Applied Intuition Surges to $15 Billion Valuation After $600 Million Investment Boost
Applied Intuition, a leading autonomous vehicle software firm, has secured $600 million in a new funding round and tender offer, doubling its valuation to $15 billion, underscoring a renewed investor confidence in the self-driving vehicle sector.
The round was co-led by BlackRock-managed funds and Kleiner Perkins, with additional support from Franklin Templeton and the Qatar Investment Authority. The funding marks a significant jump from the startup’s previous valuation of $6 billion in March 2023, which included backing from Porsche—its first investment from an automaker.
Founded in 2017 and based in Mountain View, California, Applied Intuition develops software platforms for autonomous systems used in vehicles, defense, and logistics. The company counts major automotive brands like Toyota and Volkswagen among its customers.
CEO Qasar Younis stated the funds would fuel expanded investments in intelligent mobility technology, aiming to integrate autonomous capabilities into a wide range of vehicles and machinery.
Applied Intuition’s rise comes amid a broader resurgence of investor interest in autonomous driving, bolstered by expectations of regulatory easing under the Trump administration, including potential exemptions from certain safety standards.
Last week, the company also announced a new partnership with OpenAI, aimed at embedding generative AI into driving experiences to create more personalized vehicle behavior.