What is Tier IV?
Tier IV, Inc. operates at the intersection of deep-tech innovation and open-source software development. Since its inception in 2015, the company has been the primary architect behind Autoware, the world's leading open-source software for autonomous driving. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, Tier IV enables individuals and organizations to contribute to the evolution of intelligent vehicles. Their market position is defined by a unique 'Democratization of Intelligent Vehicles' philosophy, which seeks to lower the barriers to entry for autonomous technology, thereby facilitating widespread adoption in logistics and last-mile transportation sectors. This open-source approach differentiates Tier IV from proprietary competitors, positioning it as a critical infrastructure provider for the future of mobility.
How much funding has Tier IV raised?
Tier IV has raised a total of $154M across 2 funding rounds:
Series A
$100M
Series B
$54M
Series A (2019): $100M with participation from Yamaha Motor USA and Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc.
Series B (2024): $54M, investors not publicly disclosed
Key Investors in Tier IV
Yamaha Motor USA
A subsidiary of the global motor sports giant, focusing on the integration of advanced mobility solutions and power equipment into the future of transportation.
Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc.
A leading Japanese insurance provider that invests in innovative technologies to mitigate risks associated with the future of autonomous mobility and logistics.
Undisclosed Investor
Undisclosed investor participating in the funding round.
What's next for Tier IV?
With the recent infusion of capital, Tier IV is poised to intensify its focus on commercializing its autonomous driving stack for enterprise-grade applications. The strategic roadmap likely involves scaling the deployment of Autoware-based solutions across diverse logistics environments, moving beyond initial proof-of-concept stages into full-scale operational integration. Furthermore, the company is expected to deepen its collaborative efforts with global automotive and insurance partners to refine safety protocols and regulatory compliance frameworks. As Tier IV continues to mature, the focus will shift toward enhancing the spatiotemporal value of its software, ensuring that its technology remains the industry standard for scalable, intelligent, and accessible autonomous systems.
See full Tier IV company page