Vantora, a Santa Monica-based venture builder formerly known as UP.Labs, has secured $100 million in growth capital from Silversmith Capital Partners. This marks the first external investment for the company since its establishment in 2022.
The firm operates by embedding itself within industrial corporations to identify operational challenges and co-create standalone AI-native ventures. These startups focus on physical AI applications, such as automating manufacturing, airline maintenance, and logistics.
To date, Vantora has launched 17 ventures for partners including Porsche AG, Alaska Airlines, J.B. Hunt, Wabash, and TDG. The company reports a 79% year-over-year revenue growth and aims to launch a total of 20 ventures by the end of 2026.
The new funding will be allocated toward expanding partnerships with industrial firms, developing the company’s proprietary data ontology product, and hiring staff for AI engineering and commercial roles. CEO John Kuolt designed the model to allow corporate partners to eventually take ownership of the created innovations.
