Lärarnas Riksförbund (The National Union of Teachers) is a trade union in Sweden for teachers, advisors, and vocational guidance offi­cers. Lärarnas Riksförbund is a dedicated professional association of teachers, study advisors, and vocational guidance officers.

The National Union of Teachers (Sweden)

EQT Ventures is a European VC fund with just over €2.3 billion in total capital raised. EQT Ventures I launched in May 2016, with commitments totaling €566 million and a simple mission - to be the kind of VC the team would have liked to have had on their own startup journeys. Recognizing that building and growing a company takes more than just capital, the EQT Ventures team provides founders with support and advice throughout different stages of growth. EQT Ventures doesn't focus on particular markets or industries, but on bold and ambitious founders who have the grit and determination to build global success stories. EQT Ventures II launched in November 2019, with commitments totaling €660 million. EQT Ventures III launched in 2022, with commitments totaling €1.1 billion, making it the biggest European Venture Capital fund committed to early-stage tech startups. The EQT Ventures team is based across six offices in London, Stockholm, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Paris, and San Francisco, taking a locals-with-locals approach and supporting founders on the ground. Motherbrain, EQT Ventures'  in-house-developed artificial intelligence (AI) platform, ensures the team has a data-driven approach and has driven more than $100 million in portfolio company investments.

EQT Ventures

NordicNinja is searching for #1 teams in the world who are based in the New Nordics. The Article 8 classified fund focuses on scaling companies from Northern Europe that promote environmental and social characteristics, from self-driving electric trucks to AI-driven identity verification; from brain scan analytics predicting Alzheimer’s to mixed reality headsets training astronauts for their Mars mission; from seamless urban mobility to end-to-end transparency of sensitive supply chains. The founder and operator-led team fulfils the Japanese desire towards opportunities within sustainability and the digital society by investing in the future we want to live in.

NordicNinja VC

Plug and Play is a seed and early-stage investor focused on great teams leading emerging growth companies.  Plug and Play runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs twice a year, that acts as a platform for major corporations and high quality startups to connect and collaborate.  Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Plug and Play participates in Seed, Angel and Series A funding where they often co-invest with their strategic partners. Through years of experience and as part of their network, Plug and Play has put together a world-class network of serial entrepreneurs, strategic investors, and industry leaders who actively assist the firm with its successful and growing investment portfolio.  SEED ROUND. Plug and Play participates in seed round investing through a program called Startup Camp. Startup Camp is a 10-week program based in Silicon Valley for top-notch entrepreneurs to work intensively on building out their business model. Select startups will refine their business models and prototypes with help from a combination of structured workshops, speaker series and mentorship sessions, as well as active coaching from their investment team. At the culmination of Startup Camp, founders will have crystalized their business plans and pitched their company to the venture capital community at EXPO Demo Day.''  ANGEL ROUND Plug and Play makes angel round investments throughout the year, sourced from their monthly Plug and Play Angels (PAPA) sessions. They are partnered with local angel investors in Silicon Valley who participate in PAPA to find the most promising startups and best new technologies.  SERIES A. Series A typical Series A round is in the range of $2 million to $10 million, and is intended to provide operating capital for the company for six months to two years. This round capitalizes the company as it develops its products, performs initial marketing and branding, acquires talent, and conducts other early-stage business operations. It is in this stage that Plug and Play will co-invest with over 180 venture capital partners.  Plug and Play has helped grow market leaders such as PayPal, Danger, Google, DropBox, LendingClub, Zoosk, SoundHound, CreditSesame, Skytree, and has over 400 more early-stage startups in its portfolio.

Plug and Play

Norrsken VC is a Stockholm-based impact VC fund investing in start-ups solving the world's biggest problems while building massive businesses

Norrsken VC

Plum Alley is a venture firm investing in early stage, high growth technology and healthcare companies with at least one woman founder from the STEM fields. Plum Alley invests in advanced technologies and medical breakthroughs, disrupting huge markets and driving exponential value for people, the planet, markets, and the economy. The firm invests both via the Plum Alley Venture Fund I LP as well as through Plum Alley Syndicates. As of April 30th, 2021, Plum Alley has invested over $35M across 24 companies.

Plum Alley

Ericsson Ventures is a venture capital and private equity firm that invests in innovative companies. It specializes in the fields of finance, financial services, and venture capital It was founded in 1876 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

Ericsson Ventures

BUILD Capital Partners is a private equity firm that assets under management across a variety of alternative asset classes. Through its four complementary divisions, they able to create positive outcomes across a wide variety of asset classes, company sizes, geographic regions, and social impact initiatives. They seek investments that focused on BUILDing companies, communities, people, wealth, and impact. The firm takes an active or semi-active role in each investment to influence and protect outcomes.  BUILD Capital Partners was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.

