From Austin to Riyadh, Uber deepens its commitment to driverless mobility, funding next-generation AI fleets while debuting the Middle East’s first robotaxi service.
The global race to commercialize autonomous mobility is intensifying — and Texas is fast becoming one of its most competitive frontlines. Austin-based startup Avride announced a $375 million investment from Uber (NYSE: UBER) and Nebius Group (Nasdaq: NBIS), a move that signals major confidence in the state’s growing role as a hub for self-driving innovation. The funding comes as Uber also expands its global robotaxi footprint, launching autonomous passenger rides in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia through its partnership with WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD).
Uber Backs Texas Startup Avride in $375M Deal
Avride, which operates autonomous delivery robots in Austin, Dallas, and Jersey City, said the new funding will accelerate its AI-powered vehicle platform, expand its U.S. operations, and support international pilots. The company plans to debut its first robotaxi service on Uber’s platform in Dallas by year-end, marking a milestone in Uber’s broader transition toward a mixed human-autonomous fleet.
“At Avride, we have a clear vision and a strong plan to make autonomous transportation an integral part of everyday life,” said Dmitry Polishchuk, CEO of Avride. “We are thrilled to have world-class partners like Uber who share this vision and continue to support us.”
Uber’s investment deepens a multi-year strategic agreement signed in 2024 to scale autonomous rideshare and delivery operations. The collaboration will enable Uber to expand its self-driving ecosystem while integrating Avride’s technology into its existing platform for both people and goods transport.
With major operations based in Austin — including warehouse and R&D facilities — Avride is positioning Texas as a proving ground for its robotaxi and logistics systems, directly competing with Tesla, Waymo, and Cruise in the state’s burgeoning autonomous corridor.
Uber and WeRide Bring Robotaxis to Saudi Arabia
While strengthening ties in the U.S., Uber is also extending its autonomous reach overseas. In partnership with WeRide, a global autonomous driving leader, Uber launched the first public robotaxi service in Saudi Arabia, offering passenger rides between Roshn Front and Princess Noura University in Riyadh.
The initiative, endorsed by Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA), supports the country’s Vision 2030 mission to develop smart, sustainable cities. Initially, vehicles will include onboard operators for safety assurance before transitioning to fully driverless service.
“We’re excited to bring autonomous vehicles to riders in Saudi Arabia,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery. “This milestone marks an important next step as we expand access to AVs across the Middle East and continue building safer and more sustainable transportation for all.”
Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, added, “We’re proud to partner with Uber to introduce autonomous mobility in Riyadh. This milestone reinforces our shared goal of enhancing everyday mobility and shaping greener, more efficient cities worldwide.”
The launch follows WeRide’s completion of Saudi Arabia’s AV Regulatory Sandbox and issuance of the nation’s first robotaxi permit, paving the way for full-scale deployments.
Global Vision, Local Execution
Uber’s simultaneous advances in Texas and the Middle East highlight a dual strategy — investing in regional innovation hubs while deploying its platform across high-growth international markets.
In the U.S., Uber’s partnership with Avride represents a push to make autonomous mobility commercially viable in complex urban environments like Dallas and Austin. Abroad, its work with WeRide positions Uber as a key collaborator in national mobility transformations that align with government-backed sustainability goals.
Together, these developments underscore Uber’s accelerating pivot toward an autonomous future — one defined by AI-driven fleets, regional partnerships, and a rapidly shrinking gap between testing and real-world deployment.
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