Toyota Ventures Races to $800M with Two Startup Funds

Toyota Ventures, the San Francisco-based venture capital arm of the automotive manufacturer, announced two $150 million funds that will invest in startups developing “disruptive technologies and business models” at the forefront of innovation.

The addition of Toyota Ventures Frontier Fund II and Toyota Ventures Climate Fund II brings the firm’s total assets under management to more than $800 million.

Frontier Fund II, led by partner David Sokolic, will invest in startups exploring deep technology sectors such as AI, robotics, and quantum computing. The fund has already invested in satellite servicing provider Starfish Space, biosensor maker Scentian Bio, and quantum computing software startup Haiqu, among others.

Climate Fund II will concentrate on identifying and supporting startups with smart solutions to combat climate change, continuing the legacy of its first climate-focused fund under the guidance of Lisa Coca.

The first Climate Fund portfolio includes companies in renewable energy like Avalanche Energy, energy storage and batteries e-Zinc and AM Batteries, and carbon capture, removal and utilization Air Company and Living Carbon, among others.

“At a time when some investors have scaled back, we’re scaling up by doubling down on our initial Frontier and Climate Funds,” said Jim Adler, founder and general partner of Toyota Ventures. “With seismic breakthroughs in generative AI, e-fuels, space commercialization, carbon capture, and synthetic biology, it’s a crucial time to be investing for Toyota.”

Since its launch in July 2017, Toyota Ventures has invested in more than 75 startups.