BUILD Capital Partners

Northzone is a multi-stage venture capital fund that seeks to invest in the healthcare, semiconductors, software, hardware, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and gaming industries.

Northzone

Temasek Holdings is a lender provider. The company offers debt financing and focuses on transforming economies, increasing middle-income populations, developing comparative advantages, and emerging champions. Financial services, transportation, industrial, consumer, real estate, telecommunications, media, technology, and life sciences are among the industries served by the firm.

Temasek Holdings

Soros Fund Management is a privately owned hedge fund sponsor. The firm invests in the public equity and fixed income markets across the globe. It also invests in foreign exchange and currency markets, commodity markets, and futures trading. Soros Fund Management was founded in 1969 and is based in New York, New York.

Soros Fund Management

Ericsson specializes in information and communications technology services. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband, and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises, and the media industry. The company's products include telephones, switches, mobile systems, semiconductors, and other products.

Ericsson

Maersk Growth, the partner for external innovation of Maersk, is a corporate venture capital fund that invests in startups and new technologies to decarbonize transportation and shipping. The firm was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Maersk Growth

Wolfswood Partners is a hedge fund company invested in technology and health care.

Wolfswood Partners

AMF is a Swedish pension company that assists customers in asset management geared towards retirement. The company provides low-cost, profit returning pension programs for its customers in addition to traditional investment advice.

Nineyards Equity invests in entrepreneurs and game-changing companies looking to scale, and we support them the whole nine yards.

Nineyards Equity

Polar Structure is a long-term partner in sustainable infrastructure-related investments in the Nordic region.

Polar Structure

Einride

Einride is a freight technology company providing digital, electric, and autonomous shipping. It was founded in 2016 and became the world’s first company to operate an autonomous, electric freight vehicle on a public road in 2019. Einride´s award-winning technology and products enable users to execute on electrification and automation, order and track shipments, oversee routes and assignments, visualize data and gain insights.

Einride is a Swedish startup developing technology for both autonomous and electric trucks. Its product portfolio includes the freight-hauling autonomous Class 8 trucks “Pods,” electrified commercial mobility solutions “E-trucks,” electric semi-trailer <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10558">“Einride Trailer,” </a>its operating system “Saga”—an IoT-based system that runs through Einride’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">“Einride Extend”; </a>and charging stations called <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14209">“Einride Stations.” </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.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

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

Truck Industry Tech

Einride is a Swedish electric and autonomous (E&amp;A) commercial vehicle developer. The company’s flagship E&amp;A model “Pod” is the first to receive permission to operate on public roads in selected Swedish locations (in 2019). The company’s product portfolio also includes “E-trucks,” electric semi-trailer “Einride Trailer,” its operating system “Saga”—an IoT-based system that runs through Einride’s vehicles (also offered to third parties), and charging stations known as “Einride Stations.”

Electrifying passenger and commercial travel

EV Economy

Einride partners with PepsiCo to electrify U.S. Frito-Lay food routes

PepsiCo

To deploy electric trucks for Frito-Lay food distribution in Memphis, Tennessee.

Developers of electric and hydrogen-powered trucks.

Frito Lay

to deploy electric trucks for Frito-Lay food distribution in Memphis, Tennessee

PACCAR

Ordered 150 Peterbilt Model 579 electric trucks from Paccar, a manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. This is the largest Peterbilt electric truck order to date.

Hui-Gene Therapeutics

Entered a collaboration to license HuidaGene's high-fidelity Cas12 CRISPR nuclease (hfCas12Max).

Reinventing gene therapies with next-generation technologies

Human Gene Editing

Companies that offer support services to gene-editing companies, which include genomic research companies, gene-editing component manufacturing, and designing tools

Heineken

Heineken partnered with Einride, a Swedish tech developer for autonomous and electric trucks, to deploy electric trucks to transport beer from Heineken's brewery in the Netherlands to a distribution center in Germany. The first phase of the collaboration started with five trucks. Einride will also provide software to optimize routes, consumption, and emission monitoring.

Mars

To reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability, Mars and Einride are deploying 300 electric trucks across Europe by 2030.

Carlsberg Group

Einride is expanding its partnership with a logistics provider to operate an electric truck fleet managed by Einride's mobility platform, Saga.

