🏎️ Full Speed Ahead: Kicking Off with Everything in Motion

We're starting the year at full speed—meeting founders, exploring new opportunities, and diving into key trends shaping the future, including the impact of Mexico’s evolving tariffs.

Feb 20, 2025

Welcome to The Paddock, your go-to place for the latest insights and trends revolutionizing the mobility sector globally. 🚗

— Curated by Rodolfo, Enrique, Gastón, Cecy, and Bernardo: the Proeza Ventures team. 💪

📌 Do you know a startup reshaping mobility by being more efficient, safer and environmentally friendly? We want to meet them! 📩

🏁 Check our investment thesis and learn more about our Portfolio Co.

🪩 Proeza Ventures Spotlight

Driving Innovation and Growth: Highlights from Our Roadshow and Venture Capital Insights in Mexico and U.S

Last month, we were honored to join the Monterrey Private Markets Meeting by Carmo Companies, where Enrique our managing partner, took part in the State of Venture and Growth Capital panel where he shared valuable insights on the evolving venture capital landscape and its role in driving innovation in emerging industries.

Monterrey, a true innovation hub, continues to shine as a key player in the global investment ecosystem. It was exciting to connect with local and international leaders, particularly in the automotive sector, and discuss the city’s bright future.

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Our roadshow has also taken us to dynamic cities across Mexico and the U.S., like Puebla and New York City, where we met many entrepreneurs eager to harness the power of new technologies. One theme stood out: while everyone is excited about the latest tech trends—AI, automation, digital transformation—many are still navigating the path from vision to action.

At the same time, we’ve been championing investment in Mexico at Mexico VC Day 2025—not just because of its vast potential, but because of the incredible entrepreneurs proving that now is the perfect time to build. Every conversation reinforces a simple truth: the future is happening now, and the opportunities are abundant.

That’s why we remain committed to supporting founders and fostering innovation. If you’re building in this space, let’s connect—we’re always looking to collaborate with those shaping what’s next.

🏆 Our PortCos News

💡 Optimized EV Charging: A Game Changer for Grid Stability

As EV adoption accelerates, the strain on local grids is becoming a pressing challenge. Our PORTCO, Rhythmos, has teamed up with leading consulting firm E3 to explore how optimized EV charging can significantly reduce infrastructure upgrade costs while ensuring grid reliability. Their latest study reveals that utilities could cut distribution transformer upgrade costs by up to 60% through Rhythmos.io’s Cadency EdgeAI, helping to accommodate more EVs without excessive investment.

By leveraging grid-edge optimization, utilities can prevent failures, balance demand, and ultimately save billions nationwide. This research underscores the importance of smart, data-driven solutions in managing the energy transition.

- Read the full piece here

🏌️Joyride at the 2025 PGA Show!

Huge congratulations to Joyride on this remarkable milestone! Last Month, at PGA Show 2025, the team has officially launched smart Yamaha golf cars—IoT-equipped vehicles that bring instant connectivity, keyless access, precise tracking, and digital payment processing, all powered by Joyride's Revii app and platform. This innovative partnership with Yamaha Golf-Car marks a new era for fleet rentals, enhancing experiences at courses, resorts, amusement parks, and beyond. Exciting times ahead for Joyride and the entire mobility industry!

- Check out the full article here

🗞️ New Case Study Alert: Electric Era's Impact on Skycharger’s EV Charging Expansion

We're excited to share a new case study from Electric Era that highlights how we helped Skycharger, a subsidiary of Skyview Ventures and a leader in public EV charging infrastructure, overcome critical challenges in its nationwide expansion. Traditional charging deployments often face delays due to long wait times for utility connections and necessary infrastructure. However, thanks to our partnership, Skycharger has reduced its charging station deployment times by two-thirds, while enhancing station performance and lowering operational costs. Curious to learn more about how we made this possible?

- Read the full case study here

🅿️ Transforming Parking: Kigo’s Vision for the Future of Mobility in Mexico and LATAM

We’re excited to share the latest article from Kigo, “Tendencias del Estacionamiento en 2025: Perspectivas para México y LATAM”, which explores the evolving trends in mobility and parking across Mexico and Latin America. As the region continues to embrace new technologies and urban transformations, the article delves into the future of parking, highlighting innovative solutions that are shaping the industry. If you’re interested in understanding how these trends will impact mobility in the coming years, this is a must-read.

- Check it out now!

🇺🇸 How Trump's Tariffs Could Reshape Global Supply Chains—And Mexico’s Role

With Trump’s return to the White House, global trade is once again facing uncertainty. The first signs are already here—tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods were announced, only to be “paused” days later. Meanwhile, new 10% tariffs on Chinese imports have sparked retaliation, with China imposing restrictions on US coal, LNG, and agricultural machinery. As global supply chains brace for impact, Mexico finds itself at a crossroads—both as a potential winner and a target in this reshuffling of trade dynamics.

