Travis Kalanick is steering Atoms toward autonomous driving as the startup prepares to hire aggressively and make acquisitions. Uber invested $100 million in Atoms’ June funding round and has discussed using its robotaxi technology on Uber’s ride-hailing network; Atoms has already acquired autonomous-mining startup Pronto, led by former Uber self-driving chief Anthony Levandowski. Atoms also operates CloudKitchens and Lab37, and most of its more than 2,000 employees work in its food division.
Travis Kalanick’s Atoms is reportedly exploring robotaxis and has discussed with Uber how the ride-hailing company could use its autonomous-vehicle technology. The startup is preparing for a hiring spree and acquisitions, though sources say robotaxis are not the entirety of its plans. Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms, which raised $1.7 billion in a round led by Andreessen Horowitz and acquired autonomous mining startup Pronto.
Travis Kalanick’s Atoms is developing robotaxi technology and hired Anthony Levandowski after acquiring his company, Pronto. Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms, which is preparing for a hiring spree and could link up with Uber, where Kalanick was ousted almost a decade ago.
