Trousdale Ventures: The Petrolhead's Venture Capital Firm

Trousdale Ventures is the investment firm where automotive heritage meets future mobility. Founded by car collector Phillip Sarofim, it is best known for acquiring and reviving the legendary Meyers Manx brand. Unlike typical VCs, Trousdale invests with an enthusiast's heart, backing emotional mobility like Vanderhall.

The Enthusiast's Fund

Trousdale Ventures (established 2018) is not your standard Silicon Valley VC firm. Based in Los Angeles, it is the brainchild of Phillip Sarofim, a serious car collector who owns masterpieces like the Lancia Stratos Zero. Sarofim believes that "boring" is a bad investment, which is why the firm focuses on companies that blend design, joy, and utility.

Reviving the Dune Buggy

Trousdale's biggest automotive splash was acquiring Meyers Manx directly from its creator, Bruce Meyers, shortly before his passing in 2020. Sarofim didn't just buy the logo; he hired a dream team (including designer Freeman Thomas) to launch the Manx 2.0 Electric. This move proved that Trousdale is about preserving automotive soul while updating the drivetrain for the 21st century.

Investing in Fun

Beyond the Manx, Trousdale's portfolio includes Vanderhall Motor Works (makers of retro-styled three-wheelers) and Coreshell Technologies (advanced battery coatings). The firm operates on the philosophy that the future of mobility shouldn't just be efficient—it should be fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trousdale Ventures LLC’s investment focus in 2026?

<p>In 2026, <strong>Trousdale Ventures LLC</strong>, led by founder <strong>Phillip Sarofim</strong>, remains a premier investment firm dedicated to "forever companies." The firm focuses on <strong>deep tech</strong>, <strong>mobility</strong>, <strong>aerospace</strong>, and <strong>climate tech</strong>. Trousdale targets visionary entrepreneurs solving complex global challenges, prioritizing technical milestones and sustainable growth over short-term exits to reshape industries like transportation and energy.</p>

Which automotive and mobility brands are in the Trousdale Ventures portfolio?

<p>Trousdale Ventures has a significant footprint in the <strong>mobility</strong> and <strong>EV</strong> sectors. Its most notable holdings and investments include:</p><ul><li><strong>Meyers Manx:</strong> The iconic dune buggy brand revived as an electric vehicle manufacturer under Sarofim’s chairmanship.</li><li><strong>Range Energy:</strong> A pioneer in electrified trailers for heavy-duty commercial trucking.</li><li><strong>Vanderhall Motor Works:</strong> Known for premium three-wheeled autocycles and off-road vehicles.</li><li><strong>Cowboy:</strong> A high-end European electric bike brand with a growing presence in the US.</li></ul>

How does Trousdale Ventures support the US aerospace sector in 2026?

<p>The firm is a major backer of cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies. Key portfolio companies include <strong>CesiumAstro</strong>, which develops software-defined phased array communication systems, and <strong>Venus Aerospace</strong>, an industry leader in high-speed, green hypersonic aviation. These investments aim to reindustrialize America by securing domestic manufacturing capabilities for advanced flight and satellite systems.</p>

What are Trousdale’s 2026 climate tech and sustainability initiatives?

<p>Trousdale Ventures actively invests in technologies that mitigate environmental threats. In 2026, its climate portfolio features <strong>Pacific Fusion</strong>, which recently raised over $900M to pursue net facility gain in fusion energy, and <strong>Ecovative</strong>, a leader in mycelium-based, 100% biodegradable packaging. The firm also supports <strong>Solugen</strong>, which utilizes enzyme-based processes to decarbonize the chemical industry.</p>

What is the "Meyers Manx Revival" led by Phillip Sarofim?

<p>The revival of <strong>Meyers Manx</strong> is a flagship project for Trousdale Ventures. Under Sarofim’s leadership as Chairman, the brand has transitioned from its classic heritage to a sustainable future with the <strong>Manx 2.0 Electric</strong>. This vehicle combines the iconic 1960s aesthetic with modern EV technology, serving as a blueprint for how Trousdale preserves heritage while driving technological innovation in the US leisure vehicle market.</p>

What is Trousdale Ventures’ role in the EV battery supply chain?

<p>To address the bottleneck in electric vehicle adoption, Trousdale has invested heavily in battery innovation. They are major backers of <strong>Coreshell Technologies</strong>, which uses nanolayer thin-film coating to enhance the capacity and lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, and <strong>Our Next Energy (ONE)</strong>, a Michigan-based company focusing on energy storage solutions with safer, sustainable chemistries for long-range US EVs.</p>

Does Trousdale Ventures invest in health and wellness brands?

<p>Yes, the firm maintains a diverse "Technology-Driven Health" silo. In 2026, their notable consumer and wellness investments include <strong>Lemon Perfect</strong> (cold-pressed lemon water), <strong>Super Coffee</strong>, and <strong>Yellowbird Foods</strong>. Trousdale views these "planet-positive" consumer brands as essential to improving the quality of life and democratizing wellness for the modern US consumer.</p>

Where is Trousdale Ventures LLC headquartered?

<p>Trousdale Ventures is headquartered in <strong>Los Angeles, California</strong>, with an additional primary office in <strong>Austin, Texas</strong>. This dual-presence allows the firm to bridge the gap between the creative tech hub of the West Coast and the rapidly growing "Silicon Hills" aerospace and deep-tech corridor in Texas, facilitating close proximity to many of its major portfolio companies.</p>

Who is Phillip Sarofim and how does he lead Trousdale Ventures?

<p><strong>Phillip Sarofim</strong> is the Founder and CEO of Trousdale Ventures. A stage II Hodgkin lymphoma survivor and motoring enthusiast, he takes a "hands-on" approach to investing, often serving on the boards of his portfolio companies. His leadership style is characterized by a focus on interdisciplinary experience—merging finance, branding, and engineering to help visionary founders scale "forever companies."</p>

How does Trousdale Ventures add value beyond capital in 2026?

<p>The firm operates as a strategic partner rather than just a source of funds. In 2026, Trousdale provides its companies with:</p><ul><li><strong>Operational Support:</strong> Assistance in scaling advanced manufacturing and navigating supply chains.</li><li><strong>Strategic Guidance:</strong> Help in securing government and defense contracts for aerospace firms.</li><li><strong>Ecosystem Access:</strong> Connections across its portfolio of 200+ companies to foster cross-industry innovation.</li></ul>