch of Apollo, the first product in the 4Sight Flex Lidar series. As of July 2023, AEye held 120 patents for its technology solutions.
 
 
 
 
 The company&rsquo;s business model also involves licensing software sensing platforms to automotive partners and outright sale of software-configured hardware products in partnership with system integrators in industrial markets.
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 The company began has been producing and supplying its sensors since late 2021, in partnership with electronic solutions provider LITEON Technology Corporation 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/29284">
 (May 2024),
 </a>
 electronics manufacturer Sanmina Corporation (July 2021), German automotive parts manufacturer Continental (October 2020), simulation software provider Ansys (January 2020), and other system integrators. Its customers include Nvidia (July 2020), Continental (August 2021), and autonomous trucking company TuSimple (July 2021).
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 AEye generated revenue of USD 1.5 million and reported an operating loss of USD 87.8 million during the year ended December 2023. The company has been listed on Nasdaq since August 2021, via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), which valued the combined entity at USD 1.52 billion (May 2021).
 
 
 
</div>

AEye

LeddarTech is a Canadian company offering environmental sensing and perception solutions for advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving solutions. The company’s main product offering “LeddarVision,” includes four scalable raw-data sensor fusion and perception platforms for Level 2/2+ ADAS applications (i.e., Level 2 refers to vehicles that can control both the speed and the steering, but the driver must maintain full vigilance). LeddarTech also offered LiDAR hardware components for LiDAR manufacturers, system integrators, and Tier 1–2 suppliers. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14304">in November 2022,</a> the company announced plans to move away from its LiDAR hardware component business and focus on software development going forward. As of February 2024, LedderTech had 150+ patents (granted or applied).&nbsp;LeddarTech acquired VayaVision (sensor fusion and perception software company) in July 2020 and Phantom Intelligence (signal processing and LiDAR technology company) in September 2020 to complement its operations.&nbsp;LeddarTech became a publicly traded company via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25036">December 2023.</a> The company generated revenue of USD 7.4 million and an operating loss of USD 52.5 million in 2023.Key customers and partnershipsThe company has partnerships with technology companies such as&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27813">Renesas Electronics,</a> STMicroelectronics, Flex, dSPACE, Ningbo Sunny Optical, Black Sesame Technologies,&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27574">Arm Technologies,</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/29173">Immervision</a> for the joint development and delivery of LiDAR solutions.

LeddarTech

<div>
 
 Seyond (formerly known as Innovusion) offers image-quality long-range LiDAR solutions for the automotive and other industries. Its product portfolio includes 1) &ldquo;Falcon,&rdquo; a LiDAR sensor specifically designed for the automotive industry, with a detection range of up to 500 meters and field of view (FoV) of 120 x 25 degrees; 2) &ldquo;OmniVidi,&rdquo; a perception service software platform, powered by a proprietary single-laser Forward SightNet and multi-laser fusion perception lightweight model; and 3) &ldquo;Robin,&rdquo; a short- to medium-range LiDAR sensor, with a detection range of up to 250 meters and FoV of 120 x 24 degrees.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 The company, headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, also has operations in China and Germany. As of November 2023, the company had an annual production capacity exceeding 300,000 units at its facility in China, and had plans to commence mass production by December 2023. In November 2023, the company reported delivering 200,000 automotive-grade LiDAR to customers.
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 
 
 Seyond primarily targets China and has entered several partnerships in the region. This includes a strategic partnership with Chinese EV maker NIO to supply LiDAR sensors for NIO&rsquo;s vehicles and a partnership with Chinese self-driving tech startup Mogo Auto (January 2022) to promote the adoption and commercial use of LiDAR for autonomous vehicles. The company reportedly delivered 56,000 LiDAR sensors to NIO in 2022.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Meanwhile, the company also has a partnership with Joynext, the smart vehicle arm of Chinese auto component manufacturer, Joyson Electronics, for mass production of LiDAR sensors. It also entered a product partnership with 3D spatial intelligence software solutions specialist Outsight 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24507">
 in November 2023
 </a>
 to combine Outsight's software technology with Seyond's products for enhanced 3D perception capabilities.
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 In January 2022, Seyond raised USD 118 million in a Series C funding round led by Hermitage Capital at a pre-money valuation of USD 1.1 billion. The company intended to use the funds to enhance production capabilities, expand global reach, increase headcount, and for further research and development (R&amp;D).
 
