Autonomous vehicle startup, Waabi Raises $1B and struck a partnership with Uber to deploy self-driving cars on the ride-hailing giant’s platform, the company announced on January 28, 2026.
The funding includes a $750 million Series C round led by Khosla Ventures and G2 Venture Partners, with participation from existing investors including Nvidia, Volvo Group Venture Capital, Porsche Ventures, Radical Ventures, Harbor Street Ventures, Incharge Capital Partners, and Scania Invest, as well as new backers like Export Development Canada (EDC) and Investissement Québec. This brings Waabi’s total funding to $1.28 billion since its 2021 founding, following a $200 million Series B in June 2024.
Uber is committing up to $250 million in additional capital, contingent on Waabi meeting certain milestones, pushing the total raise to $1 billion. The partnership will see Waabi’s self-driving vehicles integrated into Uber’s network starting in 2027, initially in select markets, with plans to scale to thousands of robotaxis over time.
Waabi, based in Toronto, says it’s the first company to develop a shared AI “brain” capable of operating both autonomous trucks and robotaxis, leveraging its generative AI platform for safer, more efficient deployment. The startup has focused on trucking but is now expanding into passenger vehicles through this deal.
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“With this partnership, we’re bringing together the best of autonomous technology and ride-hailing to unlock new opportunities for safe, affordable, and sustainable mobility,” said Waabi founder and CEO Raquel Urtasun in the announcement.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi added: “Waabi’s innovative approach to autonomy aligns with our vision for the future of transportation. This collaboration will accelerate the deployment of robotaxis on the Uber platform.”
The funds will support Waabi’s expansion, including growing its team, advancing its AI technology, and scaling commercial operations in trucking while preparing for robotaxi launches. Waabi operates driverless trucks in Texas and plans further U.S. and Canadian rollouts.
This deal comes amid a resurgence in autonomous vehicle investments, with competitors like Waymo and Cruise also partnering with ride-hailing services. Uber, which sold its self-driving unit to Aurora in 2020, has been rebuilding its AV strategy through collaborations.
Waabi did not disclose its valuation in the round.
