HopDrive Parent Social Auto Transport Raises $7M Series A

Social Auto Transport, Inc., the Richmond, Virginia-based company behind the HopDrive vehicle-mobility platform, has raised $7 million in Series A funding.

What the Company Does

HopDrive was founded in 2018 by Nick Mottas and Rob Newton. The platform moves cars short distances for auto dealerships, independent service centers and fleet operators.

Its service lines include:

Valet pickup and delivery
Mobile service runs
Shuttles
Parts moves

The company uses vetted gig-economy drivers supported by live GPS tracking, automated SMS updates and photo documentation. A partnership with Lyft enables single-driver moves.

Growth Trajectory

HopDrive grew from its first markets in Virginia and North Carolina to a multi-state US footprint. The company previously raised an $8 million Series A led by Cox Enterprises in 2023.

Deal Summary

Company: Social Auto Transport, Inc. (HopDrive)
Round: Series A
Amount: $7 million
Currency: USD
Announced: 25 September 2026
Founded: 2018
Founders: Nick Mottas and Rob Newton
Headquarters: Richmond, Virginia

Why It Matters

The raise adds capital to a business operating in the short-distance vehicle movement niche — a segment tied directly to dealership operations, service center logistics and fleet management. HopDrive's model combines a gig-driver network with tracking and documentation tooling, which addresses a recurring operational problem for dealerships and service centers: getting vehicles to and from customers and service bays without dedicating staff time to the task.

The Lyft partnership for single-driver moves is a notable structural element, allowing the platform to complete certain moves without a second driver.

What to Watch

With a prior $8 million Series A led by Cox Enterprises in 2023 and a multi-state footprint already established, the new $7 million round raises questions about where the company directs expansion capital — additional markets, deeper penetration of existing ones, or further product investment in tracking and automation.

The company has not disclosed valuation, revenue figures or specific use-of-funds allocations for this round.

At a Glance

HopDrive, operated by Social Auto Transport, Inc., is a Richmond, Virginia-based vehicle-mobility platform founded in 2018 by Nick Mottas and Rob Newton. It moves cars short distances for auto dealerships, independent service centers and fleet operators using vetted gig-economy drivers, live GPS tracking, automated SMS updates and photo documentation, with a Lyft partnership enabling single-driver moves. The company has grown from Virginia and North Carolina into a multi-state US footprint and has now raised a $7 million Series A.