AFV Partners Team

Tony Aquila is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and transformation-driven leader with a decades-long track record of building and scaling disruptive technology companies across mobility, software, and data sectors. Entrepreneurial Success & Executive Leadership: Aquila began his entrepreneurial journey by founding MaxMeyer America, Inc., a European automotive refinishing distributor acquired by PPG Industries in 1997. He went on to launch Ensera, Inc., a pioneering claims workflow software company serving the insurance and collision repair sectors, which was later acquired by Mitchell International. In 2005, Aquila founded Solera Holdings, Inc., transforming it into a global automotive technology powerhouse. Under his leadership, Solera completed more than 50 acquisitions, went public in a $1 billion IPO (2007), and was later taken private in a $6.5 billion buyout (2016). He led the company until 2019, establishing its global dominance in automotive data and software solutions. In 2021, Aquila stepped in as CEO and Executive Chairman of Canoo Technologies, Inc., guiding the electric vehicle company through a turbulent period. Despite financial and operational challenges, he spearheaded strategic partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and NASA, advancing innovative mobility solutions. His leadership helped secure key fleet agreements and expand production capacity. However, after a valiant effort to reposition the company, Canoo ultimately filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2025.