TechCrunch Mobility: Applied Intuition’s Valuation, Micromobility Boom & Waymo’s Big Week
▼ Summary
– Waymo, the largest commercial robotaxi operator, faced service disruptions due to protests but expanded its service area by 80 square miles in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Silicon Valley.
– Waymo is applying for a permit to test autonomous vehicles in NYC, but driverless testing requires a state law change, prompting expected lobbying efforts.
– Applied Intuition raised $600 million in a Series F round, reaching a $15 billion valuation, with backing from BlackRock, Kleiner Perkins, and other investors.
– Micromobility has evolved into a viable public transportation option in Europe, with companies like Voi and Bird focusing on profitability and core market growth.
– Tesla partnered with Electrify Expo for EV test drives, while Zoox opened a production facility aiming to build 10,000 robotaxis annually.
The autonomous vehicle industry continues to evolve rapidly, with major players making strategic moves while micromobility demonstrates surprising resilience despite past challenges.
Waymo remains the dominant force in commercial robotaxis, currently handling 250,000 paid rides weekly, though its journey hasn’t been without turbulence. Recent developments highlight the unpredictable nature of this emerging sector. The company temporarily suspended services nationwide ahead of planned protests, only to announce an 80-square-mile expansion in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Silicon Valley shortly after. Now, Waymo has set its sights on New York City, but breaking into the largest U.S. market won’t be easy. While applying for an autonomous vehicle testing permit, the company still faces regulatory hurdles before deploying fully driverless vehicles in the state.
Meanwhile, Applied Intuition, a key player in autonomous vehicle software development, has secured a staggering $15 billion valuation following a $600 million Series F funding round. Backed by heavyweights like BlackRock and Kleiner Perkins, the startup provides critical simulation and data management tools for AV development. This latest funding marks a dramatic rise from its $6 billion valuation just a year ago.
In other funding news, Archer Aviation raised $850 million through a direct share offering, capitalizing on growing interest in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology. Southern California’s Senra Systems, specializing in aerospace wire harnesses, also attracted $25 million from notable investors, including Figma’s Dylan Field and Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund.
Micromobility is staging a quiet comeback after a period of consolidation and financial strain. Industry leaders like Voi, Bird, and Dott/Tier are shifting from rapid expansion to sustainable growth, focusing on profitability and smarter operations. At the recent Micromobility Europe event, executives highlighted Europe’s lead in embracing shared scooters and bikes as legitimate public transport options—a trend the U.S. is still catching up to. Companies are leveraging AI to optimize fleet deployment and exploring acquisitions to strengthen market positions.
New product launches also signal renewed momentum. Honda unveiled the Fastport eQuad, a compact electric delivery vehicle designed for last-mile logistics, while VanMoof re-emerged post-bankruptcy with a fresh e-bike model.
Elsewhere in mobility tech:
- Zoox opened its first full-scale production facility, aiming to manufacture 10,000 robotaxis annually.
- Tesla broke tradition by partnering with Electrify Expo to offer weekend test drives—a potential response to shifting consumer outreach strategies.
- Zoomcar, India’s car-sharing platform, disclosed a data breach affecting 8.4 million users, underscoring cybersecurity risks in the mobility sector.
The Paris Air Show brought breakthroughs in advanced air mobility, with Beta Technologies’ Alia becoming the first electric aircraft to fly at the event. Meanwhile, regulators are collaborating on an AAM roadmap, signaling growing government support for next-gen aviation.
From robotaxis to micromobility and beyond, the transportation landscape is proving more dynamic than ever. Companies that adapt quickly, whether through funding, regulation, or innovation, will shape the future of how we move.
(Source: TechCrunch)
