The company said the funding round, one of the largest early-stage investments in Italy’s robotics and deep-tech sector, was led by Primo Capital alongside Techshop and 40Jemz Ventures. Several Italian and international angel investors also joined the round.

Founded in Italy, Mirai Robotics is building autonomous technologies designed for surveillance, monitoring and patrol activities at sea. The systems combine autonomous vehicles, sensing technology and control systems aimed at reducing operational risk and lowering costs in maritime operations.

The maritime sector is important in the global economy, with more than 80% of world trade moving by sea, while over 90% of Europe’s foreign trade depends on maritime routes. Subsea cables also carry about 95% of international internet traffic.

Despite its importance, maritime operations still rely heavily on manual processes. Operators face high operating costs, limited real-time monitoring and unignorable safety risks. At the same time, the industry is dealing with a shortage of skilled professionals and an ageing workforce among captains and vessel operators.

Mirai Robotics says its technology aims to address these gaps.

The company has already developed two autonomous vehicles designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as well as patrol activities in both coastal and offshore environments. 

The vehicles integrate perception systems, autonomous navigation, remote control functions and safety features. They can operate individually or as part of a coordinated fleet.

Alongside its own vehicles, the company also develops autonomy, navigation and control technologies that can be integrated into third-party maritime platforms. This allows operators to introduce autonomous capabilities without redesigning existing fleets.

Mirai Robotics follows a dual-use model, meaning its technologies can serve both civil and institutional applications.

The company was founded by Luciano Belviso, Luca Mascaro and Davide Dattoli.

Belviso previously built and led industrial companies, including Blackshape, an aircraft design and manufacturing company later acquired by Angel Holding. 

Mascaro founded Sketchin, a digital design firm later acquired by the BIP Group, where he served as Chief Innovation Officer. Dattoli is the founder of Talent Garden and an investor in the European technology ecosystem.

The company has also assembled a pan-European team with expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence and mission-critical systems. It works with universities and research centres across the region.

Mirai Robotics is headquartered in Puglia in southern Italy, a location the company chose for its proximity to Mediterranean maritime routes and industrial research centres.

The new funding will support further development of its technologies, expansion of the engineering team and pilot projects with industrial and institutional partners.

Luciano Belviso, CEO of Mirai Robotics, said, “The sea is one of the last major physical infrastructures not yet governed by software. Autonomy is the key to finally making the oceans safe and usable, unlocking enormous resources and addressing critical security challenges. But it must be implemented through systems capable of operating continuously and safely in extreme environments. This is a technological and industrial challenge that requires a true robotics-lab approach.”

Gianluca Dettori, whose firm led the investment, added, “The maritime domain is at an inflection point. We’re looking at a huge economy that still relies on operational models designed decades ago. The human capital gap alone, thousands of unfilled roles, ageing workforces, increasing operational risk, make the status quo unsustainable. 

“What Mirai Robotics is building isn’t just automation; it’s the fundamental infrastructure layer that will allow the blue economy to scale safely and efficiently. Italy’s shipbuilding heritage combined with this calibre of robotics and AI talent creates a genuinely unique opportunity.”

This comes after SpaceX, his private aerospace company, launched a December tender offer valuing the firm at $800 billion, double its worth in August, according to two investors who spoke to Forbes. 

Musk, who owns roughly 42% of SpaceX, sees his stake alone jump by an estimated $168 billion, bringing his total net worth to around $677 billion as of Monday noon Eastern Time.

SpaceX is preparing for a public offering in 2026, which could value the company near $1.5 trillion. Even without the IPO, Musk’s SpaceX holdings are now his single most valuable asset. 

Tesla is a major contributor too; his 12% stake in the electric vehicle company is estimated at $197 billion. Meanwhile, Musk is appealing a Delaware court decision that voided parts of his 2018 CEO Performance Award, which Forbes has discounted by 50% pending the outcome, currently estimated at $69 billion.

Musk’s reach extends beyond Tesla and SpaceX. His AI startup, xAI Holdings, is reportedly in talks to raise $15 billion in new funding at a $230 billion valuation, double its March 2025 valuation of $113 billion. Musk owns 53% of xAI, which Forbes estimates at $60 billion.

Tesla shareholders have also approved a record-breaking $1 trillion pay plan for Musk, contingent on achievements such as growing Tesla’s market capitalisation eightfold over the next decade. “Mars shot” targets like this show Musk’s vision of merging electric vehicles with robotics and AI.

