Latest news with #RaquelUrtasun
CNBC
3 days ago
- Automotive
- CNBC
35. Waabi
Founder: Raquel Urtasun (CEO)Launched: 2021Headquarters: TorontoFunding: $280 millionValuation: N/AKey Technologies: Artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, deep neural networks/deep learning, augmented reality/virtual reality/mixed reality, generative AI, machine learning, digital twinsIndustry: AutomotivePrevious appearances on Disruptor 50 list: 0 Waabi is part of a new generation of autonomous vehicle startups focusing on the long-haul trucking market rather than around town and airport passenger pickups. With more than 70 percent of freight in the U.S. moving via truck, a difficult working environment in the cab with grueling hours, and the industry facing consistent driver shortages, it is a market ripe for technological disruption. Waabi's core proposition rests on its proprietary "Waabi World," a closed-loop simulator designed to train and test autonomous vehicle systems almost entirely in a virtual environment, using generative AI. This allows its autonomous vehicles to experience millions of different driving scenarios without putting anyone in the real world at risk. It also released CoPilot 4D, an AI foundational model that can envision the world in 3D to improve decision-making for AV trucks. "A system like this has astounding abilities to generalize and handle the unknown, is more efficient to train, and its safety can be mathematically validated and verified," Waabi founder & CEO Raquel Urtasun said in an interview with CNBC. Urtasun was formerly R&D head at Uber Advanced Technologies Group, which was acquired by Waabi rival Aurora in 2020, and was also named to the 2024 CNBC Changemakers list. In June of last year, the company completed its largest VC round, a $200 million Series B fundraising led by Uber and Khosla Ventures. It was also the largest VC raise in Canadian startup history, and added new investors Nvidia, Porsche, and the venture capital arm of Volvo. Investors have also announced partnerships, with Volvo saying in February it will deploy Waabi's technology on its self-driving trucks, and Waabi's generative AI-powered self-driving applications using NVIDIA DRIVE Thor autonomous vehicle chip technology. An earlier 10-year collaboration between Waabi Driver and Uber Freight's logistics system for U.S. shipments started in Dallas and Houston, and is expected to expand throughout Texas and beyond. However, Waabi has yet to deploy vehicles commercially without safety drivers. It is working towards that goal by the end of 2025. The company is working with Volvo to produce autonomous trucks at its factories that can be sold to freight shippers and carriers, and would operate as a service subscription with the client paying Waabi on a per-mile basis.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
48 hours left: What you won't want to miss at the 20th TechCrunch Disrupt in October
There are just 48 hours left to save up to $900 on your ticket to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 — and get 90% off the second. After May 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT, Early Bird pricing vanishes — along with your best chance to join 10,000 of tech's most forward-thinking minds for less. But forget the math for a moment. Let's talk about what you actually get. From October 27–29, Moscone West in San Francisco transforms into a live-wire campus — a front-row seat to innovation. It's high energy, yes — but also deeply human. Where else can startup founders pitch for a $100,000 equity-free prize on the same stage where CEOs from Luma AI, Flexport, Nextdoor, and GV unpack the next decade of tech? Where else do 1:1 and small-group Braindates and late-night Side Events coexist with six stages of live debate, big questions, and industry-shaping dialogue? This is where ideas become movements. Where the startup you invest in becomes the one your competitors envy. Where you finally understand what the AI evangelists have been trying to explain — or realize they've all missed the point. Astro Teller, Captain of Moonshots, X (The Moonshot Factory) Raquel Urtasun Founder and CEO, Waabi Alejandro Matamala Ortiz, Co-Founder and Chief Design Officer, Runway Nirav Tolia, Co-Founder & CEO, Nextdoor David George, General Partner, Andreessen Horowitz And big names in tech, startups, and VCs spanning six industry stages, breakouts, and roundtables. Each talk is curated to matter — and yes, you'll find your people. Builders, thinkers, dreamers, doers. Every year, someone reads a post like this, decides to sit it out — and then texts a friend after seeing it all unfold online: 'Should I have gone?' This is the moment where you choose not to ask that question later. Save up to $900 and get a second ticket for 90% off — but only until May 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Claim your TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 tickets before prices rise. This article originally appeared on TechCrunch at
TechCrunch
25-05-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
What you won't want to miss at the 20th Disrupt in October
There are just 48 hours left to save up to $900 on your ticket to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 — and get 90% off the second. After May 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT, Early Bird pricing vanishes — along with your best chance to join 10,000 of tech's most forward-thinking minds for less. But forget the math for a moment. Let's talk about what you actually get. From October 27–29, Moscone West in San Francisco transforms into a live-wire campus — a front-row seat to innovation. It's high energy, yes — but also deeply human. Where else can startup founders pitch for a $100,000 equity-free prize on the same stage where CEOs from Luma AI, Flexport, Nextdoor, and GV unpack the next decade of tech? Where else do 1:1 and small-group Braindates and late-night Side Events coexist with six stages of live debate, big questions, and industry-shaping dialogue? This is where ideas become movements. Where the startup you invest in becomes the one your competitors envy. Where you finally understand what the AI evangelists have been trying to explain — or realize they've all missed the point. We'll have 250+ sessions and speakers like: Astro Teller, Captain of Moonshots, X (The Moonshot Factory) Raquel Urtasun Founder and CEO, Waabi Alejandro Matamala Ortiz, Co-Founder and Chief Design Officer, Runway Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW Nirav Tolia, Co-Founder & CEO, Nextdoor David George, General Partner, Andreessen Horowitz And many more big names in tech, startups, and VCs spanning six industry stages, breakouts, and roundtables. Each talk is curated to matter — and yes, you'll find your people. Builders, thinkers, dreamers, doers. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 30: Matt Mullenweg, Founder & CEO of Automattic, speaks onstage during TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 Day 3 at Moscone Center on October 30, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo byfor TechCrunch) Image Credits:Kimberly White / Getty Images So why wait? Every year, someone reads a post like this, decides to sit it out — and then texts a friend after seeing it all unfold online: 'Should I have gone?' This is the moment where you choose not to ask that question later. Save up to $900 and get a second ticket for 90% off — but only until May 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Claim your TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 tickets before prices rise.
