🌆 AI Reshapes Industrial Landscape

Humanoid Robots and AI Safety Tech Secure Major Funding.

February 18, 2025

Dear Friend,

As February unfolds, the pace of innovation in Mobility, Energy Transition, and Industrial AI continues to redefine industries. This week, we’re seeing transformative developments across these sectors, from investments in electric vehicle infrastructure to groundbreaking advancements in robotics and automation.

In Mobility, New York’s $60M loan to Revel aims to triple NYC’s EV charging network, while PMI Electro Mobility secured ₹250 crore ($28.75M) to scale electric bus production in India.

The Energy Transition sector remains dynamic, with TPG’s $2.2B acquisition of Altus Power underscoring private equity’s pivotal role in renewable energy expansion. Enerdatics’ latest report reveals that global renewable energy M&A hit a record $117B in 2024, with battery energy storage poised for significant growth this year.

In Industrial AI and robotics, Apptronik’s $350M funding round for humanoid robots signals a leap forward in AI-powered automation for manufacturing and logistics. Protex AI’s $36M investment reflects growing demand for workplace safety solutions powered by machine learning.

As always, we value your thoughts and feedback. Thanks for reading, and I hope you find this digest insightful! 

Warm wishes,

Vitaly Golomb
Managing Partner
Mavka Capital

Mobility

1. California Allocates $1B for Mobility and Highway Resilience

2. Green Mobility Holding Acquires Pinoma for Bike-Leasing Expansion

4. Mobility Sector Funding Hits $54B in 2024, Led by AVs and EVs 

5. PMI Electro Mobility Secures $33M for Indian EV Expansion

  • Federal Funding Prioritizes Equity and Climate Resilience: California’s $1B allocation emphasizes infrastructure hardening against climate threats while expanding EV and microtransit options. 

  • Emerging Markets Drive Mobility Services Growth: Ride-hailing and EV adoption surged in India and Africa, with PMI Electro Mobility and LeaseMyBike securing investments for regional expansion. 

  • Data and AI Reshape Transit Planning: Microtransit origin-destination data (e.g., Ride Longmont) informs route optimization, while AI-driven tools gain traction for AV navigation and fleet management. 

  • Regulatory Shifts Influence Investment: Anticipated U.S. deregulation under the Trump administration may accelerate AV testing, while IIJA-funded projects face uncertainty post-2025. 

Energy Transition

1. NY Green Bank Provides $60M Loan to Expand NYC EV Charging Network

2. Energy Transfer Reports Strong 2025 Outlook with $16.1B EBITDA Forecast 

3. California Approves 620 MW of Mid-Term Energy Storage Contracts

4. Energy Storage Firm Tyba Raises $13.9M Series A for AI Optimization Platform

5. TPG Acquires Altus Power in $2.2B Solar Deal

6. Global Renewable M&A Hits $117B in 2024; Battery Storage Poised for 2025 Growth

  • Public Funding Prioritizes EV and Storage: Federal and state programs (e.g., NY Green Bank, USDA’s $180M clean energy grants) are accelerating EV infrastructure and grid resilience projects. 

  • Corporate Investment in Renewables: Energy majors like Energy Transfer are doubling down on LNG and pipeline projects, while private equity (TPG, Apollo) drives large-scale solar/storage acquisitions. 

  • Regulatory Push for Storage: California’s CPUC approved 620 MW of storage contracts to meet mid-term reliability needs, reflecting broader grid modernization efforts. 

  • Battery Storage (BESS) Dominance: M&A and funding trends highlight BESS as a critical solution for grid flexibility, with Enerdatics forecasting 2025 growth in Australia, Chile, and Europe. 

  • Private Equity Drives Consolidation: PE firms accounted for ~$60B of 2024’s $117B renewable M&A, focusing on scalable platforms in emerging markets (e.g., Romania, Saudi Arabia). 

  • AI and Optimization Tech Gains Traction: Startups like Tyba are attracting venture capital to enhance energy storage efficiency through AI-driven forecasting and grid management. 

 

Industrial AI

1. Apptronik Raises $350M Series A for AI-Powered Humanoid Robotics

2. Massachusetts Launches $2M AI Models Innovation Challenge

3. Protex AI Secures $36M for AI-Driven Workplace Safety Solutions

  • Humanoid Robotics Gains Momentum: Apptronik’s $350M raise reflects growing investor confidence in humanoid robots for logistics and manufacturing, with Apollo’s deployment scaling in 2025. 

  • Industrial Automation M&A Accelerates: Private equity (Bundy Group) and strategic buyers (ABB) are consolidating robotics, vision systems, and IoT firms to build end-to-end automation ecosystems. 

  • AI Safety Tech Expands: Protex AI’s $36M round highlights demand for AI-driven hazard detection, with GenAI tools like Protex Copilot reducing workplace incidents by 80%. 

  • Ethical AI and Workforce Integration: Industry leaders emphasize human-AI collaboration, with robotics tackling dangerous tasks while humans manage edge cases and strategic oversight.