Toyota AI Ventures Introduces USD $100 Million for Autonomous Mobility and Robotics

Toyota AI Ventures (TAIV) recently announced a new $100 million Fund II for early-stage disruptive technology startups in the autonomous mobility and robotics markets.

Founded in 2017, Toyota AI Ventures (TAIV) is a subsidiary of Toyota Research Institute (TRI) and invested in 19 disruptive startups. Now, the total assets under management (AUM) for Toyota AI Ventures is USD $200M with the introduction of the latest fund.

Executive Opinion

Chief Executive Officer at Toyota Research Institute (TRI) and Toyota AI Ventures (TAIV) investment committee member, Dr. Gill Pratt, said, "The growing interest in automated systems has created great opportunities to improve human lives using AI and next-generation mobility technology. Under Jim’s leadership, Toyota AI Ventures helps us find and invest in tomorrow’s technology leaders by bridging the gap between technology startups and the emerging mobility industry."

Managing director of Toyota AI Ventures (TAIV), Jim Adler, said, "Auto manufacturers must participate in the startup ecosystem to stay ahead of the rapid shift in the auto industry. Investing in startups creates long-term relationships that help Toyota explore the latest innovations in mobility."

Toyota AI Ventures' Current Investments

The AI venture has an investment in a diverse set of companies in Artificial Intelligence (AI), data, and cloud technologies. These companies are trying to grab new market opportunities and introduce solutions to challenging problems, notes the announcement.

Some of the investments listed in the Toyota AI Ventures' latest announcement include Elementary Robotics that develops robotics platforms to assist with automating everyday tasks, Intuition Robotics that creates social companion technologies using cognitive AI, Joby Aviation who is a expert in an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) passenger aircraft service, May Mobility offering communities a Level 4 self-driving shuttle service and Sea Machines that builds autonomous control and navigation systems for the maritime industry.

TAIV intends to ensure the long-term success of invested companies. The fund will achieve this objective by assisting the companies with the product-market fit, and an opportunity to connect with Toyota’s deep technical expertise and its extensive global network, notes the announcement.