In this high-powered ASOTU CON 2025 session, Steve Greenfield moderates a conversation with three top-tier venture capital voices shaping the future of automotive retail: Bill Cariss of Holman Growth Ventures, Chase Fraser of FM Capital, and Brian Donnelly of Autotech Ventures. With decades of operational, investment, and mobility experience between them, these investors unpack what it really takes to attract funding in today's automotive startup ecosystem. The conversation covers everything from fund strategy and portfolio construction to how OEM disruptions, EV adoption, and workforce shifts are impacting where dollars go.
Each guest brings a unique lens: Brian from a tech-driven, early-stage VC perspective; Chase from a dealer-tech and mobility investor with deep roots in retail; and Bill from a strategic corporate VC angle tied to one of the most diversified companies in the space. The panel gets candid about what entrepreneurs do wrong when pitching, the red flags that shut deals down fast, and the rare qualities that earn startups a second meeting. They also explore how venture investing in auto is more collaborative than cutthroat—and why relationship-building and execution still matter most in this tight-knit vertical.
Learn more about SpaceAuto at https://space.auto/
0:00 Intro
0:11 Steve welcomes Brian Donnelly, Chase Fraser, and Bill Cariss to the stage
0:41 Brian outlines Autotech’s early-stage, mobility-focused $500M fund
3:31 Chase introduces FM Capital’s dealer tech roots and $240M fund
6:06 Bill explains Holman’s evolution from fleet operator to investor
8:22 Holman’s partnership with FM Capital bridges strategic and financial VC
12:26 VC collaboration in auto is more synergistic than competitive
14:25 Key difference between strategic and financial VCs
19:58 Returns now top priority—even for corporate VCs like Holman
24:15 What VCs look for: problems, unique fit, and major industry “tidal waves”
28:45 The quickest way to lose an investor’s interest? Not getting to the point
32:30 Final advice for entrepreneurs pitching automotive-focused venture capitalists
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