Einride partnered with PACCAR-owned Dutch manufacturing brand DAF Trucks to order 50 “DAF XD” trucks, its fully electric new-generation DAF trucks. DAF intends to deliver the first batch of vehicles in late 2023. The trucks are equipped with three to five battery packs, allowing for a zero-emission range of up to 311 miles, and come with DAF repair and maintenance packages. Einride intends to retrofit the trucks with its freight mobility software solutions.

Carlsberg Sweden is working together with Einride to advance the electrification of heavy transports as part of their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

Anheuser-Busch InBev

Einride partnered with AB InBev, to supply and manage a fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks to deliver beer across the Benelux region (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg). Einride will deploy six electric trucks paired with its connected freight mobility platform, as the first phase in early 2023. The trucks will be rolled out in Leuven and Brussels areas. The partnership also includes providing charging infrastructure and data.

Beyond Meat

Einride announced a five-year multi-phased plan to supply electric connected trucks to Beyond Meat for its shipping operations in the US. Initially, Einride will deploy five trucks with Beyond Meat while also providing the necessary charging infrastructure to them.

Maersk

Maersk will add 300 electric trucks to its North America network – making it the largest heavy-duty electric truck deployment to date. The trucks will be operated using Einride’s digital road freight operating system and charging solutions.

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).

General Electric

GE Appliances and Einride unveil first autonomous and electric truck operating on US soil

The Coca-Cola Company

Einride to launch commercial pilot of driverless electric pods with Coca-Cola European Partners

Einride is a Swedish startup developing technology for both autonomous and electric trucks. Its product portfolio includes the freight-hauling autonomous Class 8 trucks “Pods,” electrified commercial mobility solutions “E-trucks,” electric semi-trailer <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10558">“Einride Trailer,” </a>its operating system “Saga”—an IoT-based system that runs through Einride’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">“Einride Extend”; </a>and charging stations called <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14209">“Einride Stations.” </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.&nbsp;</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 partnershipsEinride’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), <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35190">PepsiCo</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’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.)

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) Wabash, a producer of semi-trailers, to use its trailers-as-a-service (TaaS) offering for autonomous fleet (<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33939">September 2024</a>); 2) logistics and transportation firm Ryder Systems to establish a truckport in Houston, Texas <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25804">(January 2024);</a> 3) 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> 4) 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 5) 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. As of&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35595">October 2024</a>, Plus planned to validate its technology, collaborate with truck manufacturers to develop autonomous-ready vehicle platforms, complete the safety case for its technology, and commence testing for driverless operations by 2025 or 2026. It also plans to launch commercial operations in 2027.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>). Hyzon has completed a Class 8 200 kW FCEV truck trials in partnership with the logistic solutions providers&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35420">TALKE</a> (October 2024) and&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35642">IMC Logistics</a> (November 2024).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

Aurora Innovation (Aurora) is an autonomous vehicle technology startup providing autonomous vehicles under two divisions, namely “Aurora Horizon” (its autonomous trucking service) and “Aurora Connect” (its autonomous ride-hailing service). Both are powered by the company’s self-driving technology “Aurora Driver,” which is equipped with a hardware kit that includes a computer, proprietary “FirstLight Lidar,” 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&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35472">October 2024</a>, the company intended to launch the service commercially in 2025.Aurora’s complementary acquisitions include Uber’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 partnershipsAurora’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.&nbsp;</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).&nbsp;

Aurora Innovation

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.

