Automotus Secures Funding for Curb Management Technology

The Growing Competition for Curbside Space

Demand for curbside access is intensifying as commercial vehicle operators and gig economy workers increasingly compete for limited space. This challenge has been exacerbated by the surge in on-demand delivery services, a trend accelerated by the recent pandemic.

Startups Addressing the Curbside Challenge

Several companies, including Coord and curbflow, have emerged in recent years with the goal of resolving this supply and demand imbalance. Automotus, a three-year-old startup, is gaining traction with deployments in cities such as Santa Monica, Pittsburgh, Bellevue (Washington), and Turin (Italy). Further expansion is planned in Los Angeles.

Recent Investment in Automotus

The company’s innovative approach has attracted investor attention. In February, Automotus announced a $1.2 million seed funding round led by Quake Capital, Techstars Ventures, Kevin Uhlenhaker (NuPark’s co-founder & CEO, acquired by Passport), and Baron Davis.

CEO Jordan Justus revealed to TechCrunch that the company’s total funding now reaches $2.3 million. Additional investors include Ben Bear, Derrick Ko, and Zaizhuang Cheng from the micromobility firm Spin.

Company Growth and Expansion

Despite its relatively small size – currently employing 11 full-time staff – Automotus intends to utilize the new capital to broaden its market reach and increase its workforce.

Automotus’ Technology and Functionality

Automotus leverages computer vision technology to monitor and manage parking zones. This includes areas designated for zero-emission vehicles or commercial deliveries.

The software provides a range of capabilities, encompassing both analysis and enforcement. Cities can access valuable insights through a dedicated web application.

Commercial fleets can obtain parking zone information via open APIs and, in certain instances, a mobile application, as stated by Justus.

Image Credits: Automotus

Pilot Project in Santa Monica and Los Angeles

A new pilot program, in collaboration with Santa Monica and the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, will focus on a one-square-mile zero-emissions delivery zone. Automotus will supply anonymized data to assess the zone’s impact on delivery efficiency, safety, congestion, and emissions.

Real-time parking availability data will also be made accessible to all drivers operating within the zero-emissions delivery zone.

Revenue Model and Enforcement Capabilities

Founded in late 2017 and a Techstars graduate, Automotus primarily generates revenue through a revenue-sharing model on its enforcement features. The company receives a portion of payments automatically charged to commercial customers parking in designated zones, as well as fees from parking violations.

While the analytics component can aid cities in policy development and zone designation, Justus emphasizes that the enforcement feature represents the most significant revenue opportunity.

Successful Implementation at Loyola Marymount University

Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles utilized Automotus’ technology to completely automate its parking enforcement procedures. This resulted in a more than 500% increase in both enforcement efficiency and revenue.

Furthermore, the implementation led to a 24% improvement in parking turnover and a 20% reduction in traffic congestion.