BMW i Ventures launches 300 million dollar fund

BMW i Ventures has launched its third fund with a volume of 300 million US dollars. The new Fund III will invest specifically in AI-based technologies that transform value creation in the automotive industry and related industrial ecosystems.

The new fund brings the total capital managed by BMW i Ventures to around 1.1 billion US dollars. This underlines the BMW Group's long-term commitment to corporate venture capital.

AI, automation and physical AI

The new fund focuses on so-called Agentic AI and Physical AI. In other words, AI systems that not only automate software processes, but also control physical systems such as robotics, machines and industrial plants.

We are particularly interested in AI solutions that can execute complete workflows autonomously and thus deliver a measurable return on investment. This is exactly where productivity gains with a real economic effect arise.

Kasper Sage, Managing Partner at BMW i Ventures

Investments are made in particular in start-ups that

• automate complex industrial workflows
• Optimize production and supply chain processes
• develop AI-native business software
• enable autonomous systems in the real world

The fund thus addresses the entire automotive-related value chain, from production to logistics.

Circular economy and new materials as a strategic lever

Another focus is on circular business models and advanced materials. The aim is to reduce industrial dependencies on critical raw materials and strengthen the resilience of global supply chains.

The fund invests in technologies for:

• recycling of critical materials
• circular production processes
• new high-performance materials with lower resource consumption

Strategic importance for BMW

BMW Chairman of the Board of Management Oliver Zipse emphasizes the strategic role of the fund for the Group's ability to innovate. Artificial intelligence is already a key driver of product and process innovation along the entire value chain.

Our activities in the area of corporate venture capital play a key role within our innovation strategy. They complement our internal research and development and drive strategic partnerships along the entire automotive value chain

Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG

BMW i Ventures complements the BMW Group's internal research and development and provides early access to technological trends and start-ups.

Investment history and portfolio

Since its foundation in 2011, BMW i Ventures has financed more than 90 companies and realized over 30 exits. These include, among others:

• IPOs such as ChargePoint and Xometry
• the sale of GaN Systems to Infineon

The portfolio currently comprises over 30 active investments, including AI, mobility and industrial tech companies.

The new fund sharpens our focus on a world where AI-native software, robotics and material innovations will define the next generation of suppliers.

Marcus Behrendt, Managing Partner at BMW i Ventures

With Fund III, BMW i Ventures aims to increasingly act as a lead investor and support AI-native start-ups at an early stage - especially in Europe and North America. The focus is on technologies that can be quickly scaled into industrial applications and generate measurable economic added value.