Hard Fork AI Waabi Raises $1B from Uber and VCs
Jan 28, 2026
A deep dive into a $1B funding splash and a major ride-hailing partner. Exploration of an AI-first, simulation-heavy approach that builds digital twins and generates edge cases. Discussion of scaling from trucks to robo-taxis, shared fleet data advantages, and factory-level sensor integration. Conversation touches on pilots, OEM ties, and how capital and partnerships shape the roadmap.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Big Bet: $1B Round And Uber Partnership
- Waabi raised $1B including $250M from Uber to deploy robo-taxis and scale beyond trucking.
- The deal signals heavy industry backing and a big strategic bet on Waabi's AI-first approach.
One Stack To Serve Many Vehicles
- Waabi claims a generalized AI stack that runs across vehicle types rather than separate stacks per vertical.
- That architecture could reduce duplication and speed deployment across trucks and passenger vehicles.
Founder’s Full-Circle Moment
- Raquel Ertsson previously served as chief scientist at Uber ATG before founding Waabi.
- She then raised funding from Uber, closing a full-circle career moment with a $250M investment.