The Playbook from Trump 1.0

During Trump’s first presidency, trade tensions with China led to a shift in global manufacturing strategies. Companies sought alternatives, and Mexico emerged as a prime destination for nearshoring, benefiting from its proximity to the US and its free trade agreements. Chinese firms, in particular, began setting up production in Mexico to bypass tariffs while maintaining access to North American markets.

Now, under Trump 2.0, this trend is expected to accelerate even further. The “China+1” strategy—where companies reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing by diversifying into other countries—has already seen Vietnam, India, and Mexico emerge as key destinations. But while Vietnam and India offer lower-cost alternatives in Asia, Mexico holds a unique advantage: geographic closeness to the US, existing infrastructure, and favorable trade agreements like USMCA.

The Risks and Uncertainties

However, while Mexico stands to gain, it is not immune to risks. The sudden tariff threats against Mexican goods earlier this year were a stark reminder that Mexico is not just a passive beneficiary of trade shifts—it is also a potential target. Trump has previously used tariff threats to push Mexico on migration and other policy issues, and we may see similar tactics again. Additionally, the impact of broader trade wars on investment flows and currency fluctuations could create headwinds for Mexican exporters.

A Defining Moment for Mexico’s Industrial Growth

For Mexico, this moment presents a massive opportunity to strengthen its position as a global manufacturing hub, particularly in industrial projects and clean technologies. Companies looking to relocate production will be drawn to Mexico’s growing industrial parks, skilled labor force, and increasingly competitive energy and logistics infrastructure.

The challenge? Ensuring long-term stability and predictability for investors. Mexico’s government and private sector must navigate these shifting trade dynamics carefully, reinforcing confidence among multinational corporations looking to establish operations in the country.

The Road Ahead

With tariffs and trade policies evolving rapidly, Mexico’s role in the global supply chain reorganization will depend on how effectively it capitalizes on nearshoring trends while mitigating risks from potential US policy shifts.

Will Mexico seize this opportunity to solidify its place as North America’s industrial powerhouse? The coming months will provide the answer.

(Full article & source: here)

📯 Hot Deals

🚀 ACCURE Battery Intelligence, a German startup whose AI-based software monitors and analyzes lithium-ion batteries to enhance their safety, performance, and lifespan, raised a $16 million Series B round led by Incharge Capital Partners and including previous investors BlueBear Capital, HSBC Asset Management, Riverstone Holdings, Capnamic, and 42CAP (12.Feb.2025)

🚀 Ati Motors, an Indian startup that develops autonomous electric vehicles designed to automate material handling in industrial settings like factories and warehouses, raised a $20 million Series B round. Walden Catalyst Ventures and NGP Capital co-led the investment, with previous investors also pitching in. (22.Jan.2025)

🚀 Auto Hauler Exchange, a Michigan startup that developed a digital marketplace for vehicle transportation, raised $5 million in a Series A funding round led by MHS Capital. Golden Ventures, which led Auto Hauler Exchange's seed round, also participated. (04.Feb.2025)

🚀 Carboflix, a Brazilian app that offers services to truck drivers, raised $3.4 million from Varejo Mais and Cameo Investimentos. (23.Jan.2025)

🚀 Desteia, a New York City-based supply chain AI solutions provider, raised $8 million in seed funding. Autotech Ventures, Nazca, and Village Global led the round and were joined by Foundamental, Bridge Latam, and Nido Ventures. (04.Feb.2025)

🚀 Drivana, a Mexico-based startup recognized as the “Airbnb of cars” has successfully raised $1 million seed funding round led by Felni Group (investors in Turo). (31.Jan.2025)

🚀 Enapi, a Berlin startup that develops a connectivity platform to streamline collaboration in the EV charging industry, raised a $8.1 million seed round led by Voyager Ventures, with Project A, Seedcamp, and Helloworld VC also contributing. (23.Jan.2025)

🚀 Endera, a startup based in Ottawa that specializes in manufacturing electric shuttle buses and school buses, raised a $36 million round led by Magnetar and including Pulse Fund as well as previous investor Pritchard Auto Company. (11.Feb.2025)

🚀 Fetii, an Austin-based group ridesahring platform that allows groups to go places together instead of splitting into multiple vehicles closed a $7.35 million seed round led by Mark Cuban with participation from Y Combinator, Goodwater Capital and others. (18.Feb.2025)

🚀 Forest, a London-based bike-sharing company has raised €15.3 million in the first part of its Series B funding round. The funding also includes up to €11.8 million in Asset-Backed Finance from Fintex Capital. The round was led by Fintex’s CIO, Sophie Batoua, and funded by the company’s UK fund, Fintex Private Debt. (23.Jan.2025)

