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Published on
October 13, 2025
5 min read
Wayve in Talks with Microsoft, SoftBank for $2 Billion Autonomous Vehicle Investment
In Focus
- Autonomous driving technology firm Wayve is negotiating a $2 billion funding round
- Wayve is negotiating the funding with Microsoft and SoftBank
- The new funding could could push Wayve’s valuation to about $8 billion
U.K.-based self-driving technology firm Wayve is discussing a $2 billion funding round with SoftBank and Microsoft. According to Reuters, the proposed Wayve autonomous vehicle investment could push the company’s valuation to the $8 billion mark.
Funding Talks Still in Early Stages
Sources close to the negotiations about the UK self-driving startup funding said the final valuation hasn’t been set yet and talks are still in the early stages. However, an $8 billion potential valuation would be a substantial increase from Wayve’s previous funding rounds.
If it happens, it would position Wayve among the highly valued autonomous driving startups globally. Globally, investors are committing billions to fund startups in the rapidly growing AI industry.
Discussions about the Microsoft, SoftBank and Wayve deal come after AI chipmaker NVIDIA signed a letter of intent for a potential $500 million investment in the U.K autonomous vehicle startup on September, 19, 2025.
Founded in 2017, Wayve develops self-driving technology and currently operates in the U.K and in the U.S. The tech startup has been expanding development and testing operations to other markets, including Japan and Germany.
Early this year, Wayve established a development and testing center in Japan in pursuit of global adaptability. The center supports Wayve’s efforts to fast-track development of its AI-enabled driving software in partnership with top auto-manufacturers that want flexible, safe, and high performing advanced driver assistance technologies.
How Much is Microsoft and SoftBank Investing in Wayve?
Sources close to the discussions say the two companies could invest another $1 to $2 billion in Wayve. This is not the first time that Wayve will be partnering with Microsoft and SoftBank.
In May 2024, the London-based start-up raised more than $1 billion in a Series C financing round that was led by SoftBank and supported by NVIDIA and Microsoft. Uber also invested in Wayve in 2024.
These partnerships effectively link the U.K. startup with leading players in the transport and technology sectors. A collaboration with NVIDIA gives Wayve access to the hardware that is used in most AI and autonomous driving applications. The partnership with Uber creates a potential commercial pathway for Wayve’s technology through ride-hailing services.
Should the negotiations bear fruit, the new funding will push Wayve’s total financing to $3.3 billion.
A Preview of Wayve’s SoftBank, Microsoft Funding
- Microsoft and SoftBank could invest another $1 to $2 billion in Wayve
- Negotiations for the funding are still in the early stages
- NVIDIA could potentially invest $500 million in Wayve
- Wayve operates in the U.K. and the U.S., and is expanding to Japan and Germany
Growing Interest in Autonomous Driving
The self-driving vehicle sector continues to attract significant investment with major financial and tech firms competing to fund companies that develop autonomous driving technology.
Wayve’s technology aims to power self-driving vehicles using AI.
Japanese investor SoftBank has consistently demonstrated interest in Wayve through multiple investments and the current negotiations point to continuing interest in the U.K. startup. Microsoft too has participated in multiple Wayve funding stages.
Wayve’s expansion to Japan and Germany will place it in key automotive markets as both countries have established regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicle testing.
Last month, the tech company started testing AI-powered self-driving technology on Nissan electric vehicles in Tokyo. The Japanese automaker installed Wayve’s self-driving technology on Nissan vehicles and ran tests on Tokyo’s streets.
The London-based tech startup has a workforce of more than 400 people working in the U.S, the U.K, Germany, Canada, and Japan. Wayve plans to double its workforce across all business functions by the end of 2025.
