Driverless AI tech startup Wayve has secured $1.2 billion in new funding from Nvidia (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), and Uber (UBER), pushing its valuation to $8.6 billion. The round also includes backing from major automakers and venture firms as interest in automated driving accelerates. Meanwhile, Uber said it could invest up to an additional $300 million tied to future robotaxi deployments, signaling growing confidence in Wayve’s commercialization strategy.
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Forget margin or options. Here's how the pros trade NVDAWayve Secures $1.2 Billion to Scale Autonomous Driving
The $1.2 billion Series D round was led by venture capital firms such as Eclipse, Balderton, and SoftBank Vision Fund 2, with participation from Nvidia, Microsoft, Uber, Mercedes-Benz Group (MBGAF), Nissan (NSANY), and Stellantis (STLA). The new fund brings together venture firms, institutional investors, and global automakers planning to integrate Wayve’s technology into future vehicles. According to the company, several of the participating automakers intend to deploy its software in upcoming models.
Interestingly, Wayve’s founder and CEO, Alex Kendall, described the company’s technology approach as “contrarian” compared to traditional autonomous driving systems. Rather than relying on high-definition maps, the company uses an end-to-end deep learning model trained directly on driving data. The system is designed to generalize across different vehicles, sensors, and environments.
Wayve’s Gen 3 platform runs on Nvidia’s Drive AGX Thor in-vehicle compute architecture. The platform supports advanced driver-assistance systems and Level 4 autonomous capabilities. These features are intended for use on both city streets and highways.
Wayve Rolls Out Autonomous Tech
Nissan said Wayve’s self-driving software will be integrated into its advanced driver-assistance systems starting in 2027. The automaker plans to deploy the technology in future production vehicles as part of its broader automation strategy. Meanwhile, Uber is preparing to begin commercial robotaxi trials in London in 2026 using vehicles equipped with Wayve’s system.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the company plans to expand Wayve’s deployments to more than 10 markets globally. The partnership could extend beyond pilot programs, with both companies signaling broader long-term collaboration. The rollout comes as autonomous driving companies continue working through technical and regulatory challenges across the U.S. and Europe.
Building a Map-Free AI for Automakers
Founded in 2017, the U.K.-based private company Wayve continues to develop autonomous-driving software using an end-to-end deep learning system that does not rely on high-definition maps. Prior to its $1.2 billion Series D round, the company had raised over $1 billion in funding. Wayve’s technology runs on Nvidia’s Drive AGX Thor platform, allowing partners like Uber and Nissan to integrate it into multiple vehicles.
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