Rail autonomy
Self-propelled rail systems and operational technology that can change how freight moves across industrial and transportation networks.
proChain Ventures / Investment markets
EARLY-STAGE INDUSTRIAL + DUAL-USE VENTURE CAPITAL
Cargo Mobility Investing
Specialist venture capital for the next generation of cargo movement. We evaluate transportation, autonomy and infrastructure across rail, air and maritime systems, with a focus on commercial needs and national security applications.
OUR THESIS
Cargo has to move in the real world.
Moving goods requires more than a promising vehicle. A transportation system must fit routes, infrastructure, operating procedures and customer economics. We look for founders addressing those constraints as they build new capabilities in cargo mobility.
Our interest spans battery-electric rail, cargo aviation, autonomous delivery and maritime mobility. Each mode has different requirements for range, payload, safety, infrastructure and operational reliability. We evaluate the specific mission rather than treating autonomy or electrification as a business case on its own.
Cargo movement is also central to industrial resilience and sustainment. A technology may create value in commercial freight and support critical supply missions, but the path depends on the customer, operating conditions and deployment requirements. We assess those applications explicitly, including where a platform is still in development.
Cargo aviation
Aircraft and autonomous air delivery systems addressing the requirements of freight and time-sensitive cargo missions.
Maritime and coastal mobility
Transportation platforms that expand options for moving people or goods along coastal and maritime routes.
PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES
Our thesis in practice.
Selected companies illustrating our investment interests. Platforms are at different stages of development and commercialization.
Rail autonomyINTRAMOTEV
Air cargoNATILUS
Medical logisticsAVOL AEROSPACE
Autonomous aviationMIGHTYFLYFOR FOUNDERS
What we look for.
We look for a defined mission, a credible technical development plan and a customer problem that justifies a new transportation approach. Evaluation includes payload and range, infrastructure needs, safety and regulatory requirements, manufacturing and service considerations, and the economics of operating the system. Demonstrations and customer engagement should support the development stage being presented.
Does cargo mobility include more than air cargo?
Yes. Our thesis spans rail, air and maritime transportation, as well as autonomy and enabling technology. We focus on the operational role a system can play in moving goods or sustaining a mission.
Does a dual-use application automatically make a company a fit?
No. We look for a concrete operating need and a credible route to adoption. Commercial and national security customers can have different procurement, integration and mission requirements.
Explore our investment markets.
Saint Louis • Washington D.C. • San Francisco