Toyota Ventures latest venture funding project seeks startups in computer vision, robotics and cybersecurity

The initiative isn’t explicitly aimed at edge computing, but with a focus on transportation, Smart Cities and Industry 4.0, edge-related technologies will inevitably be in play.

In terms of specific industry areas, Toyota Ventures said the investment team is looking for entrepreneurs who “are challenging the status quo” in applications connected with artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision, autonomous mobile robots, cybersecurity, and data analytics, among others.

To be eligible to participate in the 2022 call for innovation, companies will have to have technologies that fit Toyota Ventures’ “investment thesis,” as well as satisfy some technical and financial requirements.

These include having raised less than $10 million in funding prior to the application, being able to demonstrate a working prototype, and having a viable business model that “can deliver real value to customers.”

“It is important to note, however, that the call for innovation is not a competition or contest,” the company wrote in a blog post.

Instead, Toyota Ventures called the initiative an “opportunity to get your startup’s solution in front of our team, and our partners at MPIC and TRI, knowing that we’re looking to invest in and work with startups in these areas.”

The company highlighted that applicants will be evaluated based on the quality of the team, technology, business model, go-to-market strategy, overall market opportunity, and other “success-focussed” factors.

If you believe your company satisfies these requirements, you can apply for the 2022 call for innovation initiative here.

Article Topics

computer vision  |  Industry 4.0  |  robotics  |  smart cities  |  Toyota  |  transportation  |  venture capital