Latest news with #KentaroMatsui
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Wayve opens new testing and development centre in Japan
UK-based startup focused on self-driving technology Wayve has expanded its global presence with the opening of a new testing and development centre in Yokohama, Japan. This move aims to expedite AI-driven driving software in partnership with automakers that are looking for flexible, performant and safe assisted and automated driving technologies. Incorporating training data from the intricate and diverse road conditions of Japan, Wayve aims to bolster the robustness of its foundational AI model, thereby improving its adaptability across various international markets. The Yokohama facility will focus on testing and development within Tokyo and surrounding regions, fostering closer ties with Japanese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and hastening the product readiness. Wayve co-founder and CEO Alex Kendall said: 'Japan is a global leader in automotive innovation, defined by its legacy of trust and engineering excellence. 'By establishing our presence here, we're embedding those principles into the development of our embodied AI. We're here to collaborate with local partners to deliver advanced AI software that strengthens the global competitiveness of Japanese automakers and accelerates the rollout of safer and smarter mobility technology.' Wayve's expansion into Japan comes on the heels of its announced collaboration with Nissan, alongside ongoing discussions with other major global automotive players. This move follows the company's launch of on-road testing and development hub in Germany last month. Last year, it raised $1.05bn via Series C round led by SoftBank Group, with support from NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Uber. Wayve is also undertaking testing of its technology in Germany, the UK, the US and Canada, reported Reuters. SoftBank Global Advisers managing partner and SoftBank Group New Business Office head, and Wayve board member Kentaro Matsui said: 'As a global automotive powerhouse, Japan is embracing the rise of intelligent, software-first vehicles. 'Wayve offers a compelling solution to this transition, with AI technology that is global, scalable, and highly adaptive. We believe Wayve's presence in Japan will catalyse new partnerships and help ensure local automakers remain global leaders.' "Wayve opens new testing and development centre in Japan" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Terabase Energy secures $130 million to expand solar technology deployment
(Reuters) - Solar technology company Terabase Energy announced on Thursday it has secured a funding of $130 million, led by SoftBank, to scale its technology deployment for large solar projects. The funding round, the largest in the company's history, brings Terabase Energy's total funding to $200 million. The company did not disclose the valuation at which the amount was raised. Despite 84% of the new electricity generation capacity added to the United States power grid last year coming from solar and energy storage, the sector faces a challenging future due to the U.S. government's new energy policies encouraging fossil fuels. U.S. venture funding has also been on the back foot in early 2025, with a few artificial intelligence-integrated companies making headlines. The company works with solar-power plant developers, engineers and construction firms through its platform, which helps in workflow digitalization and automation. Terabase will use the funding in part to further develop its robotics-assisted assembly line, Terafab, which according to the company removes "bottlenecks in construction speed and workforce limitations". The company also operates PlantPredict, a solar modeling software, and a construction management platform called Construct. "The surge in energy demand, particularly from AI data centers, underscores the urgency of scalable, sustainable solutions," said Kentaro Matsui, managing partner at SoftBank Global Advisers. SoftBank, known for financing technology companies in a nascent stage, also funded Terabase through its Vision Fund 2. The company also counts Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Fifth Wall, SJF Ventures and EDP Ventures as existing investors.
Reuters
13-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Terabase Energy secures $130 million to expand solar technology deployment
March 13 (Reuters) - Solar technology company Terabase Energy announced on Thursday it has secured a funding of $130 million, led by SoftBank, to scale its technology deployment for large solar projects. The funding round, the largest in the company's history, brings Terabase Energy's total funding to $200 million. The company did not disclose the valuation at which the amount was raised. The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here. Despite 84% of the new electricity generation capacity added to the United States power grid last year coming from solar and energy storage, the sector faces a challenging future due to the U.S. government's new energy policies encouraging fossil fuels. U.S. venture funding has also been on the back foot in early 2025, with a few artificial intelligence-integrated companies making headlines. The company works with solar-power plant developers, engineers and construction firms through its platform, which helps in workflow digitalization and automation. Terabase will use the funding in part to further develop its robotics-assisted assembly line, Terafab, which according to the company removes "bottlenecks in construction speed and workforce limitations". The company also operates PlantPredict, a solar modeling software, and a construction management platform called Construct. "The surge in energy demand, particularly from AI data centers, underscores the urgency of scalable, sustainable solutions," said Kentaro Matsui, managing partner at SoftBank Global Advisers. SoftBank, known for financing technology companies in a nascent stage, also funded Terabase through its Vision Fund 2. The company also counts Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Fifth Wall, SJF Ventures and EDP Ventures as existing investors.
