From TechCrunch · Anthony Ha · · 1m
Kalanick's Atoms eyes robotaxi business
The Uber founder's secretive startup raised $1.7 billion and is now reportedly preparing to enter autonomous vehicles.
In brief
The Uber founder's secretive startup raised $1.7 billion and is now reportedly preparing to enter autonomous vehicles. Travis Kalanick's Atoms is pivoting toward robotaxis after raising $1.7 billion, with talks already underway with Uber. Originally reported by TechCrunch.
Atoms raises $1.7 billion
Travis Kalanick's startup Atoms announced a massive funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz. The Uber founder stayed vague about his actual plans.
Robotaxi plans emerge
Financial Times reports Atoms is preparing for a hiring spree and acquisitions to become a major autonomous vehicle player.
Uber talks underway
Atoms has discussed providing robotaxi technology to Uber, which already partners with multiple autonomous vehicle companies. Uber invested $100 million in Atoms.
Unfinished business
Sources say robotaxis aren't Atoms' only focus, but the direction fits Kalanick's description of the round as "unfinished business."
“unfinished business”
Pronto acquisition adds expertise
Atoms acquired Pronto, an autonomous mining startup led by Uber's former self-driving chief Anthony Levandowski.
Here's the gist
Travis Kalanick's Atoms is pivoting toward robotaxis after raising $1.7 billion, with talks already underway with Uber.
