Toyota AI Ventures launches second $100M fund for robotics, autonomous mobility startups

Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm Toyota AI Ventures today announced Fund II, a new $100 million fund dedicated to investing in early-stage startups developing disruptive technologies and business models in the autonomous mobility and robotics markets. Led by founding Managing Director Jim Adler, who also serves as executive advisor at the Toyota Research Institute (TRI), Toyota AI Ventures (TAIV) was founded in July 2017 as a subsidiary of TRI. In less than two years, Toyota AI Ventures has invested in a diverse portfolio of 19 startups. Fund II brings the firm's total assets under management to more than $200 million to support startups around the world. "Auto manufacturers must participate in the startup ecosystem to stay ahead of the rapid shift in the auto industry," stated Adler.