The automotive manufacturing industry in the US is a dynamic sector where vehicle production holds significant importance. Companies in this space design and fabricate various transportation modes, including cars, trucks, and electric vehicles. Traditional manufacturers like Ford and General Motors coexist with innovative startups developing advanced EV technologies. With a push towards sustainability, the industry is evolving rapidly, focusing on alternative energy sources and autonomous vehicles. As consumer preferences shift towards eco-friendly options, the integration of electrification and automation is increasingly prevalent, paving the way for a transformative future in automotive transportation.


The list features a mix of investors including venture capital firms, private equity groups, and public entities, predominantly located in major US cities. Made up of 18 notable firms, these investors vary widely in size, founding years, and investment counts for 2024. With corporate giants like the U.S. Department of Energy making substantial contributions, the list also highlights innovative VC players like Y Combinator and Qualcomm Ventures, indicating strong financial interest in the automotive sector.


Top 18 Automotive Manufacturing Investors in the US


1. 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, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. It 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 the automotive manufacturing context, the DOE has been involved in several significant transactions, providing grants to key players in the industry. For instance, in 2024, General Motors received two substantial grants totaling nearly $507 million to support their initiatives. Additionally, the DOE has provided funding to American Axle & Manufacturing and BorgWarner, with grants aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and innovation in automotive technologies. These investments reflect the DOE's commitment to fostering advancements in the automotive sector, particularly in relation to energy efficiency and sustainable practices.


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 through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made notable investments in the automotive sector, including Genesis, which raised $52 million in a Series A funding round, Open Motors and Ohm, both of which secured seed funding, and Olympian Motors, which raised funds in a pre-seed round. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement with automotive manufacturing startups, showcasing its role in fostering innovation within this industry.


3. 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. It specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, focusing on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. The firm provides funding, strategic support, and access to Intel's resources to help startups scale and innovate in the tech ecosystem. Notably, Intel Capital has made significant investments in the automotive sector, including Flagchip, a developer of high-end controller chips for automobiles, which received funding to support R&D and mass production of power chassis domain controllers for smart cars. Additionally, their investment in WiTricity, which aims to lead in wireless power technology with potential applications in electric vehicles, highlights their commitment to automotive innovation. These transactions illustrate Intel Capital's active role in supporting advancements in the automotive manufacturing industry.


4. 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. In the automotive context, Plug and Play has been involved in notable transactions such as Veecle, which raised €2.6 million to develop software-defined cars, and GuardKnox, which secured $21 million for in-vehicle cybersecurity technology. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting advancements in the automotive industry, alongside their broader focus on technology-driven startups.


5. 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

The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on connecting them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Divergent Technologies, which raised $230 million in a Series D round aimed at scaling its automotive production processes. Additionally, Divergent's previous funding rounds, including a Series C round of $160 million, further emphasize the fund's commitment to supporting innovations in the automotive manufacturing space. Other investments, such as those in Machina Labs, also reflect the fund's engagement with technology that could impact various industries, including automotive.


6. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Notably, Advantage Capital has also engaged in financing within the automotive manufacturing industry, as evidenced by their transactions with Carroll Shelby International and Kay Manufacturing. These companies, known for their contributions to automotive design and manufacturing, have received multiple rounds of debt financing from Advantage Capital, highlighting the firm's commitment to supporting businesses in the automotive sector alongside their broader investment strategy focused on underserved communities. Their flexible capital solutions aim to help these businesses grow and thrive, showcasing their role as a significant player in the automotive manufacturing investment landscape.


7. 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 the context of automotive manufacturing, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions, including a $590 million grant to Ford Motor Company in 2020 and a $235.6 million debt financing deal in 2021. Additionally, it has provided grants to other automotive-related companies such as AVL and PowerCo, indicating a strategic focus on supporting the automotive sector's growth and innovation.


8. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Carlyle serves institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, by providing tailored investment solutions across alternative asset classes. In the automotive manufacturing context, Carlyle has made significant investments, including the acquisition of Allison Transmission Holdings from General Motors for $5.575 billion, which focuses on automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems. They also acquired Axalta Coating Systems for $4.9 billion, a company that provides coatings for automotive applications. Other relevant transactions include the acquisitions of Highway Industries and Roop Automotives Ltd., further demonstrating Carlyle's active role in the automotive sector.


9. Khosla Ventures

  • Website: khoslaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 97
  • LinkedIn: khosla-ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2004 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic guidance to startups, particularly in technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Among their notable investments, Khosla Ventures has backed QuantumScape, a company focused on developing solid-state battery technology, which is crucial for the future of electric vehicles. They also invested in Transonic Combustion, which is working on advanced combustion technologies that could enhance fuel efficiency in automotive applications. These transactions highlight Khosla Ventures' commitment to supporting innovations that have significant implications for the automotive manufacturing industry.


10. 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, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also resources to help startups grow and succeed. Among its notable transactions, Sosv has invested in Solid Ox Motors and Aeromutable, both of which are involved in automotive technologies. Additionally, Sosv participated in funding Youibot, a Chinese producer of autonomous mobile robots, which highlights its engagement in the automotive sector, particularly in automation and robotics that can enhance manufacturing processes. This diverse portfolio showcases Sosv's commitment to fostering innovation in various industries, including automotive manufacturing.


