Chip manufacturers AMD, Arm, and Qualcomm have collectively invested $60 million in the UK-based self-driving technology startup Wayve, as part of an extension to its recent $1.2 billion Series D funding round, the companies announced on Wednesday.
The Series D round has attracted a prestigious lineup of strategic investors, including automotive giants such as Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Stellantis, alongside returning supporters like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Uber. Notably, Uber has pledged an additional $300 million, contingent on the deployment of Wayve's technology in robotaxis across London.
This collaboration signifies more than just financial backing; it aims to leverage the diverse computing platforms essential for the functionality of Wayve's self-driving system. Wayve has developed a unique approach to autonomous driving, relying on an end-to-end neural network that utilizes data from various sensors instead of depending on specific hardware or high-definition mapping.
The startup's innovative technology supports two distinct products aimed at automakers and tech firms. One is the "eyes on" assisted-driving system, which requires driver engagement, while the other is the "eyes off" fully automated-driving system, designed for specific environments and suitable for both robotaxis and consumer vehicles. Nissan plans to integrate Wayve's technology into its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) starting in 2027, with Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis also set to incorporate it into future models.
Wayve's latest funding will facilitate further integration across automotive computing platforms and enhance the deployment of its AI Driver technology in production systems for ADAS and automated driving.
According to Wayve co-founder and CEO Alex Kendall, "For embodied AI to scale, automakers need design choice and supply chain flexibility. Expanding our relationships with leading silicon companies helps bring that into production at a global scale."
