Jason Marks is the CEO and co-founder of TELO Trucks, a California-based electric vehicle startup focused on redefining the compact pickup truck for urban environments. Established in 2022, TELO aims to combine the utility of a traditional pickup with the maneuverability required for city living. The company’s flagship product, the MT1, is a compact electric pickup truck designed to meet the needs of modern urban dwellers.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Washington state, Jason developed an early interest in vehicles. By the age of 13, he had already built his first car, showcasing his mechanical aptitude. This passion led him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Columbia University, where he focused on vehicle safety technologies.
Professional Experience
Before founding TELO, Jason worked at National Instruments, where he led autonomous vehicle and driver assistance systems (ADAS) test programs. In his role as Chief Business Development Manager, he significantly expanded the company’s market presence and secured patents for innovative technologies in the field. His work with major U.S. automakers, including early electric vehicle models, further honed his expertise in vehicle safety and technology integration.
Founding TELO Trucks
In 2022, Jason co-founded TELO Trucks with Forrest North and Yves Béhar. The trio aimed to address the challenges posed by oversized vehicles in urban environments. Their flagship product, the MT1, is a compact electric pickup truck measuring just 152 inches in length comparable to a two-door Mini Hardtop. Despite its small size, the MT1 offers seating for five and a bed comparable in size to a Toyota Tacoma’s, making it suitable for both city driving and weekend adventures.
Specifications of the TELO MT1
The TELO MT1 is available in two configurations: a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version with 300 horsepower and an estimated range of 260 miles, and a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version with 500 horsepower and a range of up to 350 miles. The truck features a 106 kWh battery and offers fast-charging capabilities, with a 20-minute charge time to 80% capacity. It also boasts a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds and a towing capacity of 6,600 pounds, making it versatile for various tasks.
Funding and Market Reception
As of September 2025, TELO Trucks has secured over 12,000 pre-orders for the MT1, reflecting strong consumer interest. The company recently raised $20 million in a Series A funding round, co-led by Yves Béhar and Marc Tarpenning, co-founder of Tesla. Other investors include Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and early-stage funds such as TO VC, E12 Ventures, and Neo. This funding will enable TELO to achieve production readiness and meet federal requirements for the MT1.
Personal Life
Outside of his professional endeavors, Jason resides in San Francisco with his 150-pound dog. His experiences navigating the city’s parking challenges with a large vehicle inspired the creation of the MT1. Jason’s commitment to sustainability and innovation extends beyond his work, reflecting his dedication to improving urban living through thoughtful design and technology.
Looking Ahead
As TELO Trucks prepares to enter production in 2026, Jason Marks continues to drive the company’s mission of delivering purpose-built electric vehicles that meet the needs of modern urban dwellers. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and design, TELO is poised to make a significant impact on the future of urban transportation.
