TLDR
- UK autonomous driving startup Wayve negotiating $2 billion funding from Microsoft and SoftBank
- Potential deal would value the London-based company at $8 billion
- Nvidia already committed to $500 million investment through September letter of intent
- Wayve raised $1 billion in 2024 from SoftBank, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Uber
- Company expanding operations from UK and US into Germany and Japan
London-based autonomous driving company Wayve is in discussions with Microsoft and SoftBank for a major funding round. The talks center on raising up to $2 billion in new capital for the artificial intelligence startup.
The proposed investment could value Wayve at approximately $8 billion according to the Financial Times. People familiar with the negotiations say no final valuation has been agreed upon. The discussions remain in early stages between the parties.
This funding round follows chip maker Nvidia’s September letter of intent for a $500 million investment. The combination of interest from multiple technology giants shows strong investor demand for autonomous driving startups. AI companies have attracted billions in venture capital over the past year.
Previous Funding and Partnerships
Wayve secured more than $1 billion in funding during 2024. SoftBank led that investment round with backing from Nvidia and Microsoft. Ride-hailing company Uber also made an undisclosed investment in Wayve last year.
The 2017-founded company develops autonomous vehicle technology using artificial intelligence systems. Wayve’s platform aims to enable self-driving capabilities across different vehicle types. The company partners with automotive manufacturers and mobility service providers.
Current operations span the United Kingdom and United States markets. Wayve has begun expanding testing and development activities internationally. The company now operates in Germany and Japan as part of its growth strategy.
Investor Interest in Autonomous Driving
None of the companies involved provided official statements on the funding talks. Microsoft and SoftBank did not respond to media requests for comment. Wayve declined to discuss the Financial Times report publicly.
SoftBank has invested in Wayve through multiple funding rounds over several years. The Japanese conglomerate’s continued involvement demonstrates confidence in the startup’s technology. Microsoft’s participation also extends across different investment stages.
Germany and Japan represent key markets for autonomous vehicle development. Both countries host major automotive manufacturers and established regulatory frameworks. Wayve’s international expansion targets regions with strong automotive industries.
The $8 billion valuation would rank Wayve among the highest-valued autonomous driving startups globally. This represents substantial growth from previous funding round valuations. Investor interest reflects belief in Wayve’s technology and market potential.
Nvidia’s hardware powers many autonomous driving and AI applications across the industry. The chip maker’s investment creates technical synergies beyond capital. Uber’s stake provides potential commercial applications through its ride-hailing network.
Wayve operates in a competitive autonomous driving sector alongside companies like Cruise, Waymo, and Aurora. Major automakers also develop proprietary self-driving systems. The market continues attracting investment despite technical and regulatory challenges.
Microsoft brings cloud computing and AI expertise to its Wayve investment. SoftBank operates the Vision Fund focused on technology investments. Both investors have extensive portfolios in artificial intelligence and mobility companies.
The autonomous driving market spans consumer vehicles, commercial fleets, and delivery services. Companies developing the technology compete for partnerships with automakers and fleet operators. Wayve positions itself as a technology provider rather than vehicle manufacturer.
