About
Caterpillar Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Caterpillar Inc., founded in 2015 to invest in early-stage companies developing technologies that enhance the industrial equipment manufacturer's core business. Operating with offices in both Deerfield, Illinois and San Francisco, the firm makes strategic minority-interest investments ranging from $0.5 million to $5 million per round, with recent activity trending toward an average check size of approximately $5 million. The investment thesis centers on companies solving problems in construction, mining, energy, autonomous systems, digital technologies, robotics, and advanced materials—sectors critical to Caterpillar's existing and future product roadmaps. Caterpillar Ventures targets Series A and B stage companies globally, having completed approximately 25 to 36 investments since inception with 21 active portfolio companies and 4 documented exits. The firm's competitive advantage extends beyond capital deployment; portfolio companies gain access to Caterpillar's industry expertise, established supply chain relationships, and independent dealer network spanning the globe. This integrated support model positions portfolio founders to accelerate product-market fit while validating technologies in industrial settings where Caterpillar maintains deep customer relationships. The investment approach emphasizes genuine strategic alignment—backing founders whose solutions address real operational challenges faced by construction, mining, and energy customers. Michael Young serves as a director overseeing the venture function. As a corporate venture vehicle, Caterpillar Ventures operates with the dual mandate of returning value to its parent company while providing portfolio companies tangible pathways to enterprise adoption and scale.