Conifer, an EV motor startup founded by former Lucid Motors and Apple engineers, has raised $20 million in seed funding to develop electric motors using ferrite magnets, avoiding rare earth materials. Targeting small electric mobility markets, the company aims to simplify integration for vehicle manufacturers and has attracted interest from various industries, including lawnmower and HVAC systems. Their approach addresses supply chain vulnerabilities and environmental concerns associated with rare earth mining, while also capitalizing on the shift towards localized manufacturing through automated "microfactories."