The public transportation industry in the US plays a crucial role in facilitating mobility across cities and regions. It includes a range of services such as bus, train, subway, and ferry operations, supported by tech companies focused on improving transport efficiency. As urbanization increases and sustainability becomes a priority, the sector is rapidly innovating - think electric buses and app-based ride sharing. With growing populations and congestion in urban areas, public transportation offers not just convenience but a greener alternative to individual car travel, making insights into this industry more valuable than ever.


This list features 16 prominent investors in the public transportation sector in the US. These venture capital and private equity firms mainly operate from key locations like New York and San Francisco. Founded between 1956 and 2023, they range in size from small teams to large corporations. Collectively, they made over a thousand investments in 2024, showing strong engagement in the field and a commitment to advancing innovative transport solutions.


Top 16 Public Transportation Investors in the US


1. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In 2023, the Government of Canada was involved in several grant transactions that are relevant to public transportation. Notably, it provided grants to York Region, the District of New Hazelton, and the Corporation of the District of West Vancouver, all of which could potentially support local public transportation initiatives. Additionally, a grant of $367,000 was awarded to Bird Canada, a company focused on micromobility solutions, further demonstrating the government's engagement in the transportation sector.


2. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs and resources like the Startup School. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has funded Bus.com, a Montreal-based transportation technology company that facilitates bus rentals. The firm participated in multiple funding rounds for Bus.com, including a Seed round in 2016, a Series A round in 2017, and a Series B round in 2019. Additionally, Y Combinator has invested in other companies related to transportation, such as GoGoGrandparent and Remix, further demonstrating its engagement in the public transportation sector.


3. U.S. Department of Transportation


The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is a public entity established in 1967, located in Washington, D.C. It is responsible for overseeing transportation safety, infrastructure, and regulation across the United States. The DOT serves various stakeholders, including government agencies and the public, by providing guidelines and support for safe and efficient transportation systems. In recent years, the DOT has been involved in several significant transactions within the public transportation sector, primarily through grants. For instance, in June 2023, the Chicago Transit Authority received a $25 million grant, and in July 2023, the VTA was awarded $1.7 million. Other notable grants include $17 million to the Central Ohio Transit Authority in December 2020, $20 million to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority in August 2022, and $12.6 million to Marta in March 2018. These transactions highlight the DOT's commitment to enhancing public transportation infrastructure and services across the nation.


4. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator founded in 2010, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. With a global focus, 500 Global has made significant investments across various sectors, including public transportation. Notably, they participated in the Series A funding round for Wanderu, a platform that facilitates bus and train travel, raising $5.6 million to enhance travel experiences across North America. Additionally, they have invested in Shuttle Central, a startup focused on transportation solutions, through multiple pre-seed funding rounds. These transactions demonstrate 500 Global's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the public transportation space, alongside their broader investment strategy.


5. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily in the technology sector. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Mozio, a ground transport specialist, which raised a total of $3.3 million across multiple funding rounds, including a $2.5 million funding round led by Asset Management Ventures in 2016. Additionally, they have invested in Iomob Technology Services and Mucho, both of which are involved in technology solutions that could intersect with transportation services. This diverse portfolio showcases their commitment to supporting innovative solutions that can enhance public transportation systems.


6. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. It is responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. The DOE serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has been actively involved in funding projects that support public transportation initiatives. Notable transactions include grants to PennDOT, which raised $171,500,000 for transportation improvements, and Blue Bird Corporation, which received $80,000,000 to enhance energy-efficient school buses. Additionally, the DOE has provided funding to Swift Rails and the City of Englewood, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting sustainable transportation solutions.


7. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been actively involved in the public transportation sector, notably investing in HopSkipDrive, a provider of scalable school transportation solutions, which raised $37 million in Series D funding, and Glydways, a leader in developing on-demand Personal Rapid Transit, which raised $56 million in Series B funding. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the public transportation space.


8. FJ Labs

  • Website: fjlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 169
  • LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. Founded in 2015, the firm has made over 1,000 investments, with many companies achieving unicorn status. Notably, FJ Labs has invested in significant transportation-related companies, including Uber, which raised $1.2 billion in a Series E round in 2014, highlighting their commitment to innovative transportation solutions. Additionally, they participated in funding Bus.com, a transportation technology company, and Busbud, an online marketplace for intercity bus tickets, through various funding rounds. These investments reflect FJ Labs' strategic focus on supporting entrepreneurs in the transportation sector, alongside their broader investment strategy in e-commerce and logistics.


9. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, focused on private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, facilitating access to capital and expertise to foster economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has invested in various transportation-related ventures, including a $24 million investment in Bolt, a ride-hailing service, aimed at expanding its operations in emerging markets. Additionally, IFC participated in funding rounds for Tembici, a Brazilian e-bicycle startup, contributing to both a $47 million Series B and an $80 million Series C round, which focus on expanding e-bike fleets and promoting alternative transportation solutions. Furthermore, IFC's $10 million investment in Gozem supports vehicle financing and the development of electric bike infrastructure in Togo and Benin, highlighting its commitment to sustainable urban mobility solutions.


10. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • Website: epa.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1970
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 54
  • LinkedIn: us-epa

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a public entity established in 1970, dedicated to environmental protection through regulatory compliance assistance, research, and public education on environmental issues. The agency serves various stakeholders, including state and local governments, businesses, and the public, ensuring adherence to environmental laws and promoting sustainable practices. In 2024, the EPA has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to public transportation, including grants to First Student, which provides school bus services, and Zum, which raised $32 million and $26.5 million in grants for transportation solutions. Additionally, the EPA has supported local government initiatives, such as a grant to the Detroit Government and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, further emphasizing its commitment to enhancing public transportation and sustainability.


11. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. The firm has been actively involved in various sectors, including public transportation. Notably, KKR made a significant acquisition of Ritchies Transport, one of New Zealand's largest bus companies, marking its first infrastructure investment in the country. This strategic move highlights KKR's commitment to the public transportation industry. Additionally, KKR participated in funding Gojek, an on-demand motorbike taxi service in Indonesia, further showcasing its interest in transportation-related investments. KKR's diverse portfolio and strategic investments position it as a relevant player in the public transportation sector.


12. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors and provides resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, SOSV has invested in several companies within the public transportation context, including TIER Mobility, a Berlin-based e-scooter rental company that raised $200 million in a Series C round, and Social Bicycles, which transitioned to Jump Bikes and raised funds to expand its e-bike network in various cities. These investments highlight SOSV's engagement in the evolving landscape of urban mobility solutions, particularly in the realm of shared transportation services.


13. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. The firm provides a wide range of services, including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In recent years, Goldman Sachs has been actively involved in the transportation sector, particularly in mobility companies. Notable transactions include significant investments in Uber, where they participated in multiple funding rounds, including a $1.15 billion debt financing in 2016 and a $1.6 billion convertible note in 2015. Additionally, they were part of a $32 million Series B funding round for Uber in 2011. More recently, Goldman Sachs was involved in a €220 million credit facility for Bolt, an Estonian mobility company, and participated in a $1.5 billion debt financing for Didi in 2021. These transactions highlight Goldman Sachs' strategic interest in the evolving public transportation landscape, particularly in innovative mobility solutions.


14. Tiger Global

  • Website: tigerglobal.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: tiger-global-management

Tiger Global Management, LLC is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in both public and private equity investments. Founded in 2001, the firm manages approximately $50 billion and focuses on innovative companies that leverage technology across various sectors. Notably, Tiger Global has invested in significant transportation-related ventures, including Grab, a leading ride-hailing service in Southeast Asia, where they participated in multiple funding rounds, including a Series C round that raised $65 million and a Series E round of $350 million. Additionally, they invested in Ola, a major player in the Indian ride-hailing market, contributing to their Series J and Series F funding rounds, which raised substantial amounts. These investments highlight Tiger Global's commitment to supporting innovative transportation solutions, making them a relevant player in the public transportation investment landscape.


15. Intel Capital

  • Website: intelcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. In addition to its core focus, Intel Capital has made notable investments in the public transportation sector. For instance, they led a $50 million Series D funding round for Moovit, an Israeli public transit company, which aims to improve public transit data integration with navigation systems through a partnership with Mobileye, a company acquired by Intel. Furthermore, Intel Capital participated in the funding of Beep, which raised $25 million to develop autonomous mobility services aimed at enhancing public transit networks, particularly for first and last-mile transportation solutions. These transactions highlight Intel Capital's strategic interest in advancing public transportation technologies and services.


16. Morgan Stanley

  • Website: morganstanley.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 79
  • LinkedIn: morgan-stanley

Morgan Stanley is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1986, headquartered in New York, New York. The firm offers a wide range of services, including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets, catering to individuals, families, corporations, and governments. With a global presence and a strong focus on tailored financial solutions, Morgan Stanley has been involved in various significant transactions in the transportation sector. Notably, they participated in Uber's $1.15 billion debt financing in 2016 and Didi's $1.5 billion debt financing in 2021, both of which are critical players in the public transportation landscape. Additionally, through Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, they have made strategic acquisitions, such as the Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline and a significant stake in VTG Aktiengesellschaft, which further demonstrates their engagement in infrastructure and transportation-related investments.



Public Transportation Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
U.S. Department of TransportationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+196727
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+197054
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
Tiger GlobalNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200125
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Morgan StanleyNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+198679


Want to find more investors focusing on the public transportation industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the public transportationindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!