Microsoft-backed Wayve Scores $1.5B for Global Robotaxi Rollout; Japan Unit Raided
Microsoft-backed Wayve raised $1.5 billion at an $8.6 billion valuation to fund a global robotaxi rollout on Uber’s app in over 10 markets starting in London this year. Japanese regulators executed a search at Microsoft Japan offices over suspected antitrust violations.
1. Wayve Round Details and Microsoft’s Involvement
Wayve secured $1.5 billion in a funding round led by Eclipse, Balderton and SoftBank’s Vision Fund 2, with participation from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Baillie Gifford, British Business Bank, Icehouse Ventures, Schroders Capital, Microsoft, Nvidia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Stellantis. The fresh capital lifts Wayve’s valuation to $8.6 billion and will underwrite licensing of its AI-driven autonomous driving software as an advanced driver-assistance system and deployment of Wayve-powered robotaxis on Uber’s app in more than 10 markets, beginning with London later this year.
2. Japan Antitrust Raid
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission conducted dawn raids at Microsoft Japan offices on suspicion of monopolistic practices related to software and cloud service bundling. The investigation could lead to fines or mandated changes to bundling policies, potentially affecting Microsoft’s market strategy and operations in Japan.