GoKawiilTravis Kalanick's Atoms eyes robotaxi push, talks with Uber on tech use
Atoms, the startup led by Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick, is reportedly gearing up for a hiring spree and acquisitions aimed at establishing itself as a major autonomous vehicle player, according to the Financial Times. The report says Atoms has discussed with Uber how the ride-hailing giant might deploy its robotaxi technology, and confirms Uber has already put $100 million into the startup.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Atoms recently closed a $1.7 billion round led by Andreessen Horowitz without fully disclosing its ambitions, so this reporting clarifies that robotaxis are a central focus rather than a side project. Given Kalanick's history building Uber and his acquisition of Anthony Levandowski's autonomous mining startup Pronto, Atoms could become a serious new competitor in the crowded self-driving space where Uber already partners with multiple rivals.
- Atoms is planning hiring and acquisitions to expand into autonomous vehicles.
- Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms and discussed using its robotaxi tech.
- The move aligns with Kalanick's acquisition of Levandowski's Pronto and his 'unfinished business' comments.
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Published there as: “Travis Kalanick’s Atoms might be getting into the robotaxi business”
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