Uber is actively engaging with private equity firms and major banks to raise funding for its growing robotaxi division, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi confirmed. As the company positions itself for large-scale deployment of autonomous vehicles, it’s seeking external investment to support expansion efforts.
Currently operating robotaxis from Waymo in cities like Austin and Atlanta, Uber is building momentum through partnerships with automakers including Volkswagen and Lucid. Its broader strategy includes three business models: paying fixed rates to vehicle-owning partners, revenue-sharing with fleet operators, and owning vehicles while licensing autonomous software.
Khosrowshahi said that once the robotaxi revenue potential is clearly demonstrated, ample financing will follow. Until then, Uber will fund early deployments using part of its $7 billion in annual cash flow and may consider selling minority stakes in associated ventures.
Analysts see the robotaxi initiative as a long-term profitability driver, helping Uber reduce dependence on human drivers. Despite ongoing regulatory challenges and industry setbacks, Uber continues to push forward alongside competitors like Tesla and Waymo, which are expanding operations in several U.S. cities. Uber noted it hasn’t seen any material impact from Tesla’s recent service launches in overlapping markets.
Source: Reuters
