Uber backs former CEO Kalanick’s Atoms in $1.7 billion autonomy push
Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms, the holding company founded by Travis Kalanick, as part of a broader funding round aimed at scaling autonomous technology in mining and transport.
Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms, the holding company established by its former CEO Travis Kalanick. The capital injection forms part of a $1.7 billion funding round for Atoms, which was led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. Other participants in the round include Bain Capital, Fifth Wall, and Uber itself. Ben Horowitz is set to join Atoms’ board of directors as part of the agreement.
The investment was reportedly made six months prior to the announcement, according to sources confirming the figure. Atoms, which houses the industrial automation startup Pronto, intends to utilise the funds to expand practical, OEM-agnostic autonomy solutions within the mining and transport sectors. A company email from co-founder Anthony Levandowski indicated that Pronto is a core strategic priority, with the round designed to accelerate operations in these fields.
The deal marks a significant reconciliation between Uber and Kalanick, who resigned from Uber’s top leadership role nearly a decade ago amid a series of scandals and lawsuits. The ride-hailing company’s participation in the funding round is notable given the history between the entities, including Uber’s previous acquisition of Levandowski’s self-driving trucks startup, Otto, which led to a high-profile trade secret theft lawsuit from Waymo.
Atoms’ strategic focus remains heavily weighted towards industrial automation. The company plans to leverage the new capital to scale autonomy that is not tied to specific original equipment manufacturers. This approach aims to provide flexible solutions for heavy industry, distinguishing its operations from consumer-focused autonomous vehicle projects.
The funding round underscores continued investor confidence in Kalanick’s ventures despite past controversies. With significant backing from major financial institutions and strategic partners, Atoms is positioned to expand its footprint in the autonomous vehicle market, particularly in sectors where safety and efficiency are paramount.
