Scott Painter

Scott Painter is a prominent American entrepreneur and investor, primarily recognized for his extensive work in the automotive and technology sectors. He is the Founder and CEO of Autonomy, a vehicle subscription service that allows users to access cars without long-term commitments, focusing on making mobility more accessible and affordable. Autonomy was originally branded as NextCar before its rebranding in 2022.125

Early Life and Education

Born on September 30, 1968, in Seattle, Washington, Painter grew up in Placer County, California. He began his entrepreneurial journey at a young age by starting his first company at 14. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army as a Spanish interrogator. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and later transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied economics.13

Career Highlights

Scott Painter's career spans over two decades, during which he has founded several influential companies in the automotive industry:

• TrueCar, Inc.: Founded in 2005, TrueCar revolutionized car buying by providing transparent pricing information and a network of certified dealers. Painter served as CEO until 2015.3
• CarsDirect.com: One of his earliest ventures, CarsDirect.com was launched in 1998 and quickly became a leading online platform for car sales.13
• Fair, Inc.: Co-founded in 2016, Fair aimed to disrupt traditional car leasing models but faced challenges leading to Painter's departure in 2019.24
• Autonomy (formerly NextCar): Launched in 2020, Autonomy offers a subscription model for electric vehicles, allowing users to pay a monthly fee that includes insurance and maintenance.25

Vision and Impact

Painter's mission has consistently focused on improving the customer experience in the automotive sector. He emphasizes solving consumer problems through technology and innovation. His companies have aimed to simplify the process of buying or accessing vehicles, thereby transforming traditional automotive retail practices.25

Personal Life

Scott Painter resides in Los Angeles with his wife and their four children. His passion for cars and technology continues to drive his entrepreneurial endeavors as he seeks to make significant impacts within the automotive industry.3