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VCs and the military are fueling self-driving startups that don't need roads | TechCrunch

May 18, 2024 - techcrunch.com
The article discusses the rise of startups focusing on off-road autonomous vehicle technology, with Seattle-based Overland AI and New Brunswick-based Potential leading the way. Overland AI, which is developing a self-driving system for military operations, recently received up to $18.6 million from the U.S. Army’s Defense Innovation Unit and raised a $10 million seed round led by Point72 Ventures. Meanwhile, Potential, which is creating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for off-road vehicles, has raised a $2 million CAD extension to its seed round led by Brightspark Ventures.

The article also highlights the growing interest in off-road autonomy from venture capital investors and the U.S. Department of Defense. Other startups mentioned include Polymath Robotics, Forterra, Pronto.ai, Bear Robotics, and Outrider, which are applying autonomous vehicle technology to warehouses, mining, industrial, and off-road environments. The article concludes by discussing the potential of off-road ADAS and the business strategies for startups in this sector.

Key takeaways:

  • Startups Overland AI and Potential are leading the way in off-road autonomous vehicle technology, a niche that is gaining attention from the U.S. Department of Defense and venture capital investors.
  • Overland AI, which is developing a self-driving system for military operations, has been awarded up to $18.6 million from the U.S. Army’s Defense Innovation Unit and raised a $10 million seed round led by Point72 Ventures.
  • Potential, which is developing advanced driver assistance systems for off-road environments, has raised a $2 million CAD extension to its seed round led by Brightspark Ventures, bringing its total funding to $8.5 million CAD.
  • Other startups such as Polymath Robotics, Forterra, Pronto.ai, Bear Robotics and Outrider are also applying autonomous vehicle technology to off-road environments, including warehouses, mining, and industrial sectors.
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