Kalanick's Atoms may be expanding into robotaxi technology
The Financial Times reports that Travis Kalanick's autonomous vehicle startup Atoms is preparing for a hiring spree and possible acquisitions as it aims to become a major robotaxi industry player, and has discussed its technology with Uber.
Travis Kalanick's startup Atoms may be moving into the robotaxi business, according to a new report from the Financial Times that sheds light on the company's ambitions following its massive summer funding round.
Earlier this summer, Atoms announced a $1.7 billion funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, though Kalanick remained vague about the company's exact goals at the time. The FT report now says Atoms is preparing for a significant hiring push along with possible acquisitions that could position it as a major player in the autonomous vehicle industry.
According to the report, Atoms has held discussions with Uber about how the ride-hailing giant might use the startup's robotaxi technology. Uber has already established partnerships with numerous other autonomous vehicle companies. The FT also referenced Uber's previously confirmed $100 million investment in Atoms.
While sources cited in the report stress that robotaxis are not the entirety of Atoms' business plans, this direction aligns with how Kalanick previously described the funding round — as "unfinished business." It also fits with Atoms' recent acquisition of Pronto, an autonomous mining startup led by Anthony Levandowski, Uber's former self-driving chief. Levandowski was previously convicted of stealing trade secrets and sentenced to 18 months in prison, but was later pardoned by President Donald Trump.
