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The self-driving car industry in Europe is rapidly evolving, featuring a mix of startups and established players aiming to shape Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ future of transportation. Companies involved range from tech innovators focused on artificial intelligence and sensor technology to automakers seeking to integrate autonomous features into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir vehicles. Current efforts are emphasizing safety and sustainability, combining electric vehicles with self-driving capabilities. Notable trends include cities implementing smart mobility solutions testing self-driving prototypes on public roads. As Europe invests in infrastructure for autonomy, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry hints at streamlined urban mobility, potentially reducing traffic and improving travel efficiency.

The landscape of investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car sector reflects a blend of corporate giants and venture capital firms. Predominantly headquartered in cities like London, Paris, and Brussels, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors range from small firms to multinational corporations. They have been actively participating in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marketplace, with a total of 55 past deals reported in 2024. From established platforms like Crowdcube to venture capital leaders such as SoftBank, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se organizations not only provide funding but nurture innovation across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ continent.

Top 13 Self Driving Car Investors in Europe

1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses both in France and internationally, offering services such as direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Bpifrance has been involved in several notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car sector, including investments in EasyMile, which raised significant funding to scale its autonomous vehicle operations, and Stanley Robotics, which focuses on autonomous parking solutions. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of technologies related to self-driving cars.

2. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn:

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC offers various funding programs, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. In recent years, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has been involved in several notable transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car sector. For instance, it provided a â‚�2.5 million grant and an equity investment of â‚�4 million to Chassis Autonomy, which is focused on innovative technologies for autonomous vehicles. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC participated in a funding round for Provizio, an Irish startup that raised $6.2 million for sensor technology aimed at preventing road accidents. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC's commitment to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ autonomous vehicle industry, making it a significant player in this field.

3. European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 99
• LinkedIn:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of self-driving cars, EIB has made notable investments such as a $34 million funding round for Navya, a French company specializing in self-driving buses, and has also participated in debt financing for companies like Vay and Starship Technologies, which are involved in autonomous vehicle solutions. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to advancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car industry alongside its broader mission of supporting sustainable development.

4. Advanced Propulsion Centre UK

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Coventry, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2013, based in Coventry, England. It is dedicated to supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ automotive industry in its transition to net-zero technologies by providing funding, business support, and collaborative opportunities. The Centre has been involved in various initiatives, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Automotive Transformation Fund and research and development competitions aimed at fostering advancements in electrification and sustainability. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have provided grants to companies such as StreetDrone, which focuses on autonomous vehicle technology, and REE Automotive, which is also engaged in innovative automotive solutions. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting advancements in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ automotive sector, including self-driving technologies.

5. SoftBank Investment Advisers

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn:

SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund based in London, England, founded in 2017. The fund focuses on technology-driven companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments in various sectors, including health tech and fintech. Notably, in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car industry, SoftBank has invested heavily in Nuro, a company specializing in autonomous delivery vehicles, participating in multiple funding rounds, including a $600 million Series D in November 2021 and a $940 million Series B in February 2019. Additionally, SoftBank has invested over $3 billion in Cruise, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, with investments in corporate funding rounds in May 2018 and May 2019. These strategic investments highlight SoftBank's commitment to fostering advancements in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car industry.

6. Crowdcube

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has facilitated funding for companies relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car industry, such as Academy of Robotics, which raised $643,197 in a convertible note in April 2022, and EMotive Technology, which raised $322,140 and $37,719 through equity crowdfunding in January 2022 and June 2023, respectively. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's engagement with innovative automotive technologies, making it a noteworthy player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car investment landscape.

7. Almi

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in several transactions that highlight its engagement with innovative technologies. Notably, it participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding of Elonroad, a company developing a high-tech electric road system, which is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ future of transportation and could intersect with self-driving car technology. Additionally, Almi has invested in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r companies like Univrses and Edeva AB, which may also have applications in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ automotive sector, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specifics of those investments are less directly tied to self-driving cars. Overall, Almi's focus on supporting technological advancements in transportation makes it a noteworthy player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of self-driving car investments.

