Motivate

Motivate operates as a premier logistics and operations support provider within the micromobility sector. The company implements a data-driven methodology to manage and optimize complex regional transportation systems, ensuring efficient, high-quality service delivery. Their capabilities extend to contracting and operating multi-jurisdictional systems, making them a significant player in urban transit solutions across major cities.

Founded in 2009 by Jonathan Schulhof, Motivate emerged from an understanding of the burgeoning need for efficient, large-scale urban micromobility solutions. Schulhof established the company to address the operational complexities inherent in developing and scaling bike share programs, laying the groundwork for a standardized and professionally managed approach to these new forms of public transportation. This foundational insight allowed Motivate to become a key operator in major metropolitan areas.

Motivate primarily serves metropolitan areas and governmental entities, providing essential support for public and private micromobility initiatives. Their focus is on facilitating seamless urban mobility, empowering residents and visitors with convenient transit options. The company envisions a future where micromobility effectively integrates with traditional public transport, offering sustainable and accessible short-distance travel for diverse populations, thereby enhancing urban livability.

High-Level Overview

Motivate Venture Capital (Motivate VC) is a seed-stage investment firm focused on backing ambitious founders who tackle significant, durable problems with high-growth potential. The firm primarily invests in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), software-as-a-service (SaaS), and industrial automation. Motivate VC provides not only capital but also strategic support and connections to help early-stage startups achieve product-market fit and scale effectively. Their investments typically range from $250K to $3M, targeting pre-seed and seed rounds, and they maintain a presence in major U.S. innovation hubs like Chicago and New York[1][2].

Origin Story

Founded in 2019 in Chicago, Motivate VC was co-founded by David Wieland and Lauren DeLuca. David Wieland brings extensive entrepreneurial and investment experience, having founded RIVS, a successful video hiring platform, and co-founded IrishAngels, a prominent angel investor group. The firm evolved from Wieland’s deep involvement in early-stage investing and his desire to support founders with both capital and operational expertise. Motivate’s team includes seasoned professionals like Jackson Bubala, who specializes in fintech and enterprise software investments, and Courtney Trunk, with a background in venture capital and financial consulting[3][4].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Focus on early-stage, seed and pre-seed rounds with flexible check sizes and no rigid ownership targets, emphasizing founder support over strict equity stakes[1].
• Network Strength: Strong connections in fintech, SaaS, and industrial sectors, leveraging relationships with co-investors and entrepreneurs for warm introductions[1][2].
• Track Record: Portfolio includes notable startups such as Aucto (industrial equipment marketplace) and Dyania Health (AI-driven clinical research), demonstrating a focus on innovative, high-impact companies[1].
• Operating Support: Active involvement in strategic guidance and network facilitation, balancing hands-on support with founder autonomy[1][4].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Motivate VC rides the wave of early-stage innovation in sectors undergoing rapid transformation, such as fintech, AI, and industrial automation. The timing is favorable due to increasing demand for digital solutions in finance and industry, alongside growing startup ecosystems in U.S. innovation hubs. By providing early capital and operational support, Motivate helps accelerate the growth of startups that address large, evolving markets, thereby influencing the broader ecosystem by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at the ground level[1][2].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Motivate VC is poised to continue expanding its influence in the seed-stage venture space, particularly by supporting founders who combine domain expertise with innovative technology. Trends like AI adoption, fintech disruption, and industrial digitization will likely shape their investment focus. As the firm grows, its role as a connector and enabler in the startup ecosystem is expected to deepen, potentially increasing its impact on emerging sectors and early-stage venture capital dynamics[1][2][4].

Motivate VC’s commitment to empowering visionary founders and its strategic positioning in key growth sectors make it a notable player in shaping tomorrow’s technology landscape.