Bosch Is Investing R4.2 Billion In Tech Startups

Despite the challenging business environment, Bosch, the world’s largest automotive supplier, is raising its venture-capital funding for the current business year. Its subsidiary Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (RBVC) is setting up a new fund for startups.

The fund has a volume of 250 million euros or R4.2 billion.

As a provider of venture capital, Bosch supports startups around the world whose technologies have the potential to improve quality of life and conserve natural resources.

“Our investments in startups promote technological progress in business and society,” says Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH.

“And we ourselves also benefit from this collaboration, since solutions to ever more complex tasks can frequently be found faster, more efficiently, and better in partnership with others.”

As an innovation leader, Bosch is at the forefront of efforts to bring about climate-neutral technology, sustainable mobility, and connectivity, which is why RBVC investments also focus on fields such as energy efficiency and powertrain electrification.

Bosch recently announced that it will be investing billions in climate-neutral technology, including hydrogen technologies and the digital transformation of its business.

Expanding globally: RBVC to open new office in U.S.

RBVC, one of Europe’s largest corporate investors, specializes in innovative technology startups. Its portfolio includes more than 50 companies, mainly active in artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), semiconductors, and quantum computing. RBVC invests up to 25 million euros in individual young startups, and also provides them with the know-how and contacts the Bosch Group has as a leading supplier of technology and services.

As part of its localization strategy, RBVC is continuously expanding its investment activities worldwide: in China, the subsidiary successfully established an investment platform with Boyuan Capital through which other companies can also invest venture capital in funds.

Through its own locations and contact persons for the startup scene, RBVC maintains a presence in technology hotspots around the world, such as China, Germany, Israel, and the U.S. Its U.S. office in Sunnyvale is now to be joined by a further office on the Atlantic coast, in Boston.

“As a global investor we are part of the startup scene, looking out for the next disruptive innovation that will turn markets on their head,” says Dr. Ingo Ramesohl, managing director at Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH. “This second U.S. office will ensure we are even better at keeping our finger on the pulse of technology startups.”

Successful investments ensure technological progress

When an investment comes to an end, RBVC may also choose to help a startup go public. In this respect, it is similar to institutional venture-capital funds. One recent success story was the IPO of Xometry, the operator of an AI-assisted marketplace for on demand manufacturing. Another success was IonQ, the first-ever quantum computing company to be publicly listed. Since 2021, RBVC’s portfolio has also included Variantyx. This startup uses AI-assisted genetic testing in cancer diagnosis, and also works with the Robert Bosch Hospital in this field. To support the shift to electromobility, RBVC has also invested in the startup BASiC Semiconductor, which manufactures silicon carbide power electronics. Finally, Motive, the startup formerly known as Keep Trucking, operates a fleet management system in the U.S. that reduces trucking costs and fuel consumption.