Waabi to launch robotaxi fleet with Uber after US$750-million raise

Waabi raised US$750-million and said it will deploy at least 25,000 robotaxis with Uber, while continuing its autonomous trucking operations.

Waabi Innovation Inc. announced a US$750-million venture financing and plans to deploy a large fleet of robotaxis with Uber while maintaining its autonomous trucking work. The Toronto company says its AI system will power both trucks and robotaxis and that the new funding will accelerate rollout. Waabi disclosed few operational details about where or when robotaxis will appear or which manufacturer will build the vehicles. The company also noted additional investment from Uber and a history of partnerships in trucking. Key details: - Waabi secured US$750-million in the latest financing; combined with reported additional investment from Uber the company says the total announced capital is US$1-billion, and Uber’s funding is contingent on undisclosed milestones. - The company said it will deploy a minimum of 25,000 autonomous vehicles on Uber’s ride-hailing service but did not specify launch locations or timing. - Investors in the round included Khosla Ventures, G2 Ventures Partners, Nvidia’s venture arm, Volvo Group Venture Capital, Porsche Automobil Holding SE and Radical Ventures, among others. - Waabi already operates in autonomous long-haul trucking and has delivered goods with Uber Freight between Dallas and Houston since 2023 with a safety driver aboard. - The firm previously decided not to proceed with fully driverless modified trucks on public roads and is awaiting a next-generation Volvo truck built for autonomy. Summary: Waabi’s funding round is one of the largest venture financings noted in Canadian tech and supports expansion from trucking into planned city robotaxi services with Uber. The company plans at least 25,000 robotaxis but has not disclosed where or when they will launch or which manufacturer will supply the vehicles. Uber’s contribution is tied to undisclosed milestones, and Waabi continues to align its trucking operations with upcoming manufacturer-built autonomous trucks. Undetermined at this time.