# Waymo's ex-CFO joins self-driving startup Wayve

> Elisa de Martel brings deep tech finance experience as the startup prepares to deploy its automated driving technology.
- Title: Waymo's ex-CFO joins self-driving startup Wayve · TechCrunch
- Summary: Elisa de Martel brings deep tech finance experience as the startup prepares to deploy its automated driving technology. Wayve hired Waymo's former CFO as it…
- Keywords: wayve, waymo, elisa de martel, max warburton, alex kendall, alphabet, autonomous vehicles, self-driving technology, robotaxis, cfo hire, nissan, stellantis
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/16/former-waymo-cfo-jumps-to-self-driving-startup-wayve
- Author: Kirsten Korosec
- Published: 2026-09-16T19:02:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: wayve, waymo, elisa de martel, max warburton, alex kendall, alphabet, autonomous vehicles, self-driving technology, robotaxis, cfo hire, nissan, stellantis
## Waymo's CFO moves to Wayve
Elisa de Martel, who was CFO at Alphabet's Waymo, has been hired to the same position at self-driving startup Wayve.
## From testing to deployment
The CFO appointment comes as Wayve moves from development to deploying its automated driving tech in robotaxis and passenger vehicles.
## Deep tech finance background
De Martel was CFO at Carbon and spent 11 years at Apple. She led Waymo's finances from 2022 to January 2026 during its commercial expansion.
## Self-learning software approach
Wayve's tech uses an end-to-end neural network that doesn't rely on high-definition maps or custom hardware, only data to teach driving.
## Two product lines
The company offers an "eyes on" assisted-driving system and an "eyes off" fully automated system for robotaxis or consumer vehicles.
## Major funding and partnerships
Wayve has raised $3.2 billion and partnered with Nissan, Stellantis, and Uber. It's valued at about $8.5 billion.
## Public rides already launched
Wayve recently launched public rides in London with a safety operator on board. Tokyo deployment is expected to follow soon.
## The challenge ahead
The company must now push past limited early deployment and become a high-volume supplier to the automotive industry.
## Key takeaway

Wayve hired Waymo's former CFO as it transitions from testing to commercial deployment of its self-learning automated driving software.