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

Einride is a Swedish electric and autonomous (E&amp;A) commercial vehicle developer. The company’s flagship E&amp;A model “Pod” is the first to receive permission to operate on public roads in selected Swedish locations (in 2019). The company’s product portfolio also includes “E-trucks,” electric semi-trailer “Einride Trailer,” its operating system “Saga”—an IoT-based system that runs through Einride’s vehicles (also offered to third parties), and charging stations known as “Einride Stations.”In <a href="https://einride.tech/press/first-smartcharger-station-opens/">November 2023</a>, Einride opened its first charging station in Sweden, with plans to introduce charging stations to the US. The stations are capable of serving up to 200 vehicles and are available for both Einride customers and third-party fleets. Additionally, the company’s intelligent freight mobility platform Einride Saga can generate operational KPIs, track progress toward achieving emission targets and provide actionable operational insights using data gathered from customers’ transport ecosystem.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11283">June 2022</a>, the company received approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) to operate Pods without a safety driver on US roads, and also announced the launch of its trucks in Germany in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13069">September 2022</a>.Key customers and partnershipsEinride launched its operations in the US in October 2021 and has onboarded several high-profile customers like Bridgestone, GE Appliances, and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11101">Oatly</a> (a Swedish food company). In March 2022, the company partnered with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9350">Maersk</a> to supply 300 E-Trucks, following which it partnered with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12311">Beyond Meat</a> to supply five electric trucks in August 2022. In December 2022, Einride partnered with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15018">AB InBev</a> to deploy a fleet of its trucks in the Benelux region (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg). In April 2023, the company established a three-year partnership with PepsiCo subsidiary <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17898">Walkers</a> (UK) where the latter will use Einride-connected EVs between its manufacturing sites in Leicester and Coventry. Similarly, in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18586">May 2023</a> the company partnered with German supermarket chain REWE to supply trucks for deployments in Germany. In June 2023, Einride partnered with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19409">PostNord</a> to electrify the latter's fleet in Norway. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24002">November 2023</a>, the company partnered with GE Appliances again to launch long-term autonomous truck operations.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26431">February 2024</a>, Einride partnered with Heineken to deploy electric trucks to transport beer from Heineken's brewery in the Netherlands to a distribution center in Germany.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19012">May 2023,</a> the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to make Einride’s full-freight mobility offering (which includes 2,000 electric trucks, 200 autonomous trucks, and eight charging stations with over 500 charging points) available across the UAE’s “Falcon Rise” grid, a stretch of 550 km (341 miles) across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The freight ecosystem will be optimized and monitored using the “Einride Saga” platform.Einride also has truck purchase agreements with automakers including Mercedes-Benz (120 trucks for deployments in Europe; December 2021) 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/19012">May 2023</a>), and Mars (300 trucks; <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25917">January 2024</a>). The company also has a partnership with the tire-making company Bridgestone (August 2021) to integrate its smart-sensing tire technology into Einride’s vehicles.Funding and financialsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15176">December 2022 </a>, the company raised USD 500 million in equity and debt financing to fund geographical expansion into new and existing markets across Europe and North America. In May 2021 Einride raised USD 110 million in a Series B round. The proceeds were to be used to scale up deployments with major customers in Europe and the US.

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 SolidEnergy Systems (SES) is a lithium-metal battery developer and manufacturer of battery cells for EVs. SES hybrid Li-metal batteries replace the graphite anode with lithium-metal to improve energy density (to around 400 Wh/kg). SES also uses a hybrid electrolyte&mdash;the battery has a solid protective coating on the lithium-metal anode and a liquid in the cathode, unlike some solid-state batteries (Solid Power and QuantumScape) that are all-solid and free of any liquid. The company&rsquo;s battery is expected to enable a longer driving range (around 500&ndash;600 miles) and is also capable of reaching an 80% charge in under 15 minutes. In 2021, SES was the first company to introduce 100Ah Li-metal cells, globally.
 
 
 SES&rsquo; large format Li-metal EV and eVTOL cells known as &ldquo;Apollo&rdquo; can be customized for different OEM requests. As such, the company has begun pilot-scale manufacturing of 50Ah to 100Ah Li-Metal cells with GM, Hyundai, and Honda at their Shanghai (China) and Chungju (Korea) battery manufacturing facilities. The company aims to commercialize its batteries by 2025. SES 
 <a href="https://investors.ses.ai/news/news-details/2023/SES-to-Host-Battery-World-2023-and-Announce-Worlds-First-Automotive-B-sample-JDA-for-Li-Metal/default.aspx">
 expects
 </a>
 to establish the world&rsquo;s first B-sample Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with an automotive OEM in December 2023.
 
 
 &nbsp;
 Funding and financials
 
 
 In February 2023, SES received an undisclosed amount of cash grants from the South Korean Central Government. Prior to this in April 2021, the company raised USD 139 million in a Series D funding round led by General Motors, while in July 2021, it raised USD 100 million from Hyundai.&nbsp;
 
 
 SES was listed on NYSE through a SPAC merger in February 2022. The deal raised USD 275 million at a valuation of USD 3.6 billion. The proceeds were to be used to accelerate growth and fund key development initiatives.&nbsp;
 
 
 
