Mobility & Space Tech

Mobility (Ground, Air, Sea)

The mobility sector is a multi-trillion-dollar global market undergoing rapid transformation across multiple verticals:

• Electric Vehicles (EVs, U.S.): Expected to reach $95.9B in revenue by 2025, with a CAGR of 12.61% through 2029, reaching $154.2B (Statista).
• Autonomous Vehicles (AVs): Up to 10% of global new car sales may be Level 3 AVs by 2030; Level 4 sales could reach 2.5% (Goldman Sachs).

Space Technology

• Global Spacetech Market: Valued at $630B in 2023, projected to reach $755B–$1.8T by 2035, with commercial activity outpacing government budgets (McKinsey).
• U.S. Contribution: $240.9B in output (2023), supporting 373,000 jobs and $57.9B in private-sector wages. NASA’s economic impact alone reached $75.6B (BEA, NASA).
• Investment Surge: Space-related VC deals are rising again. Notably, Bay Area-based firms like Founders Fund, a16z, and Eclipse Ventures are backing next-gen satellite, launch, and analytics platforms.

• Mobility Electrification: Driven by regulatory pressure (e.g., California’s 2035 ICE ban), EV adoption is accelerating across passenger and commercial segments. Bay Area startups support battery innovation, charging infrastructure, and software-defined vehicles.
• Urban Air Mobility (UAM): Bay Area startups and aerospace leaders are driving adoption of eVTOLs for both cargo and passenger services. Joby Aviation and Wisk Aero are advancing FAA certification.
• Aviation Modernization: New players are transforming aviation with hybrid-electric propulsion, AI-based air traffic control, and cleaner fuels. California companies like Archer and ZeroAvia are testing aircraft for short-haul, net-zero flight.
• Last-Mile & Micromobility: Innovations in electric bikes, scooters, and delivery bots are enabling low-emission last-mile logistics, especially in dense urban areas. VC investment in this space continues across the Bay Area.
• Connected Logistics & Fleet Tech: AI-powered route optimization, vehicle tracking, and predictive maintenance are improving commercial transport. Companies are targeting efficiency, safety, and emissions.
• Maritime & Port Tech: Electrification and automation are entering port operations and short-sea shipping. The Bay Area is piloting autonomous and electric vessels, contributing to sustainable maritime logistics.
• Autonomous Logistics: Self-driving trucks, warehouse robots, and drone delivery are being deployed in pilot projects across North America. Nvidia, Aurora, and others are headquartered or active in the region.
• Air Taxis & Vertical Mobility: The 2028 Olympics in LA are serving as a launchpad for aerial ridesharing and logistics with eVTOLs. Collaborations between NASA Ames, FAA, and local startups enable real-world testing.
• Smart Port & Maritime Systems: Emissions tracking, automation, and smart grid integration are transforming coastal transport hubs. The Port of Oakland and others are testing green maritime solutions.
• Space-Based Connectivity & Earth Observation: Bay Area companies like Planet, Spire, and Capella are pioneering Earth imaging, enabling precision agriculture, climate monitoring, and disaster response.
• In-Orbit Manufacturing & Biotech: Silicon Valley startups are using microgravity for pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and even organs—industries impossible to replicate on Earth.