Autodesk

Autodesk, a global leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, actively participates in the venture capital landscape primarily through its corporate venture arm, the Autodesk Forge Fund. Launched in 2016 with an initial commitment of $100 million, the Forge Fund is strategically focused on investing in companies that are developing innovative solutions leveraging or integrating with Autodesk's Forge platform. This initiative underscores Autodesk's commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem around its core technologies, extending its reach into emerging areas within manufacturing, construction, and media and entertainment industries.

The Forge Fund's investment strategy is deeply rooted in strategic alignment, seeking out startups and entrepreneurs who are building the next generation of cloud-based services and applications. Rather than purely financial returns, the fund prioritizes companies that can enhance Autodesk's platform capabilities, expand its market influence, or introduce disruptive technologies relevant to its customer base. This approach allows Autodesk to gain early insights into new market trends and technologies, while providing portfolio companies with access to Autodesk's extensive industry expertise, customer network, and technological resources.

Typical investments from the Forge Fund span across various stages, from early-stage seed rounds to more mature Series A and B funding rounds. For instance, the fund participated in a $2.5 million seed round for Manufactur3D in 2017, showcasing its interest in nascent but promising technologies. Another notable investment includes its participation in Aurigo Software's $10 million Series C round in 2018, demonstrating its capacity to support companies at later growth stages. While specific check sizes can vary significantly based on the stage and strategic value, the fund generally aims to provide meaningful capital to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative solutions that align with Autodesk's long-term vision for digital transformation across industries.