The autonomous trucking industry in Europe is on the brink of revolutionizing logistics and transportation. This sector encompasses companies focused on self-driving vehicles, AI-driven systems, and innovative transport solutions. Major players range from established automotive giants like Mercedes-Benz to agile startups like EasyMile, which specializes in autonomous vehicle deployments. Interest is growing in sustainable options, highlighting a trend toward electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. As regulations adapt and technology advances, many predict a surge in autonomous vehicle adoption for road haulage. The combination of safety improvements and efficiency promises a brighter, driverless future for the industry.


The list features a mix of corporate and venture capital investors, with major players located across Europe. Notably, many are headquartered in vibrant cities like London, Paris, and Brussels. The investors range in size, from small firms employing fewer than 10 people to large corporations with thousands of employees. Founded between the late 20th century to recent years, these investors have significantly supported the autonomous trucking sector, with a collective investment count in 2024 totaling over 500 deals. Venture capital firms and renowned corporate investors alike are shaping this rapidly evolving space.


Top 15 Autonomous Trucking Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has invested in several companies relevant to the autonomous trucking industry, including EasyMile, which raised significant funding to scale its operations in autonomous vehicle deployments, and Balyo, which focuses on robotics and automation in logistics. These investments highlight Bpifrance's role in supporting the development of technologies that are crucial for the future of autonomous transportation.


2. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has made significant investments in the autonomous trucking context, including a €2.5 million grant and a €4 million equity investment in Chassis Autonomy, which focuses on developing technologies for autonomous vehicles. Additionally, the EIC participated in the funding round for Provizio, a startup working on sensor technology to enhance road safety, which is crucial for the autonomous trucking industry. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in supporting innovations that are directly applicable to autonomous trucking.


3. Advanced Propulsion Centre UK


The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2013, located in Coventry, England. It is dedicated to supporting the automotive industry in its transition to net-zero technologies by providing funding, business support, and collaborative opportunities for organizations focused on innovative automotive solutions. APC has been involved in several relevant transactions, including grants to companies like StreetDrone and OxDrive, which are engaged in autonomous vehicle technologies. Additionally, APC provided £15 million in funding to Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) to develop a hydrogen fuel cell-powered truck, which includes a partnership with Fusion Processing for an advanced semi-autonomous driving system. These initiatives highlight APC's commitment to fostering advancements in electrification and sustainability within the automotive sector, including the autonomous trucking domain.


4. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg that provides financial services, including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services, to support sustainable projects across various sectors. Founded in 1958, EIB serves both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In the context of autonomous trucking, EIB has made significant investments, including a $34 million funding round for Navya, a French company specializing in self-driving buses. Additionally, EIB participated in a $24.5 million Series B financing round for Magazino, which focuses on robotics relevant to logistics, and has also invested in Rocsys, a company enhancing automation capabilities. These transactions highlight EIB's active role in fostering innovation within the autonomous vehicle industry.


5. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, founded in 2017 and based in London, is a venture capital firm that focuses on technology-driven companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence. The firm is known for its substantial investments in growth-stage technology firms, helping them scale in competitive markets. Notably, SoftBank has invested heavily in Nuro, a company specializing in autonomous delivery vehicles, with funding rounds of $940 million in Series B, $500 million in Series C, and $600 million in Series D. Additionally, SoftBank has invested in Cruise, a leader in autonomous ride-hailing, with significant funding of $1.15 billion and $2 billion in corporate rounds. These investments reflect SoftBank's strategic interest in the autonomous vehicle sector, particularly in applications related to trucking and delivery.


6. Mercedes-Benz AG

  • Website: mercedes-benz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1883
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: mercedes-benz_ag

Mercedes-Benz AG, founded in 1883 and based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading automobile manufacturer known for producing luxury vehicles and vans. The company has a strong focus on advanced technology and innovation, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. In recent years, Mercedes-Benz has made strategic investments in the autonomous technology space. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for Momenta, a company that aims to conduct driverless tests and expects to become profitable by 2024. They also invested in Luminar, which specializes in lidar technology critical for autonomous vehicles. These investments highlight Mercedes-Benz's commitment to advancing autonomous driving capabilities, making them a relevant investor in the autonomous trucking industry.


7. Shell

  • Website: shell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: shell

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, that operates in the energy and chemicals sectors. Founded in 1907, Shell provides essential products such as fuels, lubricants, and chemical solutions to businesses and consumers globally. In recent years, Shell has expanded its investment portfolio to include innovative technologies in the transportation sector, particularly in autonomous trucking and logistics. Notable transactions include a Series B investment in Aurora Innovation, a self-driving startup, which raised $600 million in 2019, and an investment in tiramizoo GmbH, a delivery optimization startup, aimed at enhancing urban logistics. Additionally, Shell's investment in Cartken, which raised $10 million in 2024, further demonstrates their commitment to advancing technologies that support autonomous delivery and logistics solutions. These investments reflect Shell's strategic focus on integrating digital mobility services into their operations, positioning them as a relevant player in the autonomous trucking industry.


