UK-based autonomous driving startup Wayve is reportedly in discussions with Microsoft and SoftBank to raise up to $2 billion in new funding, potentially valuing the company at around $8 billion, according to a report by the Financial Times on Monday.
The talks are said to be in the early stages, with two people familiar with the matter confirming that both tech giants are exploring participation in the funding round. If completed, the investment would mark one of the largest financings in the AI-driven mobility sector this year.
Microsoft, which previously invested in Wayve, has deepened its ties with AI and robotics startups through its Azure AI ecosystem. SoftBank, known for its Vision Fund investments, has also shown renewed interest in backing autonomous technology ventures.
A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by MT Newswires.
Founded in 2017, Wayve develops AI-powered self-driving systems that can learn from real-world data instead of relying solely on pre-programmed maps. The company’s technology is being tested on UK roads and has attracted significant investor attention amid growing competition in the autonomous vehicle industry.
