Mike Rother is now managing partner of consulting services for AVStrategy, the consulting enterprise of Automotive Ventures. Rother is former senior vice president and general manager for Dealer.com.

Automotive Ventures, an automotive technology investment and consulting company, said AVStrategy provides advisory and networking services to automotive entrepreneurs and investors.

Rother served in various leadership roles for organizations such as Kelley Blue Book, HomeNet Automotive and NextGear Capital before his latest role with Dealer.com. Rother has worked in the automotive industry for 20 years.

"I’m thrilled to have a chance to work with Mike again," Automotive Ventures chief executive officer Steve Greenfield, who founded the company in 2014, said in a news release.

Greenfield also said of Rother, “His deep experience, knowledge of the space, and industry connections make him a perfect fit to lead AVStrategy. He has a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial journey and the levers needed to energize growth, having developed and guided early-stage startups throughout his career. Mike has an extensive technology background and understands how to grow companies based on market dynamics and their particular stage of development. I couldn’t be happier that he’s joined our team, and I look forward to working closely together.”

Automotive Ventures works in the areas of technology investments, mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, and growth strategies for early-stage startups in the automotive industry.

In addition to his previous business leadership roles, Rother has established roots in technology. He is a software engineer and product development marketing strategist.

Rother said Automotive Ventures “puts integrity first.”

“The pace of change in automotive has accelerated and, more than ever, businesses need expert advice from people they trust who bring experience, strategic insight, and access to the right connections,” Rother said.

Rother went on to say, “We live in a very execution-oriented environment, and delivering on goals and targets is mission-critical. Our ultimate objective is to build true value and help businesses achieve more than they thought possible. I'm excited to lend my expertise as an integral part of this process." 

Greenfield said that especially over the past six months, the company has seen growing demand for its services. He said it appears that the current year will be a busy one for companies looking to invest in the space.

"While the auto industry is quite large, I'm always amazed at just how small it is in terms of relationships,” Greenfield said. “Industry response to Automotive Ventures has been great due in large part to the fact that we strategically and purposefully partner with the right clients, provide the right advice, and make the right connections for them.”