Waabi Raises $1 Billion, Partners with Uber to Launch Autonomous Robotaxis

Autonomous vehicle startup Waabi has secured $1 billion in funding and formed a strategic partnership with Uber to deploy self-driving cars on its ride-hailing platform. This marks Waabi's first venture outside of autonomous trucking.

• Waabi's funding includes a $750 million Series C round co-led by Khosla Ventures and G2 Venture Partners, plus $250 million in milestone-based capital from Uber.
• Waabi intends to deploy over 25,000 Waabi Driver-powered robotaxis on Uber, though no specific timeline has been shared.
• The partnership reflects a commitment to leveraging Waabi's AI technology that offers a single solution for multiple self-driving applications, contrasting with competitors like Waymo that faced hurdles in similar ventures.
• Waabi's CEO, Raquel Urtasun, highlights their capital-efficient approach and advanced AI architecture as key advantages.
• The partnership comes full circle for Urtasun, who was previously the chief scientist at Uber's autonomous vehicle division, later sold to Aurora Innovation.
• Other AV partners on Uber's platform include Waymo, Nuro, Avride, Wayve, WeRide, and others.
• Waabi uses a closed-loop simulator, Waabi World, to train its autonomous technology, offering efficiency and reduced data reliance.
• Waabi's strategic investments and partnerships, including connections with Volvo and other major investors like Nvidia's NVentures and Porsche Automobil Holding SE, provide a robust foundation for expanding into both robotaxis and other vehicle forms.