Waabi Closes $1 Billion Round with Uber for 25,000 Robotaxis
Combined Series C and milestone investment led by Khosla Ventures will deploy Waabi-powered autonomous vehicles.
Waabi has closed a combined $750 million Series C and $250 million milestone investment totaling $1 billion. The round, co-led by Khosla Ventures and G2 Venture Partners, includes approximately $250 million from Uber to support deploying 25,000 Waabi-powered robotaxis.
Uber Partnership
Uber's significant investment signals serious intent to integrate autonomous vehicles into its ride-hailing fleet. The deployment of 25,000 Waabi-powered robotaxis represents one of the largest autonomous vehicle commitments by a ride-sharing company.
Technology Approach
Founded by AI pioneer Raquel Urtasun, Waabi uses a simulation-first approach to autonomous vehicle development. This methodology enables faster iteration and broader scenario coverage than traditional on-road testing alone, potentially accelerating the path to safe autonomous deployment.
Funding Structure
The unique funding structure—combining Series C with milestone-based investment—aligns investor returns with actual deployment progress. This model may become more common as autonomous vehicle companies transition from research to production phases.
Competitive Landscape
With this funding, Waabi joins Waymo, Cruise, and Aurora as major autonomous vehicle developers with the capital to pursue commercial deployment. The Uber partnership provides a clear path to market that some competitors lack.
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