Alumni Ventures Invests in Spartan to Revolutionize Automotive Radar Technology
Spartan’s Founding CEO Nathan Mintz Recently Discussed His Company on AV’s Tech Optimist Podcast
Alumni Ventures (AV), one of the world’s most active venture capital firms, is a proud investor in Spartan Radar. The company has developed a biomimetic radar system that emulates human perception, enabling autonomous vehicles to detect obstacles faster with better range and resolution. AV participated in Spartan’s $10 million seed round in 2021 and $17 million Series B in 2023, investing alongside other established VCs like 8VC, Broom Ventures, Gaingels, MaC VC, Microsoft, and Prime Movers Lab.
Legacy radar systems have struggled to meet modern technological needs due to low resolution and issues with false detection. While companies have turned to lidar (light detection and ranging) in recent years for higher-quality imaging, these systems operate poorly in inclement weather and are more expensive than radar alternatives.
Founded by serial entrepreneur Nathan Mintz, Spartan is revolutionizing the automotive and heavy equipment industries with its innovative radar software and hardware solutions. Spartan’s primary focus is on improving the resolution and reliability of automotive radar systems, which are crucial for enhancing vehicle safety systems. The company has also developed “Hoplo,” a state-of-the-art radar hardware designed for commercial vehicles, including trucks and heavy equipment.
Tech Optimist Episode #30: Meet the Startup Revolutionizing Road Safety with Radar Tech
See video policy below.
“The support of firms like Alumni Ventures is invaluable as we work to improve vehicle safety and revolutionize radar technology for both the automotive and commercial sectors,” said Mintz, who recently discussed his company on AV’s Tech Optimist podcast. “We’re well-positioned to scale our operations and accelerate the deployment of our cutting-edge radar solutions.”
Spartan has established significant traction with major enterprises. The company has established a partnership with Phillips Industries, one of the largest trailer outfitters, to integrate their radar systems into the back of trailers. Additionally, Spartan is expanding its reach with 11 distributors across three continents, shipping hundreds of radars to customers globally. The company is also conducting demonstrations with major retailers such as Walmart and Home Depot, showcasing the efficacy of their radar systems in preventing accidents involving forklifts and other heavy machinery.
“We’re excited to support Spartan’s groundbreaking work in automotive radar technology,” said AV Founder and CEO Mike Collins, who hosted the conversation with Mintz on AV’s Tech Optimist podcast. “Nathan and his team have demonstrated exceptional vision and execution, and we believe their innovations will significantly impact vehicle safety and commercial operations.”
About Spartan Radar
Spartan Radar is a next-generation automated mobility sensor software provider — with extensive expertise in Radar Digital Signal Processing and antenna design. Spartan’s flagship software package called “Ago” is mainly used to increase the performance of existing radar designs in a computationally efficient manner.
About Alumni Ventures
Alumni Ventures offers accredited individuals access to professional-grade venture capital, a key asset class missing from the portfolios of many sophisticated investors. Since 2014, AV has raised $1.3+ billion from 10,000+ investors and backed 1,400+ unique portfolio companies. AV is a top 20 VC firm in North America according to CB Insights and the #1 most active VC firm in the U.S., and #3 most active in the world, according to PitchBook’s 2022 and 2023 rankings. AV has won awards from Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, Benzinga, and the US FinTech Awards. AV funds are private, for-profit, and not affiliated with or sanctioned by any school.
About Tech Optimist
The Tech Optimist Podcast, presented by Alumni Ventures (AV), focuses on the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. True to our name, we are passionate about technology and its potential to drive positive change. We explore our lane through interviews with founders, investors, and futurists; discussions of new innovations; and reviews of trends in tech and venture capital. Subscribe Here »
Media Contact Info
Scott Murphy
Alumni Ventures
670 N. Commercial Street, Suite 403
Manchester, NH 03101
Email: [email protected]
Want to learn more?
View all our available funds and secure data rooms, or schedule an intro call.
New to AV?
Sign up and access exclusive venture content.
Contact [email protected] for additional information. To see additional risk factors and investment considerations, visit av-funds.com/disclosures.