8. EIT Urban Mobility

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn:

EIT Urban Mobility is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2019, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It focuses on transforming urban mobility through education, innovation, and collaboration. The organization engages with cities and public transport authorities to develop sustainable transportation solutions and offers master's programs and consultancy services. In recent years, EIT Urban Mobility has been involved in several funding rounds for startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ urban mobility sector, including Cognata, which specializes in simulation for autonomous vehicles, and WingDriver, which is likely focused on self driving technologies. Their investments in companies like VOOVOO and Futurail also reflect Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing innovative solutions in urban mobility, including aspects related to self driving cars.

9. Agoranov

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 42
• LinkedIn:

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2000. They specialize in supporting early-stage technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. In 2024, Agoranov was involved in 42 investments, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in nurturing innovative ventures. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding of Stanley Robotics, a company focused on autonomous vehicle technology, which aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self driving car industry. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions, such as those with Iris Lab, iFollow, Monk.ai, and Ascendance, indicate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader commitment to technology startups, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se do not specifically highlight self driving car applications.

10. Microsoft Accelerator

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn:

Microsoft Accelerator is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2013. It is part of Microsoft, a leading technology company specializing in artificial intelligence and cloud computing solutions. The firm aims to enhance productivity for businesses across various industries through its products, including Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI services. Among its notable transactions, Microsoft Accelerator participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding of Hesai Technology, which raised $2 million in a seed round in October 2014. Hesai Technology is recognized for its development of LiDAR technology, which is essential for self-driving cars. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions, such as those involving MINIEYE and Sodacar, indicate a broader interest in technology and innovation, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y are less directly related to self-driving vehicles. Overall, Microsoft Accelerator's focus on AI and its involvement in relevant technology investments position it as a potential player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car sector.

11. Continental Automotive Trading France SAS

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Rambouillet, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Continental Automotive Trading France SAS, a subsidiary of Continental AG, is a technology company based in Rambouillet, ÃŽle-De-France, France, specializing in automotive and mobility solutions. Founded in 2007, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company focuses on a range of products including tires, automotive technologies, and safety systems aimed at enhancing vehicle performance and safety. In recent years, Continental has actively invested in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car sector, participating in significant funding rounds for companies like EasyMile, which raised $66 million to expand its autonomous vehicle operations, and Autobrains, which secured multiple rounds of funding totaling over $120 million to develop AI solutions for autonomous driving. These investments reflect Continental's strategic focus on sustainable and connected mobility, positioning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car industry.

12. Volkswagen Group Investor Relations

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Founded year: 1937
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Volkswagen Group Investor Relations is a corporate investor based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany, and is part of a major automotive manufacturer founded in 1937. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Volkswagen Group is not only focused on traditional automotive manufacturing but also on innovative energy solutions, including electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. In recent years, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self driving car sector, including a $350 million investment in TuSimple, a leader in autonomous trucking technology, and a substantial investment of approximately $705.6 million in XPeng Inc., which is actively developing electric vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of BlackBerry's European R&D center highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic focus on enhancing vehicle connectivity, a key component in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of self driving cars. These transactions illustrate Volkswagen's commitment to advancing self driving technology and integrating it into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader automotive strategy.

13. Shell

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1907
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 20
• LinkedIn:

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, founded in 1907. While primarily known for its operations in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ energy and chemicals sectors, Shell has also ventured into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ realm of innovative transportation technologies. In recent years, Shell has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car industry, including a notable investment in Aurora Innovation, a self-driving startup that raised $600 million in a Series B funding round. Additionally, Shell Ventures led a $31 million Series A round for Ample, a startup focused on electric car charging solutions, which is crucial for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Shell participated in a $10 million funding round for Cartken, a company involved in autonomous delivery solutions. These investments highlight Shell's commitment to exploring and supporting advancements in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ self-driving car sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in this space.

Self Driving Car Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	Coventry, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2013	1
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	2017	14
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
	Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain	51-200	2019	10
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	11-50	2000	42
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2013	0
	Rambouillet, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	2007	3
	Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany	10001+	1937	1
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1907	20

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