A new venture firm, Leitmotif, has been funding around 20 startups focused on decarbonization over the past 16 months, primarily backed by a $300 million investment from the Volkswagen Group. The firm prioritizes profitability while aiming to bridge European industrial interests with the U.S. innovation ecosystem. Its portfolio includes companies in electric vehicles, space, and battery technology. Leitmotif plans to invest 70% of its capital in U.S. startups and the remaining 30% in European ventures. Despite challenging market conditions, the firm sees opportunities in hardware startups and aims to develop future funds, particularly in robotics and AI.