Autotech Ventures

In Yuma, Arizona, autonomy is taking root—literally. Verdant Robotics’ SharpShooter system navigates cantaloupe fields with millimeter-level precision, eliminating weeds without harming crops or wasting inputs. No over-spraying, no chemical guesswork. With labor shortages intensifying and global food demands growing, autonomy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. At Autotech Ventures, we’re "double-clicking" on off-road autonomy technology like Verdant's. Their system goes beyond replacing tractors—it expands the role of machines in the field by improving precision, reducing chemical use, increasing yields and helping growers manage operations more effectively.

We’re excited to support Plug as it raises $6.7M in seed funding alongside Floodgate and A*. Plug is an online wholesale auction platform built specifically for EVs. The company's new tool, Trade Desk, helps dealers price EV trade-ins more accurately using data on battery health, software features, charging capabilities and incentives. “As the used EV market expands, dealers are beginning to recognize the profitability in these vehicles,” said Burak Cendek, Autotech Ventures partner. “Plug has filled a market gap by focusing on the unique aspects of EV transactions.” Led by former Tesla executive Jimmy Douglas, Plug has already facilitated over $15M in wholesale EV sales and serves more than 400 dealers and consignors. See the Auto Remarketing story in the comments for details. Congrats to Jimmy and the entire team!

Tariffs create uncertainty in vehicle pricing. With the U.S. administration’s 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts, automakers, dealers, and fleet operators are facing new risks — from unpredictable pricing to supply chain disruptions and swings in used vehicle values. That’s where Exponential Markets, one of our portfolio companies, comes in. Exponential Markets is bringing a modern solution from the world of finance to the automotive industry: derivatives that help manage vehicle price and residual value volatility. It’s the same kind of financial tool that farmers use to hedge crop prices and airlines use to lock in fuel costs — now applied to vehicles. Check out Paul Fortin's post below and reach out to him, or Burak Cendek, with any questions or to learn more.

In response to the latest U.S. tariffs, our portfolio company Desteia (formerly Auba) has launched a free, easy-to-use tool to help businesses navigate changing trade rules. With this tool, you can: ✅ Search by product name or HS code ✅ Instantly see what tariffs apply ✅ Get alerts on new or upcoming tariffs Whether you're in logistics, supply chain, or manufacturing, this tool can help you stay informed and adapt quickly. Check it out in the post below shared by Desteia cofounder Diego Solorzano. The link to the tool is in the comments Want more information? Reach out to Diego or Autotech Partner Burak Cendek.

Headed to the Auto Intel Summit next week? Brian Donnelly, director of strategic partnerships, will be speaking on a panel. If you're attending and want to connect live to chat about the future of mobility, startups or venture investing—reach out.

Big milestone for our portfolio company Veo: they’ve become the first North American micromobility operator to reach unadjusted EBIT profitability. 🚲 Veo is proving that sustainable transportation can also be a sustainable business. We are proud to back their mission to make clean, car-free mobility accessible to all.

Climate change may be accelerating, but so is innovation—and we're proud to back the companies leading the charge. Time Inc. named Verdant Robotics one of America’s Top GreenTech Companies, recognizing 250 organizations delivering environmental impact and commercial success. Verdant Robotics uses advanced robotics and AI to enable farmers to grow more food with fewer chemicals, less water, and reduced labor—while improving soil health and long-term productivity. It's a win for farmers, consumers, and the environment. At Autotech Ventures, we invest in startups that transform mobility in large legacy industries like agriculture. Verdant is a perfect example of this transformation in action. Congratulations to Gabe Sibley and the entire Verdant Robotics team!

Our portfolio company AmpUp, a leader in EV charging solutions, has partnered with Roundtrip EV Solutions Inc. to deliver a custom fleet electrification management solution. AmpUp’s fleet management solution is built for maximum uptime and reliability, offering: ▪️ Centralized dashboard for real-time visibility into fleet readiness and maintenance needs ▪️ Intelligent alerts to proactively prevent downtime ▪️ Advanced vehicle management with real-time battery data and load balancing ▪️ Optimized route planning to prevent mid-route charging issues ▪️ Depot live view for efficient vehicle-charger pairing and fast troubleshooting ▪️ GPS tracking for real-time asset status and schedule adherence ▪️ V2G readiness for future cost savings and backup power options "We chose AmpUp because they offer industry-leading reliability and provide more than just software—a complete operational solution that ensures maximum uptime for our mission-critical operations," said Dan Friedberg, founder and CEO of Roundtrip EV. 

Our portfolio company Rynse is transforming government fleet management with its automated procurement and payment platform—now streamlining vehicle services for the City of Sacramento’s 1,200-vehicle fleet. By cutting procurement approval times from up to a year to just two months, Rynse helps cities fast-track vendor agreements, centralize billing, and eliminate administrative headaches—ensuring fleets stay on the road, not stuck in paperwork. This is a game-changer for public-sector fleet operations!

This article, by Brian Herron is the clearest and most comprehensive description of the automotive right to repair history and present conflict that I’ve ever read. Check it out