Travis Kalanick, who left Uber amid controversy, is making a significant comeback in the autonomous vehicle sector via Atoms, his startup that recently raised $1.7 billion and plans a rapid expansion focused on robotaxi technology.
- Atoms raised $1.7 billion to develop robotaxi and automation tech
- Uber invested $100 million and is in talks to integrate robotaxi services
- Atoms acquired autonomous mining startup led by ex-Waymo and Uber exec
What happened
Travis Kalanick, previously ousted as CEO of Uber, has launched Atoms, an industrial automation and robotics startup with a focus on robotaxi technology. Atoms secured $1.7 billion in funding in June 2026 and is preparing to expand its workforce and make strategic acquisitions. Uber participated in the funding round with a $100 million investment, signaling potential collaboration between the former CEO and the ride-hailing giant.
Atoms also acquired Pronto, an autonomous mining startup formerly led by Anthony Levandowski, who has a controversial history linked to stolen trade secrets in the self-driving car race. The startup is not solely focused on robotaxis; it also operates other automated ventures such as CloudKitchens and Lab37, indicating a broad scope in automation and industrial robotics.
Why it matters
Kalanick's reemergence in the autonomous vehicle market could reshape competitive dynamics in robotaxis, where his previous vision during his Uber tenure was cut short amid legal and reputational challenges. The involvement of Uber as an investor suggests a unique reunion with a former rival company that could merge ride-hailing demand with new robotaxi technology.
Given Atoms' extensive funding and multi-industry focus, the startup is well-positioned to accelerate innovation not only in autonomous driving but also in automation across logistics and food services. This diversification may provide Atoms resilience and strategic leverage in the evolving tech landscape dominated by AI and robotics.
What to watch next
Observers should monitor how Atoms executes its hiring spree and acquisitions to build out its robotaxi capabilities and overall automation portfolio. The speed and success of these expansions will likely indicate how viable Kalanick’s renewed ambitions are in a market crowded by established players like Waymo and Tesla.
Additionally, developments from talks between Uber and Atoms regarding integration of robotaxi technology within Uber’s ride-hailing network will be crucial. A formal partnership would mark Kalanick’s direct collaboration with Uber for the first time since his 2019 board exit and could significantly impact the competitive landscape of on-demand autonomous transport.