InMotion Ventures' Shift Towards Sustainable Mobility

Launched in 2016 as the independent investment and incubation arm of Jaguar Land Rover, InMotion Ventures initially cast a wide net across the mobility sector. The firm’s portfolio of 15 active investments encompasses areas like autonomous vehicle technology, car insurance innovations, ride-sharing platforms, and travel planning services.

Focus on Electrification and Supply Chains

However, a strategic realignment is underway. InMotion Ventures is increasingly concentrating its resources on vehicle electrification and the development of sustainable supply chains. This shift reflects the evolving priorities within the automotive industry and Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to a greener future.

This focus is exemplified by a recent investment in Circulor, a company specializing in supply chain monitoring. Circulor tracks materials from their raw state to the final product, emphasizing ethically and environmentally responsible sourcing.

The Importance of Supply Chain Transparency

According to Sebastian Peck, managing director of the firm, “Increasing transparency and visibility into the sourcing of all materials is becoming critically important for OEMs today.” Circulor already possesses a significant presence within the automotive industry.

Currently, Circulor is collaborating with a major oil company to trace the proportion of recycled plastics originating from that supplier. Its applications extend beyond the automotive sector, impacting any industry concerned with responsible material sourcing.

Jaguar Land Rover and Circulor Collaboration

Jaguar Land Rover is also leveraging Circulor’s technology to monitor a specific material utilized in the interior of one of its vehicles. While details of this project remain confidential, it involves collaboration with a university and a supplier to trace the material’s journey from its origin to the finished component.

Expanding Investment Areas

Beyond sustainable supply chains, Peck highlighted other key investment areas. As the automotive market transitions towards electrification, InMotion Ventures aims to ensure its portfolio companies are well-positioned to contribute.

The firm is actively exploring investment opportunities in various segments related to electric vehicles and battery technology. They have evaluated numerous companies developing novel battery chemistries, but have yet to finalize an investment.

Challenges in Battery Chemistry Assessment

“We haven’t made an investment yet,” Peck explained. “We lack sufficient insight into the intellectual property portfolios of established battery suppliers to reliably assess these new chemistries. Conviction to back a specific company has been elusive, as this area is two or three steps removed from our core expertise.”

Prioritizing Battery-Related Infrastructure

However, the infrastructure surrounding batteries and the potential of electric charging companies are proving to be more attractive investment targets. InMotion Ventures is particularly interested in second-life batteries and energy storage solutions.

Smart charging technologies, including unidirectional, bidirectional, and grid management systems, are also areas of intense focus for Peck’s team. They are actively seeking potential investment opportunities in these fields.

A Holistic Approach to the Battery Sector

Peck outlined several priorities within the broader battery sector. These include raw materials management – utilizing companies like Circulor for tracking – and the sourcing of sustainable materials, such as ethically mined metals.

Furthermore, InMotion Ventures is considering strategies for the end-of-life management and reuse of battery materials. A data-driven approach to prolonging vehicle component life and optimizing performance is also being explored.

Real-World Applications and Partnerships

“We have started exploring these areas over the past 12 months,” Peck stated. “We are evaluating a U.K.-based company specializing in second-life energy storage, providing mobile storage solutions for events, construction sites, and renewable energy generation.”

The InMotion Ventures Team

The investment search is led by Sebastian Peck, alongside principal Alex Smout, and associates Emilie Hannezo and Sam Clifton, as detailed on the firm’s website.

Beyond Electrification

While electrification is a primary focus, InMotion Ventures continues to support companies developing technologies beyond zero-emission vehicles. This includes advancements in autonomous vehicles and connectivity.

“There will be significant value creation when OEMs are able to expose their APIs,” Peck noted.

Preparing for an Electric Future

The urgency of this transition is underscored by Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to becoming fully electric by 2025. This necessitates the identification of new value chains and the adoption of innovative technologies.

“We are striving to establish our position and support this transformation,” Peck affirmed.

Operational Structure and Investment Details

InMotion Ventures operates as a limited company in the U.K., investing from its own balance sheet. The company’s board comprises members of Jaguar Land Rover management, a senior director, and the head of InMotion’s connected incubator, Studio 107.

The firm typically completes between three and four deals annually, with undisclosed assets under management. Initial investments typically range from GBP100,000 to GBP2.5 million.

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