British autonomous driving startup Wayve has reached a valuation of $8.6 billion after securing a major new round of funding, underscoring growing global confidence in AI-led mobility solutions. The latest investment brings in backing from technology and automotive heavyweights, including Uber, Microsoft, and Nvidia, along with leading automakers.
Moreover, Wayve raised an additional $1.5 billion with participation from Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Jeep-maker Stellantis, among others. As a result, the funding significantly strengthens the company’s ability to scale its autonomous driving platform across global markets.
Meanwhile, Wayve and Uber plan to begin commercial robotaxi trials in London later this year, marking an important step toward real-world deployment. This collaboration aims to validate Wayve’s technology in complex urban environments while accelerating the transition from pilot projects to revenue-generating services.
Commenting on the milestone, Wayve co-founder and chief executive Alex Kendall said the investment speeds up the company’s journey toward large-scale commercial rollout and helps establish an autonomy layer capable of powering vehicles across platforms and geographies. At the same time, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella noted that the partnership helps move Wayve’s breakthroughs from advanced research into mass-market deployment with automakers worldwide.
Founded in 2017, the startup has positioned itself as a pioneer in embodied AI for vehicles. Instead of relying on pre-mapped routes, its system learns directly from real-world environments by processing data from onboard sensors, thereby enabling more adaptive and scalable self-driving capabilities. Looking ahead, the company plans to integrate its autonomous driving software into consumer vehicles by 2027, further signaling its ambition to redefine how AI powers everyday transportation.
Wayve’s soaring valuation, high-profile investor backing, and upcoming robotaxi trials highlight a pivotal moment for AI-driven autonomous mobility. As the company moves closer to commercial deployment, it continues to strengthen its position as a key player shaping the future of self-driving technology worldwide.
