Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous driving unit, is in discussions with investors to raise billions of dollars at a valuation of at least $100 billion, according to media reports — highlighting intensifying competition in the robotaxi market.
The funding round, expected early next year, could exceed $10B–$15B, with Alphabet likely leading the raise, sources said.
🔹 Why This Is Significant
- Waymo is currently the only U.S. operator running paid robotaxi services with no safety drivers or in-vehicle attendants
- Fleet size exceeds 2,500 autonomous vehicles
- The raise would cement Waymo as one of the most valuable AI-mobility platforms globally
🔹 Competitive Landscape
The move comes as rivals accelerate their own autonomous ambitions:
- Tesla is testing robotaxis without safety monitors, with much of its $1.5T+ valuation tied to self-driving and robotics expectations
- Capital intensity is rising as companies race to scale safety, technology, and regulatory approvals
🔹 Big Picture
Waymo’s potential funding round underscores how autonomous mobility is shifting from R&D to large-scale commercialization, with investors increasingly backing platforms that demonstrate real-world deployment, regulatory traction, and monetization potential.
If completed, the raise would mark one of the largest private financings in the AI-mobility space to date.