BMW Logo BMW Logo Startup Garage
Benefits & Program Fields of Interest Stories of Impact Team Celebrating 10 Years FAQ Are we a match?
BMW Logo BMW Logo Startup Garage
Benefits & Program Fields of Interest Stories of Impact Team Celebrating 10 Years FAQ Are we a match?
Benefits & Program
Fields of Interest
Stories of Impact
Team
Celebrating 10 Years
FAQ
Are we a match?
Contact

BMW Group Startup Garage.

Your gateway to innovation
at the BMW Group.

The BMW Group Startup Garage is the venture client unit of the BMW Group and a is the global matchmaker, bringing cutting-edge startup solutions directly into our business units. For over a decade, we have empowered entrepreneurs to validate their technologies in real BMW applications – transforming pilot projects into long-term partnerships. Our proven venture client model means we can address critical challenges across the BMW Group – with innovations that deliver a real impact.

Our mission is to strengthen the BMW Group’s innovation leadership by connecting pioneering startups with our business units – and turning challenges into solutions.

Facts & Figures

Driving Startup Innovation
at the BMW Group.

2015
2015
Founded in 2015, we are the world's first and leading venture client unit.
6000+
6000+
We assessed 6000+ Startups.
280+
280+
We conducted pilot projects with 280+ Startups from 26 Countries.
50%
50%
Over 50% of our Alumni have secured paid follow-up Projects.
38+
38+
Startups became established BMW suppliers.
<8
<8
From first touchpoint to final evaluation, it takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Collaborate with us

Want to know more
about the collaboration journey?

A person interacts with a digital screen displaying glowing data patterns.

We scout cutting-edge startups worldwide to drive innovation at the BMW Group. Start your journey with us today.

Three people collaborate in front of computer screens in a dark, neon-lit room.

Your solution is evaluated against key criteria: use-case relevance, prototype maturity, team strength, funding, and legal readiness. Live demos with BMW units reveal the strongest matches.

A 3D rendering shows a futuristic smart building made of glowing lines.

If a BMW unit selects your solution, we guide you through the full purchasing process. You receive an official supplier number and your first purchase order. Welcome to BMW as your venture client.

Two engineers inspect an electronic circuit board on a workbench.

We support you throughout your proof of concept. Our team helps you navigate BMW, connect with stakeholders, and prepare for long-term collaboration.

A person wears a virtual reality headset in a dimly lit environment.

If your pilot succeeds, we support your transition into a long-term supplier relationship. This marks the beginning of your journey as a valued long-term partner with the BMW Group!

1

Stories of Impact.

Every collaboration starts with a challenge, an idea, or a new perspective. Over the years, startups and BMW Group teams have worked side by side to turn emerging technologies into solutions that create real value. Explore the stories behind these partnerships and discover how innovation creates impact.

Two paths.
One mindset.

BMW i Ventures and the BMW Group Startup Garage follow two complementary venture models - one focused on financial performance and strategic investment, the other on real application. Together, they turn promising startup innovation into measurable impact for the BMW Group.

We see the new BMW ix5 driving over a street near the sea and mountains.

Venture Capital.
BMW i Ventures.

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital fund of the BMW Group, based in Silicon Valley and Munich. BMW i Ventures invests in companies that are shaping the long-term future viability of the automotive industry, manufacturing, and the supply chain through advances in automation, artificial intelligence, digitalization, as well as novel sustainable materials and transformative production processes. BMW i Ventures focuses on start-ups in all phases – from seed to growth, with an emphasis on Series A and B.

Focus of BMW i Ventures: funding and mentoring startups.

Venture Client.
BMW Group Startup Garage

Where startups become partners.

The BMW Group Startup Garage enables startups to work directly with BMW business units as venture clients - piloting innovations, validating use cases and creating real impact within the BMW Group.

Startups remain independent and retain full control over their intellectual property, while gaining hands-on experience as a BMW supplier.

Focus of the BMW Group Startup Garage: client-supplier long-term partnerships.

A group of four young BMW employees are all laughing as they look at the tablet belonging to one of the two women in the group.