Travis Kalanick’s robotics company raises $1.7B, led by a16z

Travis Kalanick's robotics venture, Atoms, has secured $1.7 billion in funding, with the investment led by Andreessen Horowitz. The round includes participation from Bain Capital, Fifth Wall, and other undisclosed investors. Notably, Uber has joined the funding round, marking a return of Kalanick to the company he co-founded and was ousted from in 2017 amid allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. The company, which operates under the name Atoms, is effectively a rebranded entity built upon Kalanick's ongoing efforts since leaving Uber. Initially known as Cloud Kitchens, the project focuses on ghost kitchens, temporary food service spaces used for delivery. In March, Kalanick unveiled the new name, revealing that he had acquired Pronto, a heavy industry automation firm led by his former Uber colleague Anthony Levandowski. This acquisition expands Atoms' capabilities beyond what Pronto previously offered, particularly in the mining sector. Kalanick has expressed interest in entering the mining industry through Atoms, aiming to develop technologies that extend beyond current applications in vehicle automation. Earlier reports suggested he was considering acquiring the U.S. operations of Chinese autonomous vehicle startup Pony AI, backed by Uber. However, these discussions reportedly concluded in March, according to The Information. In a post on X, Kalanick described the fundraising as part of an unfinished narrative tied to his career. He referenced his earlier vision of digitizing the physical world using software, likening it to how computing transformed the digital realm. His goal is to create "atoms-based" computers where manufacturing serves as the CPU, real estate acts as storage, and transportation functions as the network. Kalanick emphasized building a "wheelbase for robots," suggesting a focus on foundational infrastructure for robotic systems. Ben Horowitz, a partner at Andreessen Horowitz, praised Kalanick's ability to tackle traditional, heavily entrenched sectors of the economy. He highlighted Kalanick's diverse skill set, spanning software design to mechanical engineering, and noted that such individuals are essential for driving innovation. Horowitz stated that Atoms aims to enhance productivity in the physical world, drawing parallels to Uber's impact on transportation and the role of computers in the digital space. While Kalanick did not specify the allocation of funds, there is indication that a significant portion will be directed toward hiring. His post reflected a broader ambition, acknowledging the challenges ahead as innovators face resistance from nature itself. He warned that the path forward would require resilience and determination to overcome obstacles in developing complex systems and industries. The involvement of Uber in the funding round underscores the evolving relationship between Kalanick and the company he once led. It signals potential future collaborations or strategic moves within the broader ecosystem of mobility and automation. As Atoms continues to expand, its trajectory will likely influence both technological advancements and industry dynamics in the coming years.