With automakers vying for access to fresh tech and talent in autonomy, manufacturing, and beyond, we analyze the 5 most active OEMs in startup investment and M&A since 2014.
Among the dozens of corporates vying for dominance in autonomous driving, perhaps none have more at stake than the traditional auto manufacturers themselves.
For more than a century, automakers have stood at the top of the heap within a sprawling ecosystem of suppliers and service providers. However, their position as the drivers of the auto ecosystem is now under threat from technology-driven trends in autonomous driving, electrification, and changing ownership models (such as car-sharing, ride-hailing, and new retail strategies).
Given the specter looming over the traditional auto model of building, selling, and operating vehicles, major auto OEMs have become increasingly active in private markets, making significant investments in tech startups.
Using CB Insights data, we identified the 5 most active automakers making investments and acquisitions since 2014, analyzing their deals and how those investments fit into each players’ broader strategy.
Only first financings from each investor are included on these timelines; follow-on rounds to the same company are excluded. We focus on equity financings from major automakers and their corporate VCs. Incubator/accelerator activity is not highlighted in the graphic, though we will discuss each company’s respective programs in the sections below.
Track all the auto tech startups in this brief and many more on our platform
Startups working on auto tech have the potential to change the way people travel. Look for Connected Cars & Auto Tech in the Collections tab.
Track Auto Tech StartupsTable of contents
- BMW + BMW i Ventures
- Daimler + moovel
- GM + GM Ventures
- Ford + Ford Smart Mobility
- Toyota + Toyota AI Ventures
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