Self-driving tech startup Wayve raises $1.2B from Nvidia, Uber, and three automakers

Wayve, a U.K.-based self-driving technology startup founded in 2017, has raised $1.2 billion in a funding round led by a diverse group of investors including Nvidia, Uber, Microsoft, and three automakers, bringing its valuation to $8.6 billion. The company distinguishes itself by employing a contrarian approach both technologically and commercially. Unlike many competitors, Wayve uses an end-to-end deep learning neural network that does not rely on high-definition maps or specific sensors, allowing its software to learn driving behavior directly from data. This agnostic, data-driven system supports both an “eyes on” assisted-driving product and an “eyes off” fully autonomous driving system suitable for robotaxis or consumer vehicles in certain environments. Wayve’s technology runs on existing vehicle hardware, including Nvidia’s Drive AGX Thor platform, enabling advanced Level 4 autonomous features on city streets and highways. Unlike Tesla or Waymo, Wayve does not intend to operate its own fleet or manufacture vehicles