Tech Startup Raises $37M for AI-Enabled Platform
RunBuggy Auto Transport Logistics

Logo and image courtesy of RunBuggy.

Series B Funding Led by Centana Growth Partners

RunBuggy is a logistics technology platform that connects car shippers and haulers. The Tempe-based company announced the close of a $37 million Series B funding round. The round was led by Centana Growth Partners, a growth equity firm that invests in financial services, technology, and enterprise software.

RunBuggy, a leading technology platform transforming automotive transportation and logistics, today announced the close of a $37 million Series B funding round led by Centana Growth Partners, a specialized growth equity firm that invests in financial services, technology, and related enterprise software. OMI Capital, one of RunBuggy’s original investors, also participated in the round, underscoring the outsized impact the company’s technology and leadership continue to have on the automotive logistics industry.

Centana’s investment reflects confidence in RunBuggy’s world-class technology, which leverages proprietary and partner-enabled artificial intelligence, underpinned by a rigorous cybersecurity framework and a class-leading customer service team. With this funding, RunBuggy will accelerate product development and expand its ability to serve transporters and shippers across the automotive ecosystem.

The funding marks a pivotal step in RunBuggy’s growth as it expands its reach across the automotive logistics landscape. By combining AI-driven efficiency with enterprise-grade security and unmatched vertical coverage, the company is setting the standard for how vehicles move in a connected, digital future.

“Centana’s investment validates the approach we’ve taken since day one – technology that meaningfully improves outcomes for both transporters and shippers coupled with customer service, delivered on a platform built with security and trust at its core,” said Kevin Malik, CEO of RunBuggy. “We are proud to be the one of the only platforms in this industry making sustained continued material investments in both technology and experience, while scaling across all major verticals including banks, consumers, manufacturers, dealerships, and auctions.”

RunBuggy’s AI engine, RunBot, has redefined vehicle logistics by automating more than eighty percent of routine order workflows and predicting delivery challenges with a high degree of accuracy. By optimizing load matching and reducing empty miles, RunBot delivers lower costs, higher margins, faster cycle times, and a measurable reduction in carbon impact, with results based on internal data.

Security is equally central to RunBuggy’s platform. The company has built its infrastructure on zero-trust principles, integrating continuous monitoring, vulnerability assessments, and maintaining current compliance with SOC 2 standards and alignment with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Trusted by leading manufacturers, dealers, and financial institutions, RunBuggy’s infrastructure is engineered for reliability and scale.

“RunBuggy is reshaping an industry that has long been fragmented and inefficient,” said Ben Cukier, Partner at Centana Growth Partners. “We were drawn to the company’s use and development of technology, and its leadership, strong security posture, and ability to deliver value across both the automotive industry and the interconnected financial services ecosystem. RunBuggy’s scale, sophistication, and customer focus underscores its role as a defining platform in this category.”

“Our investment thesis centers on companies that are modernizing legacy systems and innovating within the broader financial services landscape,” added Devi Malhotra, Vice President at Centana Growth Partners. “RunBuggy is doing just that by bringing efficiency and transparency to how vehicles are transported, creating a better experience for banks, lenders, OEMs, and ultimately, consumers. We are excited to partner with the team on this next stage of growth.”

Sponsor Members

About RunBuggy

RunBuggy is a technology platform that connects car shippers and haulers. RunBuggy allows shippers to seamlessly integrate car transportation services, reducing cost and improving time to deliver. For transporters, RunBuggy offers an alternative to expensive load boards and custom software solutions to better find and manage transportation loads.

About Centana Growth Partners

Centana Growth Partners is a specialized growth equity firm that invests in the future of finance. Centana collaborates with companies across the entire financial services ecosystem, from institutions to fintech disruptors, to add strategic and long-term value to their portfolio companies. Centana empowers entrepreneurs with a combination of capital, network, and expertise to accelerate their growth. The Centana team taps into decades of financial services expertise and insight to invest in companies that bring real value and innovation to the industry.

Share This Story...

Sponsor Members

Receive Metro Phoenix Business News in your email...
✔ Weekly Updates     ✔ Local Insights      ✔ No SPAM

Tag Cloud

Metro Phoenix Alliance Member Directory Map

The Costco Business Center in Chandler has been under construction since Q3 2025 and will potentially be ready to open next month. #costco #costcobusinesscenter #metrophx #metrophoenix #chandleraz
Since 2015, there have been 142 expansions of European companies into Maricopa and Pinal counties, according to a new report from GPEC. These projects, consisting of 111 individual companies, have resulted in over $8.1 billion in investments and created about 15,000 jobs. #maricopacounty #pinalcounty #gpec #europeaninvestment #jobopportunity #metrophx #metrophoenix #silicondesert
A new Costco Business Center broke ground in late 2025 and has steadily moved through most phases of construction. The site at Alma School and Pecos (north of Loop 202) includes a 140,000 square foot building and 15-pump gas station. The opening date is expected to be late next month. #costcobusiness #chandleraz #wholesale #costco #metrophoenix #metrophx #businessmindset
Phoenix-based DarkPulse Inc. announced a new exclusive patent license agreement. The deal is with the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, part of the U.S. Department of the Navy. The agreement gives DarkPulse exclusive rights to key LADAR and sensing technologies. The agreement supports DarkPulse Inc.’s strategy to adopt and commercialize government-developed innovations. The company will embed these technologies into its engineering, installation, and security management solutions.
#ladar #silicondesert #phoenixaz #darkpulse #metrophoenix #metrophx
BNCCORP Inc. and its subsidiary BNC National Bank announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by OppFi Inc.. The deal includes cash and stock and values the transaction at about $130 million.