TechCrunch
21-05-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Disrupt 2025 Early Bird savings end on May 25
The early bird sees the future first — and saves the most. The old saying goes, 'the early bird gets the worm.' But in tech — and in life — it's not really about the worm. It's about spotting what's next before the crowd rushes in and the price goes up. TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is happening October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco. And for the next five days, you can claim your spot — not just ahead of the noise, but at a serious discount. Early Bird rates save you up to $900 — and your plus-one gets 90% off. This deal ends on May 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No gimmicks. Just real savings for people who actually show up early. Register here to secure your massive savings. What you should be at Disrupt 2025 Tech powerhouses to share their insights You'll hear from big names you may already know — like Astro Teller (X), Raquel Urtasun (Waabi), Ryan Petersen (Flexport), David George (a16z), and plenty more you'll want to know. Check out the growing lineup on the Disrupt 2025 speaker page. Hands-on interactive sessions You don't go to Disrupt to collect lanyards. You go to listen in on the real conversations — the ones happening on the main stage between the people actually building what's next. Founders, VCs, operators, the contrarians, and the visionaries — all in one place, asking better questions and not afraid of complex answers. Breakout Session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 at Moscone West in San Francisco. Image Credits:Slava Blazer Photography Powerful networking But the magic is in the mix — in who you sit next to, who challenges your assumptions, who reminds you why you're doing this in the first place. It's quality networking, in 1:1s or small groups, built to spark real connections and fresh inspiration. Ultimate startup pitch competition The iconic Startup Battlefield 200 is the global pitch competition that happens live in front of a hungry audience. It's your chance to witness thrilling pitches from pre-Series A startups, see how they present their innovations, and hear honest, unfiltered feedback from top VC judges on what makes a viable startup. Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW Think your pre-Series A startup has what it takes to shine on the global stage and win a $100,000 equity-free prize? Apply before the June 9 deadline. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 18: (L-R) Founding Managing Partner of Freestyle VC Dave Samuel, Co-founder & Managing Partner of BBG Ventures Nisha Dua, and TechCrunch Startup Battlefield contestant speak onstage during TechCrunch Disrupt 2022 on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. Image Credits:Kimberly White / Getty Images Go to Disrupt 2025 with Early Bird rates You have until May 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT to lock in Early Bird savings for the tech epicenter of the year. Make your move before the moment passes. Secure your early bird ticket now.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Autonomous Volvo Trucks Will Use This Firm's Tech
Autonomous tech developer Waabi reveals new partnership with Volvo Autonomous Solutions, with the company's AI tech slated to be used in the development of production SAE Level 4 trucks in the US. Waabi's generative AI system will train Volvo's SAE Level 4 software as the truck maker inches toward the commercial launch of its autonomous trucks this year. The Toronto-based company has recently launched a hub for driverless trucks in Texas, as work intensifies to automate the Houston to Dallas truck route. If it feels like robotaxi tech is finally gathering momentum after a few years of small-scale rollouts, a similar trend is unfolding in the driverless truck sphere, which is a few years behind the currently unfolding robotaxi revolution. Toronto-based autonomous tech developer Waabi, which recently opened an autonomous trucking terminal near Dallas with facilities tailor-made for a fleet of driverless trucks, is perhaps best known in the industry for its AI training model for autonomous vehicles. And now it is teaming up with Volvo Autonomous Solutions to vertically integrate Waabi Driver—its virtual driver system—into Volvo's upcoming VNL Autonomous semi truck. This integration will also allow Volvo to train its own autonomous trucks using Waabi's generative AI system, which the company says can safely generalize to many scenarios encountered in traffic. The autonomous developer calls its system an AI-first approach, with Waabi World being an AI-generated closed-loop simulation engine offering countless scenarios for training driverless systems, both in everyday driving and rare edge cases. "At Waabi, we believe that vertically integrating next-generation AI technology directly into an OEM's vehicle production is the path forward to bring safe, robust autonomous vehicles to the road, at scale," said Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi. The SAE Level 4 trucks themselves face a different set of traffic challenges than robotaxis, needing to see and interpret events unfolding much further down the road, up to a half mile in some circumstances. They also need truck terminals specially suited to autonomous vehicles, as well as a remote command center that monitors the fleet in real time and makes adjustments as necessary. Most of autonomous truck development efforts are centered on the Dallas to Houston route, which has already seen on-road testing by a number of developers and truck makers. This is due in large part to Texas' embrace of autonomous testing, along with Nevada, but most of the efforts contemplate purely intra-state routes of just a few hours between warehouse centers. But it's a start. Volvo Autonomous Solutions and Waabi plan to begin testing the Waabi Driver system in its trucks later this year, with Volvo's VNL Autonomous trucks themselves slated to enter production at the company's main plant in New River Valley, Virginia, in 2025. "Waabi is at the forefront of developing self-driving technologies leveraging the full power of AI," said Shahrukh Kazmi, chief product officer at Volvo Autonomous Solutions. It remains to be seen just how quickly Volvo and other hopefuls can scale their SAE Level 4 trucks in Texas. But a number of major fleets are already getting ready for a future where driverless trucks will be a common sight, at least in a handful southwest states. Will even 10% of truck routes in the US be served by autonomous trucks by 2030, or will this transition take far longer to gather momentum? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
