BMW i Ventures Closes $300M Fund to Invest in Robotics and AI

The new fund brings BMW i Ventures’ total capital to $1.1 billion and will invest from seed to Series B in startups building AI for factories, logistics, and supply chains.

BMW i Ventures, the independent venture capital arm of BMW Group, has closed a $300 million third fund targeting physical AI, agentic AI, and industrial software startups across North America and Europe, the company disclosed in a press release published Wednesday on its global pressroom. 

The fund will write checks from seed through Series B. It brings BMW i Ventures’ total capital under management to $1.1 billion across three funds since the firm established independence in 2016.

BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse said in the press release that the fund launches at what he called the right moment for AI adoption across automotive value chains. “AI has shown its tremendous potential to transform products, operations, and entire value chains,” Zipse said, adding that the fund positions the company to act quickly on emerging innovations.

Fund III will prioritize AI systems capable of operating in physical environments, including robotics and autonomous machines, alongside AI-native enterprise software that automates complex industrial workflows. Advanced materials and circular supply chain technologies remain investment areas carried over from Fund II.

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Managing Partner Marcus Behrendt said in the release that the fund’s aim is to back founders turning AI into an industrial advantage, specifically on factory floors, in logistics networks, and across global supply chains. Managing Partner Kasper Sage said the firm is particularly focused on AI that can execute workflows end-to-end, which he described as where productivity gains carry measurable business impact.

The fund has not yet announced its first investments. BMW i Ventures said several AI-focused deals made under Fund II have not been publicly disclosed.

The move comes as corporate venture arms tied to major automakers have intensified activity in AI and autonomy. Porsche Ventures, Toyota Ventures, Stellantis Ventures, and Ford’s Latitude are among the firms active in overlapping categories.

BMW i Ventures has backed more than 90 companies since 2011 and recorded more than 30 exits. GaN Systems, acquired by Infineon Technologies for $830 million, is among its most-cited returns. Eleven portfolio companies have gone public, including Kodiak, ChargePoint, and Xometry. Active holdings include Skylo, Embotech, Tekion, Rive, and Synera. 

Fund II has deployed capital across more than 35 companies and is in the final stage of its initial investment period, per the press release. Fund I has already returned capital to investors, with distributed-to-paid-in capital recorded as positive.

Portfolio companies gain access to the BMW Group’s engineering network and can test technology within BMW production facilities, the company said, without requiring a commercial contract to begin the engagement.

Disclaimer: This news is based on publicly available information. NervNow has not independently verified any claims.

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