11. 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 based in New York, founded in 1998. It offers a wide range of services, including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele. In the automotive manufacturing context, Goldman Sachs has been involved in several key transactions. They played a significant role in Tesla's post-IPO equity round, raising $1.46 billion in 2016, which helped the electric vehicle manufacturer expand its production capabilities. Additionally, they participated in a Series D funding round for Rimac Group, which raised EUR 500 million to support innovation in manufacturing and production expansion. Their investment in Samvardhana Motherson International, which raised over $10 million in post-IPO equity, further highlights their engagement in the automotive sector. These transactions demonstrate Goldman Sachs' active role in supporting automotive manufacturing companies and their growth initiatives.


12. BMW i Ventures

  • Website: bmwiventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: bmw-i-ventures

BMW i Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, located in Mountain View, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies within the automotive and technology sectors, providing not only funding but also strategic partnerships and access to the extensive BMW ecosystem. Their investment portfolio includes significant transactions in the automotive manufacturing context, such as Proterra, which raised $55 million in Series F funding for electric bus manufacturing, and DeepDrive, which raised €15 million in Series A funding for innovative drive units that enhance electric vehicle performance. These investments highlight BMW i Ventures' commitment to fostering innovation in the automotive industry, particularly in areas like electric vehicles and sustainable technologies.


13. Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge

  • Website: lithia.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Medford, Oregon, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1968
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: lithia-chrysler-jeep-dodge

Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge, operating under Lithia Auto Stores, is a prominent automotive retailer based in Medford, Oregon. Founded in 1968, the company has grown to become a major player in the automotive market, with a network of dealerships across the United States. Lithia specializes in the sale of both new and used vehicles and provides a vehicle comparison tool to assist consumers in evaluating different car models. In recent years, Lithia has made significant acquisitions to enhance its market presence, including the acquisition of Jardine Motors in March 2023 for over £300 million, which expanded their footprint in the UK luxury car market. Additionally, their acquisition of Downtown Los Angeles Auto Group in August 2017 included several dealerships for brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche, further solidifying their position in the automotive retail space. Other notable acquisitions include DCH Auto Group in 2014 and Carousel Motor Group in January 2024, showcasing Lithia's ongoing strategy to expand its operations and revenue in the automotive sector.


14. Qualcomm Ventures

  • Website: qualcommventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: qualcomm-ventures

Qualcomm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Diego, California, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in early to growth stage technology companies, particularly within the wireless ecosystem. They provide capital and strategic support to startups across various sectors, including automotive, digital health, and IoT. Notably, Qualcomm Ventures has invested in several automotive-related companies, such as Zongmu Technology, which develops advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous parking technology, and Haomo.AI, a startup focused on autonomous driving solutions. Additionally, they have invested in Ultraviolette Automotive, an electric bike manufacturer in India, which aims to expand its operations and technology. These transactions illustrate Qualcomm Ventures' commitment to supporting innovation in the automotive manufacturing sector.


15. Nlvc

  • Website: nlvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: northern-light-venture-capital

NLVC is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies across various sectors, including enterprise, healthcare, and consumer markets. With a portfolio of over 400 companies, NLVC provides capital, insights, and operational expertise to entrepreneurs. Notably, NLVC has participated in significant transactions within the automotive sector, such as investing in Black Sesame Technologies, which raised funds to enhance cooperation with OEMs and develop autopilot technology. Additionally, NLVC backed Maihaoche.com, an automotive e-commerce platform, in its Series B funding rounds, highlighting their engagement in the automotive manufacturing landscape.


16. Samsung Ventures


Samsung Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1999, located in Menlo Park, California. The firm focuses on providing investment and strategic consulting services across various sectors, including semiconductors, healthcare, fintech, and biotechnology. Notably, Samsung Ventures has made significant investments in the automotive manufacturing context, particularly in companies that are innovating in electric vehicle technologies. For instance, they participated in a Series C funding round for IRP Systems, an Israeli electric powertrain maker, which raised $31 million to scale development and expand operations. Additionally, they were involved in the Series C funding for StoreDot, a battery startup that raised $60 million to develop its FlashBattery technology, which is crucial for fast charging in electric vehicles. These transactions highlight Samsung Ventures' commitment to supporting advancements in the automotive industry, particularly in the electric vehicle segment.


17. Breakthrough Energy


Breakthrough Energy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015, based in Kirkland, Washington, dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy. They support innovative technologies and advocate for policies that promote clean energy solutions. Their investment portfolio includes significant funding rounds for companies like Turntide Technologies, which raised substantial amounts to develop automation software and expand into the electric vehicle industry. Additionally, they invested in Our Next Energy, which raised $65 million to advance battery technology for electric vehicles. These transactions highlight Breakthrough Energy's commitment to fostering advancements in the automotive sector, particularly in the context of electric vehicles and sustainability.


18. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside manages a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Among its notable transactions, Riverside has acquired companies relevant to the automotive sector, such as Arrowhead Electrical Products, which supplies essential electrical components for vehicles. Additionally, their acquisition of JC Whitney, a well-known automotive parts retailer, further demonstrates their engagement in the automotive manufacturing context. These transactions highlight Riverside's capability to support and grow businesses within the automotive supply chain, making them a significant player in this industry.



Automotive Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
BMW i VenturesMountain View, California, United States (USA)11-50201112
Lithia Chrysler Jeep DodgeMedford, Oregon, United States (USA)5001-1000019685
Qualcomm VenturesSan Diego, California, United States (USA)10001+200018
NlvcMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)11-5020055
Samsung VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200199913
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812


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