This summer, Atoms, a startup founded by Travis Kalanick, secured $1.7 billion in funding, primarily driven by Andreessen Horowitz. Despite this substantial influx of cash, Kalanick has been somewhat vague about the company’s strategic goals.
According to a new report from the Financial Times, Atoms is gearing up for significant expansion, including plans for a substantial hiring increase and potential acquisitions, positioning itself as a significant contender in the autonomous vehicle sector.
The Financial Times also indicated that Atoms has engaged with Uber regarding the integration of its robotaxi technology into Uber’s services. Uber has already formed collaborations with various autonomous vehicle firms. Additionally, it’s noted that Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms, a detail that TechCrunch had previously verified.
While insiders have pointed out that robotaxis are only one facet of Atoms’ broader vision, this development aligns with Kalanick’s earlier comments about the funding round being about addressing “unfinished business.”
This trajectory is further complemented by Atoms’ acquisition of Pronto, an autonomous mining firm previously helmed by Anthony Levandowski, who once led Uber’s self-driving division. Levandowski was convicted for theft of trade secrets and served an 18-month sentence, later receiving a pardon from former President Donald Trump.