 
 
</div>

Seyond

Companies developing LiDAR and other sensors for autonomous passenger vehicles and to improve driver safety

Providers of software such as collision avoidance alerts, blind spot detection, automatic braking, and other advanced driver assistance systems

Companies developing self-driving technology for autonomous passenger vehicles including cars, buses, and shuttles

Companies providing software solutions for managing devices, and integrating external and internal systems for vehicles using internet connectivity

Companies offering vehicle data capturing, analyzing, tracking, and mapping solutions

Companies providing in-vehicle infotainment products such as audio equipment and other electronic systems

Companies providing cybersecurity solutions for IoT-enabled vehicle devices

Connected vehicles and related services like infotainment and cybersecurity use IoT applications

Some companies use AI/ML tech for autonomous navigation

Autonomous vehicles facilitate efficient and greener transportation, contributing to creating smart cities

Automotive companies utilize GenAI solutions to enhance in-vehicle user experiences—mainly conversational AI technologies

Autonomous cars promote sustainable operations

Ridecell is a global fleet automation and mobility solutions provider. The company offers a fleet automation and mobility platform that modernizes and monetizes fleets by combining data insights with digital vehicle control, transforming manual processes into automated workflows. Ridecell's platform enables seamless user experiences, providing customers with flexibility in services, daily operations, and structural needs. It offers decentralized and convenient booking systems, allowing employees to use vehicles without relying on fleet managers. The platform also automates fleet operations, providing insights to ensure optimal fleet condition and tools for achieving sustainability and compliance goals.
In January 2022, Ridecell partnered with Arval, a European leader in full-service leasing and new mobility solutions, to accelerate the development of end-to-end mobility solutions. Through this partnership, Ridecell's platform powers Arval's car-sharing platform, offering coverage across Europe with plans to expand globally, growing the car-sharing fleet by 50% annually.

<div>
 
 Lyft is a technology company that provides an on-demand ride-hailing platform connecting passengers with drivers. The company operates a mobile app that allows users to request rides from nearby drivers using their personal vehicles. Lyft's primary offering is private rides, enabling passengers to book individual trips for transportation. In addition to rides, the company expanded into food and package delivery services in recent years.
 
 
 
 
 Lyft's business model relies on leveraging its network of independent contractor drivers who utilize the platform to accept ride requests. The company charges a commission on each completed trip, with the remaining fare going to the driver. Lyft has implemented various features within its app to streamline the ride experience, such as upfront pricing for passengers and in-app tipping for drivers.
 
 
 
 
 Lyft's technology facilitates the ride-hailing process by matching nearby available drivers with passenger requests, optimizing for factors like proximity and demand. The app leverages GPS tracking to provide real-time updates on driver locations and estimated arrival times. Passengers can rate drivers after each trip, contributing to the platform's safety measures.
 
 
 
 
 In terms of market presence, Lyft operates primarily in the US and Canada. As of March 2024, the company held a 24% market share in the US rideshare industry, trailing behind its larger competitor, Uber. Lyft's observed sales saw a 3% year-over-year increase in March 2024, though they have yet to surpass pre-pandemic levels.
 
 
 
</div>

Lyft

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 Swvl is a global technology provider offering enterprise and government mobility solutions. The company's platform serves as an alternative to public transportation, enabling individuals who cannot access or afford private options to conveniently book rides on private buses and vans through a proprietary app. Swvl's parallel mass transit systems empower users to commute safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally friendly manner, with varied payment options available.
 
 
 
 
 As of July 2024, Swvl secured a significant 5-year contract worth up to USD 6.3 million with e&amp; Egypt, a leading telecom operator in the country. This partnership reinforces Swvl's presence in the Egyptian market and solidifies its position as a frontrunner in the mobility industry. Additionally, Swvl acquired Volt Lines in March 2024, marking its fourth acquisition since August 2023, following the acquisitions of Door2door, ViaPool, and Shotl in previous months.
 
 
 
 
 In May 2022, Swvl announced plans to reduce its headcount by 32%, focusing on roles that had been automated through investments in engineering, product development, and support functions. This restructuring effort aimed to achieve cash flow positivity by 2023. Swvl made its debut on the Nasdaq Stock Market on April 1, 2022, after merging with the blank-check company Queen's Gambit Growth Capital.
 
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SWVL

Lime is a micromobility company offering shared electric bikes and scooters for short-term rentals in over 280 cities across nearly 30 countries. The company has been at the forefront of the micromobility revolution, providing a sustainable and emission-free transportation alternative for short-distance travel within urban areas. Its proprietary electric vehicles are designed and built in-house, ensuring longevity, safety, and operational efficiency.
In the first half of 2023, Lime reported gross bookings of USD 250 million, a 45% increase compared to the same period in 2022. The company achieved an adjusted EBITDA profitability of USD 27 million and an unadjusted profitability of USD 20.6 million during this period, reflecting a 45% margin improvement over the previous year. With its improved vehicle lifespans averaging five years and reduced operational costs, Lime has successfully optimized its unit economics.
Lime's strategic acquisition of Uber's Jump bikes and scooters in May 2020 solidified its position as the largest micromobility company globally. This move not only expanded Lime's operational reach but also provided a financial lifeline during the Covid-19 pandemic, enabling the company to weather the crisis and emerge stronger.

