The startup reportedly will hire heavily and acquire companies to enter autonomous driving, with Uber as a potential partner.
Atoms, the startup founded by Travis Kalanick, is preparing to enter the robotaxi business. A Financial Times report says the company will go on a hiring spree and make acquisitions to become a major force in autonomous vehicles. Atoms already talked with Uber about how the ride-hailing giant could use the startup’s robotaxi technology.
Atoms raised $1.7 billion earlier this summer in a round led by Andreessen Horowitz. Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms, which TechCrunch previously confirmed. The startup also acquired Pronto, an autonomous mining company led by Anthony Levandowski. Levandowski previously ran Uber’s self-driving unit, and President Donald Trump later pardoned him.
For builders and operators, Atoms’ expansion signals an increased focus on integrating autonomous vehicles into ride-hailing networks. The push creates opportunities for companies that build AV operations software, telemetry tools, and fleet management systems. The involvement of Uber gives Atoms a channel to reach riders without building a consumer marketplace.
Watch for Atoms to announce a hiring spree and acquisitions in the coming months. The Financial Times report said robotaxis do not represent the entirety of Atoms’ plans. Operators should track how the startup’s autonomous mining technology from Pronto translates into road-based driving.
What matters
- Atoms reportedly will hire staff and buy companies to expand into robotaxi technology.
- Builders should watch how Atoms’ autonomous push affects ride-hailing platforms and AV supply chains.
- Watch for Atoms to reveal robotaxi contracts and new hires in the coming months.
Why it matters
Watch for Atoms to reveal robotaxi contracts and new hires in the coming months.
This GenAI News article was prepared in original wording using reporting and materials published by TechCrunch AI. Source reference: https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/06/travis-kalanicks-atoms-might-be-getting-into-the-robotaxi-business/.
Drafted by the GenAI News review pipeline.