Holman Invests in Automotive Tech VC: FM Capital Secures Strategic Partnership

Holman Invests in Automotive Tech VC: FM Capital Secures Strategic Partnership

Boulder, Colorado, 13 August 2024 - FM Capital, a venture capital firm focused on early-to-mid stage technology companies revolutionising the automotive and transportation industries, has announced a strategic partnership with Holman, a global leader in automotive services. This marks the first time an integrated automotive services organisation has acquired a general partner interest in an automotive venture capital firm.

“We have collaborated with Holman for almost a decade and share their belief in the immense potential of the automotive industry’s transformation,” stated Chase Fraser, Founder and Managing Partner at FM Capital. “Their unique combination of dealerships, fleet leasing and management services, and corporate venture capital arm is unparalleled in the automotive sector, making them the ideal strategic partner for FM Capital.”

Holman's venture capital arm has been actively investing in and forming joint ventures with early-stage businesses, providing them with valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. This allows Holman to gauge the potential impact of emerging trends and embrace innovation strategically across their diverse business lines.

“We recognised a significant opportunity to not only deepen our partnership with FM Capital but also align our automotive expertise with a renowned investment firm, ensuring the continued success of our venture capital business,” said Bill Cariss, CEO of Holman Growth Ventures. “We have witnessed firsthand the value FM Capital delivers to startups and investors alike. Together, we believe we can more effectively identify, fund, and scale promising automotive technologies that address industry challenges and drive innovation across the board.”

FM Capital primarily focuses on investing in early to mid-stage companies across a range of transportation technologies, including: software solutions for dealership operations, aftermarket services and remarketing; autonomy and sensors, connectivity and fleet management, and electrification and energy transition. The firm identifies key trends and partners with teams that are not only reinventing the movement of people and goods but also redefining the way transportation services are delivered and consumed.

“Holman’s investment sends a strong signal to the market that FM Capital possesses the vision, team, processes, and now additional human and financial capital to fulfil our mission of scaling transformative companies,” said Mark Norman, Managing Partner, FM Capital. “Their team, network, and scale will generate significant opportunities to create value for our portfolio companies and limited partners alike.”

Holman, currently celebrating its 100th anniversary, is an integrated, global automotive services organisation. The company offers a comprehensive range of automotive-related services, including industry-leading fleet leasing and management; commercial vehicle equipment manufacturing; powertrain distribution and logistics services; insurance and risk management services; and retail automotive sales as one of the largest privately owned dealership groups in the United States with 59 dealerships across nine states. Holman’s growth ventures division remains committed to investing in early-stage automotive technology companies.

About FM Capital

FM Capital is an investment firm dedicated to transforming transportation, partnering with entrepreneurs to provide clean, safe, and efficient movement of people and goods. The firm also aims to innovate the customer and dealer experience in vehicle sales and service. Their unique and proprietary investment sourcing process drives high-quality deal flow, while their rapport and active engagement with management drive portfolio performance. FM Capital is comprised of industry professionals with extensive experience in both investing and operations across the automotive and mobility industry. For further information, visit www.fmcap.com.

About Holman

Holman is a global automotive leader serving both commercial and consumer clients. Since 1924, they have operated by “The Holman Way,” always striving to do the right thing for their people, customers, and the community. The Holman story began 100 years ago as a single Ford dealership in New Jersey. Today, headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, Holman is one of the largest family-owned automotive service organisations in North America with nearly 9,000 employees across North America, the UK, and Germany.

Holman provides a unique range of automotive services, including industry-leading fleet management and leasing; commercial vehicle equipment manufacturing; powertrain distribution and logistics services; commercial and personal insurance and risk management; venture capital funding; and automotive retail sales as one of the largest privately owned dealership groups in the United States. Guided by its deeply rooted core values and principles, Holman is continuously “Driving What’s Right.” For additional information, please visit Holman.com and connect with Holman on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.