Global automotive supplier AISIN Corporation and Silicon Valley-based Pegasus Tech Ventures have announced a significant expansion of their joint corporate venture capital fund, doubling its size to $100 million. This strategic move also extends their successful partnership, which began in 2018, through to the year 2036, marking an 18-year commitment to collaborative innovation. The expanded fund is designed to accelerate AISIN's investment in breakthrough startups worldwide, reinforcing its mission to create new value in the rapidly evolving mobility sector.
A Proven Partnership Enters a New Era
The decision to expand the fund is built upon a highly successful eight-year collaboration that has already yielded substantial results. Since its 2018 launch, the initial fund invested in over 40 startups globally, enabling AISIN to forge valuable partnerships across diverse technological domains. These collaborations in AI, robotics, and quantum computing have provided a robust foundation and a proven track record, prompting this ambitious next phase of long-term investment.
Strategic Focus on Transformative Technologies
With the increased capital, the fund will sharpen its focus on several key emerging technology sectors deemed critical for future growth and societal impact. Pegasus will leverage its extensive global network to identify promising investment opportunities in next-generation artificial intelligence, including the burgeoning field of Physical AI. The strategy also includes targeting innovations that enhance mobility experiences, as well as pioneering advancements in robotics, sustainable energy, and transformative healthtech solutions.
Leveraging Complementary Strengths
The partnership leverages the distinct strengths of each organization to create a powerful innovation engine for the future. AISIN, a top-10 global automotive supplier, provides deep industry expertise, technological strength, and a clear pathway for startups to scale their solutions within a massive market. Meanwhile, Pegasus Tech Ventures contributes its Silicon Valley-based expertise in CVC management, a global network for sourcing deals, and a portfolio of world-class companies like SpaceX and OpenAI.
A Vision Beyond the Automotive Sector
This renewed commitment signals AISIN's ambition to innovate far beyond its traditional automotive roots, a vision shared by leadership at both firms. Hiroshi Tsutsui, Executive Officer at AISIN, emphasized creating valuable solutions for a sustainable society through this strengthened exploration of key technologies. Anis Uzzaman, CEO of Pegasus, added that the next phase will venture into ambitious fields like humanoids, space exploration, and next-generation energy, moving beyond conventional industry boundaries.
An 18-Year Commitment to Innovation
The extension of the partnership to 2036 establishes a remarkable 18-year collaboration, reflecting a deep-seated mutual trust and a shared long-term vision. This strategic timeline provides AISIN with the stability and agility to navigate the profound shifts occurring within the global automotive industry by consistently integrating external innovation. It directly supports the company's core philosophy of "Inspiring mobility, bringing smiles to the future" by securing sustained access to transformative technologies.
Ultimately, the doubling of the AISIN-Pegasus CVC fund to $100 million represents a decisive, forward-looking strategy to secure a leadership position in the future of mobility. By extending their proven partnership and significantly broadening their investment scope, both organizations are poised to catalyze significant technological advancements over the next decade. This powerful collaboration is set to not only shape the future of the automotive industry but also pioneer new solutions in energy, health, and robotics.