Wayve hits $8.6 billion valuation with backing from Nvidia and Microsoft

Wayve, a U.K. autonomous driving software startup founded in 2017, reached an $8.6 billion valuation after a funding round that included Nvidia and Microsoft; the company has partnerships with Nissan and plans robotaxi trials with Uber beginning in London in 2026.

Wayve has reached an $8.6 billion valuation following a new funding round that included investment from Nvidia and Microsoft. The company is based in the U.K. and was founded in 2017. It develops autonomous driving software and AI models and had previously raised more than $1 billion. Key details: - The latest round values Wayve at $8.6 billion and counts Nvidia and Microsoft among backers, as reported. - Wayve was founded in 2017 and builds AI models and software for autonomous driving. - The company had raised upwards of $1 billion before this funding event. - In 2025 Wayve signed a partnership with Nissan to integrate its AI into driver-assistance systems, with vehicles expected to feature the technology from 2027. - Wayve has plans with Uber to begin public robotaxi trials in London in 2026, with a planned wider rollout to more than 10 markets. - Industry context includes recent AI advances and other firms opening limited robotaxi services, while full Level 5 autonomy remains elusive. Summary: The funding round and new valuation highlight investor attention to companies building AI for vehicles. Wayve’s near-term milestones include Uber robotaxi trials in London in 2026 and Nissan-integrated driver-assistance deployments from 2027. Broader regulatory and technical questions about full autonomy remain part of the sector’s outlook.