Travis Kalanick’s Atoms might be getting into the robotaxi business
techcrunch ·
Travis Kalanick's startup Atoms may be entering the robotaxi business. After raising a $1.7 billion funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, the company is reportedly planning a hiring spree and acquisitions to become a major player in autonomous vehicles. Atoms has discussed with Uber how the ride-hailing company could use its robotaxi technology, and Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms. Sources say robotaxis are not the entirety of Atoms' plans, but the direction aligns with Kalanick's description of the funding round as 'unfinished business.' The move also fits with Atoms' acquisition of Pronto, an autonomous mining startup led by former Uber self-driving chief Anthony Levandowski.
techcrunch