{
  "id": 6572935,
  "title": "Uber funds Kalanick’s Atoms with $100 million",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/uber-funds-kalanicks-atoms-with-100-million",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T09:05:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Arabian Post",
    "slug": "arabian-post",
    "url": "https://thearabianpost.com/uber-funds-kalanicks-atoms-with-100-million/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Uber has committed $100 million to Atoms, an industrial artificial intelligence startup co-founded by former CEO Travis Kalanick, for the development of autonomous-driving technology that could potentially be utilized on Uber's ride-hailing network. This investment is part of Atoms' $1.7 billion equity financing announced in July, led by Andreessen Horowitz, with Ben Horowitz joining the company's board. By re-engaging with Kalanick, Uber's participation signifies a shift for the ride-hailing giant, which had previously abandoned its autonomous-driving program. Atoms has engaged in discussions with Uber about potential applications of its autonomous technology within the ride-hailing platform, although it does not intend to compete as a conventional robotaxi operator. Instead, Atoms aims to supply technology to partners already possessing vehicles, riders, and operating networks. As Atoms expands its team and considers further acquisitions, its focus on autonomous systems becomes increasingly apparent. Kalanick has described Atoms as an industrial AI business spanning transport, mining, and food, with a particular emphasis on specialized machines for work in the physical economy. In March, Atoms acquired Pronto, an autonomous-haulage company founded by Anthony Levandowski, who previously worked on autonomous-driving projects at Google and Uber. This acquisition brings Levandowski into Atoms' fold, adding another link to Uber's previous self-driving endeavors. Uber's $100 million investment in Atoms aligns with the company's broader strategy of supporting multiple autonomous-vehicle developers instead of building a wholly owned self-driving unit. Uber has partnered or invested in numerous autonomous-driving companies to ensure its app serves as a distribution platform for robotaxi operators in various markets.",
  "summary": "Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms, the industrial artificial intelligence company founded by its former chief executive Travis Kalanick, as the start-up develops autonomous-driving technology that could eventually be used on Uber’s ride-hailing network. The investment forms part of Atoms’ $1.7 billion equity financing announced in July and led by Andreessen Horowitz, with Ben Horowitz…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}