BMW i Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of the BMW Group, established in 2011 and based in Mountain View, California, with additional offices in San Francisco and Munich. Managing over $800 million and more than 80 investments, the firm supports early- and growth-stage companies that address developments in automotive, energy, manufacturing, and digital sales. Combining the agility of a Silicon Valley investor with BMW’s industry expertise, the team offers strategic guidance as well as capital, aiming to accelerate innovations that align with future mobility and industrial needs.
Investments typically target Series A and B rounds across sectors such as manufacturing marketplaces, advanced production methods, solid-state batteries, EV charging infrastructure, cloud-based dealership platforms, power electronics, and next-generation energy storage. BMW i Ventures evaluates startups based on market potential, technical viability, and alignment with sustainable transportation goals. Beyond funding, the firm connects portfolio companies with BMW Group’s network, supply chain resources, and operational experience. This approach helps companies scale more efficiently and introduces automotive-grade standards early in product development.
BMW i Ventures has built a diverse portfolio in clean technology and battery innovation. Notable commitments include investments in companies focused on sustainable lithium production and extraction, such as Mangrove Lithium and Lilac Solutions, which lower environmental impact through efficient processes. The fund also backs advanced battery developers like Our Next Energy and Solid Power, working on higher-density and all-solid-state chemistries to improve range and safety. At the same time, investments in Phoenix Tailings and Boston Metal support low-emission metals processing, while Bcomp’s natural fiber composites and broad EV charging networks from ChargePoint demonstrate an emphasis on resource efficiency and electrification infrastructure.
