Startups dominate the auto tech space, particularly in segments like LiDAR and other sensors, autonomous passenger vehicles, and data capture and analytics. Despite being relatively capital-intensive, segments like LiDAR and other sensors and autonomous passenger vehicles have attracted significant startup activity, boosted by the self-driving vehicle industry and the declining cost of autonomous technology. For example, Waymo managed to bring its Laser Bear Honeycomb LiDAR prices down by around 90% to roughly USD 7,500 by 2019 from the industry norm of USD 75,000 a few years before.

Almost all the players in the LiDAR and other sensors, connected vehicles, data capture and analytics, IoT-enabled vehicle security, and infotainment segments have commercialized their product offerings and today operate either in early or growth stages. However, most of the autonomous vehicle tech developers and some safety and driving assist tools providers are yet to commercialize their product offerings and are hence classified as seed or pre-seed.

Most of the incumbents operating in the space are either automotive companies such as Toyota, Tesla, and General Motors or tech giants such as Google, Amazon, Nvidia, and Apple. Incumbents dominate the infotainment segment, likely given the level of research and development (R&D) required to truly distinguish these offerings in response to pressing consumer demands. Incumbents also hold a notable presence in autonomous passenger vehicles, safety and driving assist tools, and connected car segments.