We’re thrilled to announce our lead role in a €1.2 million seed round for OxidOS, a deep-tech startup that’s redefining the automotive software industry. With a team of top-notch engineers from Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, OxidOS is on a mission to accelerate the development of automotive software, making cars not only smarter but also safer. This investment marks another milestone in our commitment to supporting groundbreaking innovation in industries that are ready for disruption.

Shifting Gears: From an Idea to a Revolutionary Startup

OxidOS was founded by a group of five Romanian experts with a clear vision: to revolutionize the way automotive software is developed. The startup’s operating system and development tools promise to cut software development time by up to 50% and reduce costs by 40% for automotive manufacturers. By doing so, OxidOS is set to bring a significant shift to an industry still reliant on outdated technologies and development paradigms that date back nearly 50 years.

Before founding OxidOS, the team had already made a significant impact on the software development world. They were among the largest contributors to the Rust programming language, a powerful tool that is now being adopted by the automotive industry for its safety and efficiency. Alex Radovici, the founder of OxidOS, serves as the chair of the Rust Foundation, positioning him and his team at the forefront of Rust’s evolution and its application in the automotive sector. Their deep involvement with Rust has given them unique insights into how this language can address the critical challenges faced by the automotive industry, making OxidOS a natural extension of their work.

We first connected with OxidOS when they reached out for feedback on their pitch. Their ambition to target the global market and their deep-tech focus immediately aligned with our investment thesis. Recognizing the potential impact OxidOS could have on the automotive industry, we quickly decided to invest and help them realize their vision.

Driving Innovation with Rust: How OxidOS is Changing the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is undergoing a paradigm shift, and OxidOS is at the forefront of this transformation. The startup’s operating system is designed to manage the dozens of microcontrollers in modern cars, from controlling wipers to overseeing complex functions like braking and engine operation. By leveraging the Rust programming language, OxidOS provides a more secure and efficient alternative to the aging C language, which has dominated automotive software for decades.

Rust has been a topic of debate in the automotive sector for some time, especially due to its potential to offer safety and concurrency guarantees that are critical in automotive applications. Rust’s memory safety features prevent common programming errors like null pointer dereferencing and buffer overflows, which can lead to critical failures in automotive systems. Additionally, Rust's ability to ensure thread safety without a significant performance penalty makes it an ideal choice for the complex, real-time processing required in modern vehicles.

OxidOS’s use of Rust positions it as a leader in the industry’s shift towards more reliable and secure software development practices. With regulatory requirements becoming increasingly stringent, the ability to quickly and reliably develop and certify software is essential. OxidOS is positioning itself as the go-to solution for automotive OEMs and component integrators looking to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry.

Full Throttle: The Road Ahead for OxidOS

With our investment, OxidOS is well-equipped to continue its development and certification process, aiming to be ready for its first sales within the next 18 months. The automotive software market is growing at an annual rate of 24%, driven by the increasing number of microcontrollers in modern vehicles. OxidOS is poised to capitalize on this growth by offering a solution that not only speeds up development but also enhances the safety and reliability of automotive systems.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue supporting OxidOS on its journey to becoming a key player in the global automotive industry. With their innovative approach and our backing, we believe OxidOS will drive significant change in how cars are built and operated.

Turbocharged for Success: A Promising Future

The road to success is never easy, but with the right team and vision, it’s certainly achievable. OxidOS is a perfect example of how deep-tech innovation can transform an entire industry. We’re proud to have been part of their journey from the start and are confident that they will continue to make waves in the automotive world. Here’s to the future of smarter, safer, and more efficient cars—powered by OxidOS!