Uber puts another chip on the self-driving roulette table - Equity Recap

Podcast: Equity

Published: 2026-01-30

Duration: 31 minutes

Guests: Kirsten Gorosek, Anthony Ha, Sean O'Kane

Summary

Uber makes a significant investment in Waabi, a self-driving truck startup, to expand into robotaxis, reflecting its strategy of partnering with numerous autonomous vehicle companies. The episode also covers the latest in drone racing as a recruitment tool, AI-driven shopping apps, and the opening IPO window.

What Happened

Uber's latest investment in Waabi signals its ongoing commitment to autonomous vehicles, with a $750 million upfront deal and an additional $250 million contingent on deployment milestones. Waabi, led by Raquel Urtasun, is expanding from self-driving trucks into robotaxis, aiming to deploy over 25,000 vehicles. This move illustrates Uber's strategy of diversifying its autonomous vehicle partnerships, though the efficacy of this approach remains to be seen with over 20 partners globally.

The episode delves into Anduril's innovative recruitment strategy via a drone race, receiving a thousand applications in just 24 hours. Palmer Luckey's defense tech company is using this unconventional method to scout for talent by having participants write autonomous drone software, with potential job offers as prizes. While some see it as a clever PR move, others consider it a glimpse into the future of hiring in tech sectors.

Phia, co-founded by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Chiani, has raised $35 million for its AI shopping assistant, a browser extension that provides affordable product alternatives. Despite facing criticism over data privacy, Phia has adjusted its practices to address concerns. This funding round highlights the shift towards online shopping solutions as physical stores continue to close.

Northwood Space has secured a $100 million Series B round along with a $50 million contract from the US Space Force, focusing on enhancing ground infrastructure for space communication. The discussion highlights the growing interest and investment in space infrastructure, as dual-use space companies become more prominent.

The hosts examine TikTok's tumultuous US ownership deal and the emergence of competitors like Skylight and Upscroll. These alternatives are gaining traction but still lack the polish of TikTok. The episode discusses the implications of these developments for the social media landscape.

Finally, the episode touches on the reopening of the IPO window, with companies like Ethos and Fervo preparing to go public. Speculation surrounds whether SpaceX, a frequent topic of IPO rumors, will finally make its market debut. This potential move is scrutinized for its implications on the market and Elon Musk's strategy.

Key Insights