The merger combines two complementary, market-leading businesses. OppFi brings a strong digital lending platform. BNC adds a national bank charter and diversified banking infrastructure. Together, they will form a more scalable and diversified financial services company.

BNC National Bank operates as a community-focused commercial bank based in Glendale. It serves individuals and small to mid-sized businesses across Arizona and North Dakota. As of December 31, 2025, the bank reported about $1.1 billion in assets and $1.0 billion in deposits. Founded in 1987, BNC focuses on relationship-driven banking. It offers checking and savings accounts, consumer and commercial loans, wealth management, and digital banking. It also has strong expertise in business financing and SBA lending. #bncbank #oppfiinc #bncc #glendaleaz #metrophoenix
Phoenix-based Banner Health announced a major milestone on Monday. It completed more than 50 total artificial heart implant procedures—more than any center worldwide since 2022.

This achievement confirms its global leadership in artificial heart resources and technology. The system goes beyond patient care. It advises hospitals and device makers worldwide on patient selection, surgical procedures, and long-term management.

Banner Health now operates one of the busiest total artificial heart programs in the world. #bannerhealth #artificialheart #metrophx #silicondesert #bannerdesert
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry ( @azchamber ) announced the launch of the AZ AI Leadership Initiative. The objective of this coalition is to bring together industry experts, business leaders, and policymakers. They aim to strengthen Arizona’s role in next-generation technology, digital infrastructure, and workforce growth.

The initiative will advance smart tech policy. The goal is to strengthen the systems that power the digital economy. It will also keep Arizona’s regulations current as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies reshape industries statewide. #azchamber #silicondesert #commerce #metrophx #metrophoenix #innovation #digitaleconomy
GovCore Inc. has officially established its headquarters in Phoenix. The company provides software and compliance solutions for government licensing boards and regulatory agencies. The move marks a major step in the company’s continued expansion in the United States.

The new headquarters is located at 101 E. Washington Street in Downtown Phoenix. The office sits inside One Arizona Center. By choosing Phoenix, GovCore positions itself within one of the country’s fastest-growing technology and government services markets, while also gaining access to a strong talent pool and a rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem. #govcore #phxaz #metrophx #metrophoenix #dtphx #silicondesert #phoenixaz #compliance
The Costco Business Center in Chandler has been under construction since Q3 2025 and will potentially be ready to open next month. #costco #costcobusinesscenter #metrophx #metrophoenix #chandleraz
Since 2015, there have been 142 expansions of European companies into Maricopa and Pinal counties, according to a new report from GPEC. These projects, consisting of 111 individual companies, have resulted in over $8.1 billion in investments and created about 15,000 jobs. #maricopacounty #pinalcounty #gpec #europeaninvestment #jobopportunity #metrophx #metrophoenix #silicondesert
A new Costco Business Center broke ground in late 2025 and has steadily moved through most phases of construction. The site at Alma School and Pecos (north of Loop 202) includes a 140,000 square foot building and 15-pump gas station. The opening date is expected to be late next month. #costcobusiness #chandleraz #wholesale #costco #metrophoenix #metrophx #businessmindset
Phoenix-based DarkPulse Inc. announced a new exclusive patent license agreement. The deal is with the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, part of the U.S. Department of the Navy. The agreement gives DarkPulse exclusive rights to key LADAR and sensing technologies. The agreement supports DarkPulse Inc.’s strategy to adopt and commercialize government-developed innovations. The company will embed these technologies into its engineering, installation, and security management solutions.
#ladar #silicondesert #phoenixaz #darkpulse #metrophoenix #metrophx
BNCCORP Inc. and its subsidiary BNC National Bank announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by OppFi Inc.. The deal includes cash and stock and values the transaction at about $130 million.

The merger combines two complementary, market-leading businesses. OppFi brings a strong digital lending platform. BNC adds a national bank charter and diversified banking infrastructure. Together, they will form a more scalable and diversified financial services company.

BNC National Bank operates as a community-focused commercial bank based in Glendale. It serves individuals and small to mid-sized businesses across Arizona and North Dakota. As of December 31, 2025, the bank reported about $1.1 billion in assets and $1.0 billion in deposits. Founded in 1987, BNC focuses on relationship-driven banking. It offers checking and savings accounts, consumer and commercial loans, wealth management, and digital banking. It also has strong expertise in business financing and SBA lending. #bncbank #oppfiinc #bncc #glendaleaz #metrophoenix
Phoenix-based Banner Health announced a major milestone on Monday. It completed more than 50 total artificial heart implant procedures—more than any center worldwide since 2022.

This achievement confirms its global leadership in artificial heart resources and technology. The system goes beyond patient care. It advises hospitals and device makers worldwide on patient selection, surgical procedures, and long-term management.

Banner Health now operates one of the busiest total artificial heart programs in the world. #bannerhealth #artificialheart #metrophx #silicondesert #bannerdesert
Metro Phoenix Alliance Member Directory Map