Travis Kalanick’s Atoms might be getting into the robotaxi business
News Source
•Sun, 06 Sep 2026 16:45:00 +0000
📰 What Happened
Travis Kalanick's startup Atoms may be entering the robotaxi business. The Financial Times reports the company is planning a hiring spree and new acquisitions. Atoms has talked to Uber about using its self-driving technology.
Uber has already invested $100 million in Atoms. Earlier this summer, Atoms raised $1.7 billion from Andreessen Horowitz. Kalanick has stayed cagey about his exact goals. The robotaxi plan fits his description of the round as 'unfinished business.'
🔍 The Backstory
Kalanick co-founded Uber and built it into a global ride-hailing giant. He left the company in 2017 after a series of scandals. He has since started new ventures in the delivery world.
Atoms bought Pronto, an autonomous mining startup led by Anthony Levandowski. Levandowski once ran Uber's self-driving program. He was convicted of stealing trade secrets, then pardoned by President Trump. The robotaxi market is now a crowded race with Waymo and Tesla leading.
🎯 Why It Matters
Robotaxis could change how people travel and own cars. Kalanick's entry adds a powerful player to the race. More competition may mean cheaper rides and faster progress.
Travis Kalanick's startup Atoms may be entering the robotaxi business. The Financial Times reports the company is planning a hiring spree and new acquisitions. Atoms has talked to Uber about using its self-driving technology.
Uber has already invested $100 million in Atoms. Earlier this summer, Atoms raised $1.7 billion from Andreessen Horowitz. Kalanick has stayed cagey about his exact goals. The robotaxi plan fits his description of the round as 'unfinished business.'
Kalanick co-founded Uber and built it into a global ride-hailing giant. He left the company in 2017 after a series of scandals. He has since started new ventures in the delivery world.
Atoms bought Pronto, an autonomous mining startup led by Anthony Levandowski. Levandowski once ran Uber's self-driving program. He was convicted of stealing trade secrets, then pardoned by President Trump. The robotaxi market is now a crowded race with Waymo and Tesla leading.
Robotaxis could change how people travel and own cars. Kalanick's entry adds a powerful player to the race. More competition may mean cheaper rides and faster progress.