Over the past five years, Elon Musk has repeatedly rewritten the record books, making the $600 billion worth no surprise.

He was worth $24.6 billion in March 2020, surpassed $100 billion in August 2020, $200 billion in 2021, $300 billion later that year, $400 billion in December 2024, and $500 billion in October 2025. His lead over the second-richest person, Google co-founder Larry Page, now sits at $425 billion.

SpaceX’s growth, particularly through Starlink’s expansion to over three million subscribers and ventures into aviation and maritime internet services, is a key driver of Musk’s wealth surge. 

Tesla, despite slower sales, has seen its stock climb 13% this year, partly due to investor confidence in Musk’s robotics and autonomous vehicle ambitions.

If the SpaceX IPO meets its projected valuation, Musk could soon become the first trillionaire in history.

The pilot will begin in Munich in 2026 and, if successful, could expand to other European cities.

The vehicles will be Level 4 autonomous, meaning they can drive without human input within approved zones. At the initial stage, safety operators will remain behind the wheel to monitor operations before the shift to complete autonomy.

Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber’s chief executive officer, said: “Germany has shaped the global automotive industry for more than a century, and now Munich will help shape the future with autonomous vehicles.”

Momenta, founded in 2016, has been a central player in China’s self-driving industry. It already runs a robotaxi service in Shanghai and supplies driver-assist technology to carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, and General Motors. Its systems are currently installed in more than 400,000 vehicles worldwide.

For Uber, the driverless cars trial is another step in its strategy of working with multiple autonomous vehicle partners. The company has signed over 20 such agreements across ride-hailing, freight, and delivery, generating more than 1.5 million trips annually. 

In the US, it offers rides with Waymo’s robotaxis in cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. In the Middle East, it has partnered with WeRide and Momenta in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, with further expansion planned for Dubai.

Competition in Europe is also increasing as Lyft has joined forces with Baidu to launch robotaxi services in Germany and the UK from 2026, while Volkswagen has announced plans to roll out its own autonomous fleet with Uber in Los Angeles. UK-based Wayve is also working with Uber to begin Level 4 trials in London.

However, before Uber and Momenta can begin operations in Munich, regulatory approval will be required. German authorities will need to confirm the vehicles meet strict safety standards and authorise their designated operating areas.

If the trials succeed, Munich could become a launchpad for wider adoption of driverless taxis across Europe, placing Uber and Momenta among the first to introduce large-scale robotaxi services on the continent.

This move, if completed, will be one of the largest debt raises ever by an African tech company, and a big step by Moove in the competitive American mobility market.

Multiple sources close to the matter, who requested anonymity due to the private nature of the deal, revealed that the funding round is oversubscribed. 

A mix of private credit institutions and traditional banks are reported to be participating, suggesting a high level of confidence in Moove’s financial structure and business model.

There’s no official comment yet from Waymo, and Moove’s co-founder, Ladi Delano, did not confirm the details of the raise. However, he stated:

“Moove has built strong relationships with some of the world’s leading lenders. We have also fully repaid our first-ever debt facilities, which signals our maturity and marks a key milestone that demonstrates the strength of our platform as we enter the next phase of global autonomous-vehicle infrastructure deployment.”

Moove has come a long way since launching in 2020. Initially built to finance vehicles for ride-hailing drivers across Africa, the company now has operations in more than a dozen countries, including Mexico, India, and the UAE. It currently manages a fleet of 38,000 vehicles.

Revenue performance has also been commendable. Sources say Moove has already pulled in close to $400 million in revenue this year, up from $275 million in 2024. On the back of that growth, the company has reportedly repaid $100 million in loans.

In December 2024, Moove entered a strategic deal with Waymo to finance and deploy self-driving vehicles. The model is changing as Moove plans not just to finance these cars, but to own and manage a fleet of autonomous vehicles in the U.S., a transition from its asset-light leasing strategy to a more infrastructure-heavy operation.

With full control of the fleet, Moove is going beyond enabling mobility to building an end-to-end logistics and transport system powered by autonomous tech. This could open new revenue streams and transform investor perception of the company, from a vehicle financier to a future-forward operator in the mobility tech space.

Despite challenges in the global venture capital space, Moove has kept raising. Last year, it secured $110 million, including a $100 million Series B led by Uber, which pushed its valuation to $750 million.

If this current $1.2 billion deal closes as expected, Moove would be edging closer to unicorn status, with the distinction of executing one of the largest debt deals ever seen from Africa. More importantly, it would place the startup squarely in the centre of a global push toward autonomous transport.

