“Can a modular, software-enabled EV upfitter become the go-to vehicle platform for small-business fleets and outdoor adventurers?”
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.
Grounded discloses BMO Bank as its banking provider, according to the Embedded Finance Index 2026.
Grounded does not disclose a bank charter of its own; its banking services are provided through BMO Bank.
Grounded was founded by Sam Shapiro and is founded in 2022, headquartered in Detroit, MI, USA.
Grounded has raised $3.5M in total (latest round: Seed, 2024).
Get a read on where your own stack stands against Grounded and the rest of its category — what they built versus bought, which providers they use, and where the gaps in your own strategy and competitive set actually are.