UK-based Wayve, a developer of autonomous driving software, has reached a valuation of $8.6 billion following a new funding round, according to CNBC. The startup attracted capital from major players including Nvidia, Microsoft, and Uber.
The $1.2 billion Series D round was led by Eclipse, Balderton, and SoftBank Vision Fund 2. Automotive manufacturers Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Stellantis also participated. Separately, Uber is expected to invest up to $300 million in additional milestone-based equity.
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Global expansion and robotaxi testing
“We are building for a total addressable market that targets all vehicles that move,” said Alex Kendall, CEO of Wayve.
Founded in 2017, Wayve develops artificial intelligence models and software solutions for integrating autonomous driving into vehicles. Prior to this round, the company had already raised over $1 billion, becoming one of Europe’s most valuable startups in the sector.
In 2025, Wayve signed a partnership with Nissan to integrate AI into driver-assistance systems, with vehicle launches expected from 2027. The company also plans to launch public robotaxi trials in London starting in 2026 in partnership with Uber, followed by expansion into more than 10 global markets.
The autonomous driving sector continues to face technical and regulatory challenges. Level 5 automation, where vehicles operate entirely without human intervention, remains difficult to achieve at scale. However, recent AI advances have renewed investor confidence.
Meanwhile, Waymo, owned by Alphabet, announced the expansion of its autonomous taxi service in several U.S. cities, while Zoox, backed by Amazon, launched its public transport service in 2025. Tesla CEO Elon Musk continues to position the company as a leader in autonomous mobility.
Photo: freepik.com
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