🚀 Fusebox, a Tallinn, Estonia startup whose mission is to help power utilities, energy retailers, and asset owners balance energy loads, reduce costs, and integrate renewable energy sources, raised a $2.7 million round. Soulmates Ventures led the transaction, with SmartCap as well as previous investors Eneco Ventures and PKO Bank also opting in. (20.Jan.2025)

🚀 GenLogs, a Washington, D.C.-based freight intelligence platform, raised $14.6 million in Series A funding. Venrock and HOF Capitalled the round and were joined by Steel Atlas, AutoTech Ventures, Venture 53, and others. (03.Feb.2025)

🚀 Gridraven, a startup based in Tallinn, Estonia, that develops AI-driven software that it claims can help power grid operators increase the capacity of existing transmission lines by up to 30% annually without installing new hardware, raised a $4.2 million round. 42Cap and Icebreaker.vc co-led the deal. (12.Feb.2025)

🚀 High Definition Vehicle Insurance, a Chicago-based commercial auto insurance company, raised $40 million in funding from existing investors 8VC, Autotech Ventures, Munich Re Ventures, and Weatherford Capital. (12.Feb.2025)

🚀 Kwetta, a Napier, New Zealand-based electric vehicle charging solutions developer, raised $10.5 million in Series A funding. Blackbird Ventures led the round and was joined by Virescent Ventures, Icehouse Ventures, and existing investors. (27.Jan.2025)

🚀 Omnitron Sensors, a LA-based pioneer in MEMS fabrication IP for a new world of sensors, has secured $13 million in Series A funding led by Corriente Advisors, LLC, with participation from longtime investor L’ATTITUDE Ventures. (30.Jan.2025)

🚀 Package.ai, an Israel-based AI-based developer of a platform that empowers customer engagement and last-mile logistics for big-box retailers and service providers raised $14M in Series A funding led by Susquehanna Growth Equity. (21.Jan.2025)

🚀 Presto, a California-based all-in-one EV charging platform, has secured $15 million in seed funding led by Union Square Ventures, Congruent Ventures, Powerhouse Ventures, and Jetstream. (06.Feb.2025)

🚀 PuntoPost, a Mexican e-commerce delivery solutions startup, raised $1.5 million from 4Founders, JME Ventures, Latin Leap, Lanai, Inclimo and other angels. (21.Jan.2025)

🚀 Rynse, a Philadelphia, PA-based fleet management software provider, raised $5 million in Seed funding. The round was led by Autotech Ventures, with participation from returning investors Founder Collective and Correlation Ventures, along with new investor Connexa Capital. (29.Jan.2025)

🚀 Self Inspection, a San Diego-based startup, has raised $3 million in a seed round to expand its AI-powered vehicle inspection platform. The investment was co-led by Costanoa Ventures and DVx Ventures—run by former Tesla president Jon McNeill. (07.Feb.2025)

🚀 Trace.Space, a Miami and Riga, Latvia, that builds AI-powered software that helps engineers in industries like aerospace, automotive, and defense manage and track product requirements more efficiently, raised a $4 million seed round led by Cherry Ventures, with Outlast Fund as well as previous investors Nebular, Fiedler, and Change Ventures also chiming in. (06.Feb.2025)

🚀 Tusk Logistics, a Chicago-based alternative shipping solutions provider, raised $2 million in seed funding. Ivy Ventures led the round and was joined by Titletown Tech, Forum Ventures, and angel investors. (11.Feb.2025)

🚀 Upwell, a payment automation platform secured a $6.5 million seed funding round led by Vertical Venture Partners with participation from Plug and Play Ventures, Black Dog Ventures, Neverlift Ventures, Automotive Ventures, and previous investors. (10.Feb.2025)

🚀 UVeye, a New Jersey and Tel Aviv-based AI startup developing vehicle inspection technology, raised $191 million: $41 million in an equity round led by Woven Capital and a $150 million debt facility from Trinity Capital. (29.Jan.2025)

📗 Interesting Reads

🇲🇽 Chevrolet Strengthens Mexico's EV Market with New Electric Model

Chevrolet is boosting its presence in Mexico’s electric vehicle market with the introduction of a new fully electric model. This expansion adds to its existing EV offerings, such as the Bolt EUV and Equinox EV, responding to growing demand for sustainable mobility. With infrastructure and incentives supporting EV growth, Chevrolet’s move highlights the shift toward a greener future in Mexico.

👉 Check the full note here.

⛩️ San Francisco's transit future is the best in the world, researchers say

San Francisco has been recognized as the world's leading city for adapting to future transit needs, according to the 2024 Urban Mobility Readiness Index by UC Berkeley and the Oliver Wyman Forum. The city has been lauded for its leadership in technology adoption, including autonomous vehicles and EV-charging infrastructure, as well as strides in equity and sustainability. Notable initiatives include the early deployment of robotaxis and the electrification of its bus fleet.

👉 Check out the full article here.