8. Baillie Gifford

  • Website: bailliegifford.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1908
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: baillie-gifford

Baillie Gifford & Co is an investment management firm based in Edinburgh, Scotland, founded in 1908. The firm specializes in managing equity, fixed-income, and multi-asset portfolios for professional investors, including institutions and high-net-worth individuals. With a focus on long-term growth opportunities, Baillie Gifford employs a research-driven approach to deliver sustainable returns. Notably, they have made significant investments in the autonomous vehicle sector, including a $1.8 billion post-IPO equity investment in Aurora and participation in multiple funding rounds for Nuro, a company specializing in autonomous delivery vehicles. Additionally, they have invested in Wayve, an autonomous mobility startup, further demonstrating their commitment to the autonomous trucking industry.


9. Volvo Group

  • Website: volvogroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sweden
  • Founded year: 1927
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: volvo-group

Volvo Group is a leading manufacturing company based in Sweden, specializing in the production of trucks, buses, construction equipment, and marine and industrial engines. Founded in 1927, the company has a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, serving businesses in the transportation and construction sectors. In recent years, Volvo Group has actively invested in the autonomous trucking industry, participating in significant funding rounds for companies such as Aurora, which raised $1.8 billion in Post-IPO Equity, and Waabi, which secured over $200 million in Series B funding in 2024. Additionally, Volvo Group has invested in Peloton Technology, a company focused on developing advanced automation solutions for trucking, including the world's first commercial two-truck driver-assistive platooning system. These investments reflect Volvo Group's strategic interest in enhancing its operations and offerings in the autonomous trucking market.


10. Continental Automotive Trading France SAS


Continental Automotive Trading France SAS, a subsidiary of Continental AG, is a technology company based in Rambouillet, Île-De-France, France, specializing in automotive and mobility solutions. Founded in 2007, the company focuses on enhancing vehicle performance and safety through a range of products, including tires, automotive technologies, and safety systems. In recent years, Continental has made strategic investments in the autonomous trucking sector, including a significant investment in EasyMile, which raised $66 million to scale operations in autonomous vehicle deployments. Additionally, they have invested in Kopernikus Automotive, which is developing driverless applications for automatic parking and maneuvering, showcasing their commitment to advancing autonomous technologies. These investments align with their goal of promoting sustainable and connected mobility, further solidifying their role as a key player in the autonomous trucking industry.


11. A.P. Moller - Maersk

  • Website: maersk.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1904
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: maersk-group

A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S is a global logistics company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 1904. It specializes in shipping and logistics services, providing solutions for shipping, port operations, supply chain management, and warehousing. In recent years, Maersk has shown a keen interest in the autonomous trucking sector through its investment arm, Maersk Growth. Notably, they participated in a $110 million Series B funding round for Einride, a Swedish startup focused on autonomous trucks, and also invested in ISEE, which develops self-driving yard truck solutions, contributing to their $40 million Series B funding. Additionally, Maersk co-led a $10.5 million Series A funding round for Baton, a startup working on logistics solutions. These transactions highlight Maersk's commitment to exploring and investing in innovative technologies that can enhance their logistics operations, particularly in the realm of autonomous trucking.


12. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in companies within the autonomous vehicle sector, including Oxbotica, a software developer for autonomous vehicles, and Oxa, which has raised significant funding in recent rounds. These investments highlight BGF's commitment to supporting innovation in the autonomous trucking industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


13. Volkswagen Group Investor Relations


Volkswagen Group Investor Relations is a corporate investor based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany, and is part of the Volkswagen Group, a leading automotive manufacturer and energy solutions provider founded in 1937. The company operates through a multi-brand strategy, offering electric vehicles and charging solutions, including products like the Elli Charger 2. In recent years, Volkswagen has made significant investments in the autonomous trucking sector, including a notable $350 million investment in TuSimple in November 2020, which focuses on developing autonomous trucking technology. Additionally, they have invested in Aeva, a company that specializes in sensor technology crucial for autonomous vehicles. These transactions highlight Volkswagen's strategic interest in enhancing mobility services and integrating autonomous technology into their operations, positioning them as a relevant player in the autonomous trucking industry.


14. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has been actively involved in the autonomous trucking space through its investments in Aurora, a self-driving startup that has raised significant capital over multiple funding rounds, totaling over $1 billion. Their investments include a $1.8 billion post-IPO equity round and earlier rounds of $600 million in Series B and $90 million in Series A. Additionally, they invested $80 million in CYNGN, which develops software for autonomous vehicles. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' commitment to supporting advancements in autonomous driving technology, making them a relevant player in the autonomous trucking investment landscape.


15. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in various transactions, including investments in innovative companies like Elonroad, which is developing a high-tech electric road system intended for all types of electric vehicles, including those that may operate autonomously. Other notable investments include Univrses and Rumblestrip, which, while not directly related to autonomous trucking, showcase Almi's engagement in technology sectors. Almi's GreenTech fund also invested in Velove Bikes, indicating a broader interest in sustainable transportation solutions.



Autonomous Trucking Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Advanced Propulsion Centre UKCoventry, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020131
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
Mercedes-Benz AGStuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18831
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
Baillie GiffordEdinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000190813
Volvo GroupSweden10001+19274
Continental Automotive Trading France SASRambouillet, Île-De-France, France51-20020073
A.P. Moller - MaerskCopenhagen, Denmark10001+19044
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Volkswagen Group Investor RelationsWolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany10001+19371
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947


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