Grounded
“Can a modular, software-enabled EV upfitter become the go-to vehicle platform for small-business fleets and outdoor adventurers?”
Founded2022
HQDetroit, MI, USA
FoundersSam Shapiro
Total raised$3.5M
Latest roundSeed, 2024
IndustryVertical SaaS / Automotive
The story
Founded in 2022 by former SpaceX engineer Sam Shapiro, Grounded initially focused on customizing electric Ford Transit vans for recreational use. It pivoted in 2023 to upfitting the larger General Motors BrightDrop EV vans, targeting both recreational travelers and small-business fleet operators. The company's modular Lego-like interior design distinguishes it in the emerging electric campervan and work-van segment. A $3.5M seed raise in 2024 is fueling plans to scale the modular EV platform beyond bespoke builds.
Product timeline
2022
Sam Shapiro (ex-SpaceX engineer) founded Grounded in Detroit to customize electric Ford Transit vans for recreational outdoor use.· pivot
2023
Expanded upfitting operations to General Motors BrightDrop vans, offering larger vehicles with greater range.· pivot
2024
Raised $3.5M seed round led by Also Capital to expand modular electric RV and work-van platform; logged double-digit unit sales (~$3M revenue).· banking
The stack
1 layer disclosed in Grounded’s embedded-finance stack
Banking / BaaS
BMO Bank
Accounting gap: none