Bosch Ventures Launches $270M Fund to Boost North American Deep-Tech Startups

Bosch Ventures, the venture capital arm of Bosch, has launched a new $270 million fund aimed at deep-tech startups, with a particular emphasis on North American investments. Since its inception in 2007, Bosch Ventures has managed six funds, each focusing on innovative technologies. While the firm operates globally, with offices in Silicon Valley, Boston, Germany, Tel Aviv, and China, this latest fund signifies an increased commitment to North American innovation. Despite the challenging economic landscape, including the U.S.-China trade war, a volatile stock market, and recession fears, Bosch Ventures' managing director, Ingo Ramesohl, remains optimistic about the region's potential. "I see a lot of positive energy," Ramesohl said. "People are continuing to innovate and disrupt, and it’s a great time for new investments." Bosch Ventures typically invests between $5 million and $10 million per deal, with the expectation of making 20 to 25 investments from this latest fund. This strategy builds on the success of previous investments, which have spanned sectors such as automotive, climate tech, cybersecurity, semiconductor manufacturing, energy efficiency, and enterprise software. While generative AI (gen AI) is a growing focus, the firm is not limiting itself to this area. Bosch's broader interest in AI dates back to at least 2017, when it established the Bosch Center for Artificial Intelligence. By the end of 2023, the company had achieved a significant milestone: all Bosch products are now either developed or produced using AI. "Gen AI is transformative, and it’s opening up new business opportunities and innovations," Ramesohl explained, highlighting the firm's belief that the most promising applications of AI lie in improving operational efficiency. Ramesohl's optimism is driven by the firm's belief in the enduring strength of North America's tech ecosystem. Bosch Ventures sees this fund as a natural progression and an opportunity to support cutting-edge innovations and promising startups. The investment strategy will continue to prioritize sectors where the company can leverage its expertise and resources, ensuring that North America’s most inventive companies receive the backing they need to thrive.