Travis Kalanick's Atoms in talks with Uber over robotaxi technology after $1.7B funding round
Kalanick's startup, backed by Andreessen Horowitz and $100 million from Uber, is preparing to enter autonomous vehicle and robotaxi sectors through hiring and acquisitions.
What happened
Travis Kalanick's Atoms raised $1.7 billion led by Andreessen Horowitz earlier this summer. According to Financial Times reporting, Atoms has discussed with Uber how the ride-hailing company could use Atoms' robotaxi technology. Uber has already invested $100 million in Atoms. The startup is reportedly preparing a hiring spree and acquisitions to become a major player in the autonomous vehicle industry. Atoms has acquired Pronto, an autonomous mining startup led by Uber's former self-driving chief Anthony Levandowski (who was convicted of stealing trade secrets, sentenced to 18 months, and later pardoned by President Trump).
Context
Kalanick previously described the funding round as addressing 'unfinished business,' which appears consistent with the robotaxi direction. While robotaxis represent a significant focus, sources indicated this does not encompass Atoms' entire strategy. Uber has partnerships with multiple autonomous vehicle companies, and this engagement with Atoms represents one element of a broader industry portfolio. The acquisition of Pronto signals Atoms' intent to build autonomous vehicle capabilities through both organic hiring and inorganic growth.
What's disputed
Atoms' complete strategic objectives remain unclear; sources note robotaxis do not represent 'the entirety of Atoms' plans' but provide no details on other business lines.