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Addionics, a British next-gen battery-tech company, develops smart 3D electrodes for EV batteries by optimizing AI-based algorithms. The company states that its tech could improve the cost and performance of any EV battery. The company collaborated with leading automotive OEMs and suppliers in the US and Europe to integrate its technology with lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide (NMC), lithium iron phosphate, silicon, lithium polymer battery chemistries, and solid state batteries.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27236">February 2024</a>, Addionics reported a planned USD 400 million investment into its US manufacturing facilities to expand domestic EV battery production in the country. The new facilities will produce 3D copper foils to support 90 GWh of battery capacity, annually. The company’s first factory is set to begin production in 2027, with additional plants expected to come online in 2032.Key customers and partnershipsIn June 2022, Addionics <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11083">partnered </a>with Blitz Motors, an Israel based smart electric moped manufacturer, to provide smart 3D electrodes and develop Li-ion batteries. In August 2021, Addionics partnered with the Center of Process Innovation (CPI) and the University of Warwick’s WMG to improve lithium-ion battery cell performance and manufacturing processes. In April 2021, Addionics also partnered with Saint-Gobain Ceramics, a manufacturer of materials for construction, mobility, healthcare, and other industrial segments to develop high-power, high-capacity solid-state batteries for EVs.Funding and financialsIn January 2022, the company raised USD 27 million in Series A funding. The proceeds were to be used to redesign existing battery architecture with Addionics’ Smart 3D Electrodes. The company planned to commercialize its solution by 2024.

Addionics

InoBat is a Slovakian next-generation battery technology company. In November 2020, the company announced the launch of an “intelligent” EV battery. According to the company, this was the first of its kind and was developed through the combination of AI and high throughput (HTP) technology. The use of AI enables the company to develop bespoke batteries within a short period of time, making it possible to cater to the unique needs and power demands of different vehicles and applications. The company’s technology also reduces reliance on cobalt, resulting in higher energy density, with a goal of reaching 330 Wh/kg by the end of 2023 (compared to 250–270 Wh/kg of the highest-density lithium-ion batteries).Key customers and partnerships&nbsp;In November 2021, InoBat partnered with Chinese equipment manufacturer Wuxi Lead to deploy a lithium-ion pilot battery production line in Slovakia. The first batch of batteries was expected to be produced by the end of 2022. In April 2021, the company entered into a partnership with SOR (a producer of city and inter-city buses in Central Europe) to design, develop, and supply batteries for a new electric bus fleet. InoBat also planned to expand its geographic footprint across Europe and globally by building several gigafactories through 2024. In March 2022, Inobat announced plans to deploy a <a href="https://inobatauto.eu/newsroom/inobat-auto-announces-intention-to-build-its-third-gigafactory-in-western-europe/">third facility </a>in Western Europe.In April 2022, InoBat partnered with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9677">Gigamine</a>, a British battery recycling startup, to reprocess lithium-ion batteries from EVs. In September 2022, Inobat partnered with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12909">Cosworth</a>, to supply InoBat battery cells for Cosworth’s battery packs in the high-performance automotive marketIn October 2022, InoBat signed an agreement with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13944">GUS Technology</a>,, for the latter to produce and deliver InoBat’s batteries. During the same month the company signed declarations of intent with the <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13942">Spanish government </a>to construct a new EV battery production facility in Valladolid, Spain. In November 2022, InoBat partnered with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14473">Ricardo </a>to jointly supply battery cells, modules, and packs to high-performance automotive manufacturers.Funding and financialsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21481">September 2023</a>, InoBat reported that Gotion High-Tech, a Chinese battery developer, acquired a 25% stake in the company. The two companies intend to focus on developing localized battery value chains in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and will also accelerate R&amp;D across the value chain.In January 2022, InoBat raised an undisclosed amount in a funding round led by Ideanomics, a company promoting electric mobility. The proceeds were to be utilized to support the completion of InoBat’s pilot battery plant in Slovakia by the end of 2022.

InoBat

<div>
 
 Lightyear is a Dutch solar electric car startup. The company develops long-range electric cars that are grid-independent and are equipped with built-in solar panels, permitting longer charge cycles.&nbsp;
 
 
 The company&rsquo;s flagship electric car Lightyear 0 (formerly Lightyear One) has a battery range of 625 km (versus Tesla Model S&rsquo; ~400 km) and has an energy use of 10.5 kWh per 100 kms. Lightyear 0 has a built-in five-square-meter solar panel and was available for pre-order at EUR 250,000 (~USD 272,278) excluding taxes (versus Tesla Model S&rsquo; USD 90,000) as of June 2022.&nbsp;
 
 
 The company reported that Lightyear 0 had begun production in 
 <a href="https://lightyear.one/articles/impact-has-started-lightyear-0-has-gone-into-production">
 November 2022
 </a>
 . However, subsequently in 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15885">
 January 2023
 </a>
 , it announced that the production of Lightyear 0 has been suspended to instead direct resources towards Lightyear 2.&nbsp;
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 The Lightyear 2 model has received over 40,000 subscriptions from individual customers, as well as 21,000 pre-orders from fleet owners such as 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15722">
 Arval
 </a>
 , Athlon, LeasePlan, and MyWheels.
 