Lime

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 Getaround is a peer-to-peer car sharing platform that connects car owners with individuals seeking rental vehicles. It operates a digital marketplace where owners can list their personal vehicles for rent on an hourly or daily basis. Renters have the convenience of accessing nearby cars through Getaround's mobile app, unlocking the vehicle using their smartphone without the need for a key exchange.
 
 
 
 
 Getaround's innovative technology includes the patented Getaround Connect device installed in listed cars. This device allows for contactless access, enabling renters to unlock the car directly from the app. It also provides insights into the vehicle's location, trip details, fuel levels, and security. The company's business model does not involve purchasing or maintaining a dedicated fleet of rental cars.
 
 
 
 
 Getaround allows car owners to monetize their underutilized personal vehicles, earning hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month by renting them out when not in use. The platform offers a diverse range of vehicle types, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, and specialty cars like Teslas. Rental costs can vary widely, starting from as low as USD five per hour for basic models to over USD 400 per day for luxury vehicles.
 
 
 
 
 Getaround provides comprehensive insurance coverage for both owners and renters during active trips. While the company takes a 40% commission from rental revenue, it handles various operational aspects, such as identity verification, damage protection, and customer support.
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 
 
 
 In March 2023, Getaround announced an expanded partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish over 100 dedicated car share locations across the city. This initiative aims to enhance mobility options, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainability by encouraging car sharing, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.
 
 
 
 
 Getaround has also collaborated with the City of Las Vegas, introducing dedicated parking spaces for its shared vehicles near transit hubs, downtown areas, and the Las Vegas Strip. Such partnerships with municipal authorities demonstrate the company's efforts to integrate seamlessly into urban transportation ecosystems.
 
 
 
 
 Additionally, Getaround offers a &quot;Drive with Uber&quot; program in select cities like Boston, San Francisco, and Atlanta. This partnership allows individuals without personal vehicles to book eligible cars from Getaround's platform and use them for rideshare services like Uber, providing a supplemental income opportunity.
 
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Getaround

Bird is a micromobility company that operates shared electric scooter and bicycle services across cities worldwide. Its core offering involves deploying fleets of e-scooters and e-bikes that customers can rent through a mobile app for short urban trips as an alternative to driving or public transit. Bird's scooters are equipped with electric motors and can be unlocked and paid for via the company's app.
In its early years, Bird rapidly expanded into hundreds of cities by leveraging a dockless model where scooters could be parked anywhere. However, the company faced challenges with unit economics, as the relatively inexpensive scooter models had short lifespans and were prone to damage from heavy usage. Bird later transitioned to a model utilizing more durable, purpose-built scooters designed for longer lifecycles.
Despite being a pioneer in the shared micromobility space, Bird consistently struggled with profitability. In November 2022, the company admitted overstating its shared scooter revenue for at least two years due to improperly recording uncollected balances, requiring restatements of its 2020 and 2021 financials. Bird's cash crunch ultimately led to layoffs, market exits, and a bankruptcy filing in December 2023 to facilitate a sale of its US assets while its Canadian and European operations continued normally.
Prior to its bankruptcy, Bird reported having facilitated over 300 million trips globally as of December 2023, offsetting an estimated 90 million pounds of carbon emissions. In September 2022, Bird acquired rival Spin for USD 19 million, collectively operating across 350 cities at that time.

Bird

Short-term car rental platforms, often in the form of a marketplace, that allow users to rent a car by the hour, on-demand.

Platforms that facilitate carpooling on-demand, allowing drivers and passengers to organize shared rides with one another. Also includes those that offer pre-arranged car pooling services but excludes van and bus sharing services.

Platforms that connect passengers with personal drivers on-demand, for dedicated rides.

Platforms that gives commuters access to transportation options such as bikes, scooters, segways, etc. that are designed for short distances, typically under 5 miles. The segment includes bike and scooter sharing services excluding hailing services.

Platforms that offer multi-passenger/pooled shuttle buses or vans on-demand or a fixed schedule, including van and bus sharing

Solutions such as ride and car sharing promote efficient use of resources

Technological innovations into urban mobility systems such as micromobility

IoT provides apps with real-time information to facilitate ride hailing and other shared transport methods

Ridecell

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