 
 In July 2022, Lightyear partnered with 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11799">
 Valmet Automotive
 </a>
 to produce Lightyear 0 at Valmet&rsquo;s manufacturing facility in Uusikaupunki, Finland. A maximum of 946 Lightyear 0&rsquo;s will be produced. Additionally, in August 2022, Lightyear 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12007">
 partnered
 </a>
 with Koenigsegg, a Swedish high-performance sports car manufacturer, to jointly develop innovative EV technologies and optimize Koenigsegg&rsquo;s proprietary technologies to improve the energy efficiencies of Lightyear&rsquo;s second model, Lightyear 2. Additionally, in October 2022, the company acquired the technological design for drivetrain inverters from 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14036">
 Next Level Electronics
 </a>
 .
 
 
 In December 2021, Lightyear announced a 3 year partnership with LeasePlan where it promised 5,000 Lightyear 2 vehicles for its fleet. The company is also partnering with The Sharing Company (Netherlands) to supply 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9823">
 5,000 
 </a>
 Lightyear 2 vehicles for its MyWheels car-sharing platform by 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12809">
 September 2022
 </a>
 , Lightyear raised EUR 81 million (~USD 80.4 million) in funding for the production of Lightyear 0 in late 2022 and to also ensure the continued achievement of development milestones for Lightyear 2. In May 2021, Lightyear received a strategic investment of EUR 20 million (~USD 23 million) from the Dutch trading company SHV. In March 2021, the company raised EUR 40.2 million (~USD 48 million) in a venture round led by Zero Point Holding. The funds were expected to support commercialization and growth.
 
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Lightyear

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 India-based ION Energy provides battery management system (BMS) hardware and battery intelligence software solutions. The company&rsquo;s &ldquo;Maxwell&rdquo; BMS optimizes lithium-battery use in electric two and three-wheelers, passenger and commercial EVs, industrial EVs, and stationary battery energy storage systems to improve efficiency, safety, and longevity of batteries. The company&rsquo;s battery simulation software Altergo leverages data science and machine learning to extract data from batteries and to mirror its performance on a digital platform for remote monitoring and predictive analysis.
 
 
 As of June 2021, the company had deployed over 60,000 Maxwell units for more than 75 mobility and energy storage customers across 15 countries including India, France, Spain, and the US. Altergo also focused on helping owners and operators of battery fleets to improve the operational efficiency of their assets after deployment. It partnered with the US energy storage developer esVolta to deploy the software across its entire portfolio of battery storage systems totaling 581 MWh.&nbsp;
 
 
 In June 2021, the company raised USD 3.6 million in pre-Series A funding to expand its team, invest in product development, and grow its software business in North America and Europe. 
 
 
 
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ION Energy

Companies developing battery electric cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks

Companies developing commercial BEVs. Includes electric LCVs, trucks, buses, etc.

Companies developing Li-ion EV batteries and battery materials. Includes next-gen advancements in Li-ion batteries (e.g. fast charging batteries, graphite-anode substitutes)

Companies developing EV battery technologies that do not fall under the definition of Li-ion (e.g. solid-state batteries, lithium substitutes, etc.)

Companies offering software solutions to optimize the performance of EV batteries (e.g. charging optimization software, Digital Twin solutions, etc.)

Companies that facilitate EV charging. Includes both charging infrastructure providers and network operators. Also includes vehicle-to-grid technologies.

Battery electric vehicles (BEV) promote sustainable transportation

EV charging networks support the adoption of EVs for sustainable transportation

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

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 Freight tech company Einride partners with PepsiCo to deploy electric trucks for Frito-Lay's distribution in Memphis, Tennessee. The partnership sees a fleet of five electric trucks operated by Armstrong Transportation, transporting over 2,500 loads per year across 200,000 mi.
 Einride has installed a 700 kW private charging station at Armstrong's yard, with this initiative predicted to cut around 143 metric tons of CO2e emissions annually.
 This is the second collaboration between Einride and PepsiCo, after their inaugural partnership in the UK in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17838"> 2023 </a>. The move is part of PepsiCo's strategy to reduce its Scope 3 emissions via sustainable shipping solutions.
</div>

Einride

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