There are still questions about execution risk, regulatory navigation in the U.S., and the capital intensity of fleet ownership. But Moove is betting big and it’s doing so with lenders, not just equity backers, showing up at the table.

For an African startup that began with financing Uber drivers in Lagos, it’s a great pivot into a future where it may soon be running fleets of driverless cars across America.

If successful, this raise will push its valuation beyond the $1 billion mark, giving the company unicorn status and enable Moove to become one of the top global drivers of sustainable urban transport.

In just over a year, Moove’s annual revenue jumped from $115 million to $360 million. That’s around $30 million a month, driven mostly by its core business of financing cars for Uber drivers and a newer, more focus on fleet management in the U.S. market. 

Moove is no longer just a vehicle financing outfit as it’s now embedding itself in the emerging world of autonomous mobility.

Moove is already managing fleets for Waymo, the self-driving arm of Google’s parent company Alphabet. In Phoenix and Miami, the company handles cleaning, charging, and storage of Waymo’s electric robotaxis. That may sound like back-end work, but it’s a tough role. 

As Waymo rolls out commercial operations in new cities, Moove ensures these vehicles are ready for the road every single day.

Co-founder Ladi Delano said, “The current agreement with Waymo is limited to fleet management.” But Moove wants more. The company is preparing to purchase autonomous vehicles (AVs) directly from manufacturers, lease them to entrepreneurs or businesses, and still maintain full control over their operations, from depot management to charging and cleaning.

Moove is betting that today’s Uber drivers could become tomorrow’s robotaxi fleet owners. By giving them access to mini-fleets of AVs, the company is creating a model where ownership and scale intersect, without sidelining drivers.

The strategy is already global. Moove has financed cars in Africa, India, and the UK, using a drive-to-own model that lets drivers eventually own the vehicles they work with. Now, it’s taking that experience into markets with far more complex regulatory and operational demands, like the U.S.

Its recent acquisition of Brazilian mobility startup Kovi also shows how far Moove is willing to go to scale quickly. That move instantly expanded its revenue base and widened its footprint in Latin America.

To date, the company has secured $750 million in funding, both debt and equity, from investors including Uber, which holds a stake of over 10%, and the Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company.

Moove has hired over 90 people in the U.S. this year alone. Across the world, its workforce has grown to more than 2,100. This is a global operator with eyes on the evolving future of how people and goods move.

Moove is building the infrastructure behind the AV space. While companies like Waymo develop the tech, Moove is betting that whoever owns and runs the fleets, keeps them clean, charged, and on the road, will hold real power.

And that’s what this $300 million is really about.

No company-specific announcements were made that day, the market reaction was triggered solely by political drama.

The breakdown between Musk and Trump, once political allies, has now become a source of instability for Tesla, just as the company is trying to overcome slower EV demand and regulatory issues.

In a series of retaliatory exchanges, Musk criticised Trump’s newly proposed budget bill, which threatens to eliminate electric vehicle tax incentives. Trump fired back, accusing Musk of personal bias and threatening to cancel all federal contracts and subsidies benefiting his businesses.

“The easiest way to save money in our Budget, billions and billions of dollars, is to terminate Elon’s governmental subsidies and contracts,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

This was an indirect message to investors, Musk’s business empire, including Tesla and SpaceX, is under political issues.

As it stands, Tesla faces at least three challenges: potential withdrawal of EV incentives, a drop in regulatory credit revenue, and greater issues with its self-driving technology.

The U.S. Transportation Department has already begun reviewing Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” software following a fatal crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed it is “actively engaged in developing a multi-faceted regulatory framework” for autonomous vehicles, which could impact Tesla’s driverless vision.

Tesla’s robotaxi programme, Musk’s central pitch to investors, may be directly impacted. The company insists it can operate fully autonomous vehicles using only cameras, without radar or lidar sensors.

But that approach is controversial. Some analysts believe federal regulators could introduce rules mandating additional sensor technology. If that happens, Tesla would be forced to overhaul its self-driving systems.

“Federal regulators might devise rules requiring lidar, which would hurt Tesla,” said Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein. “With President Trump, being on his bad side always creates risk that you’re going to get personal retaliation.”

I’ve seen Tesla bounce back from market shocks before, but this feels different. The political environment has changed, and Tesla now finds itself caught in the crossfire.

Dennis Dick, a shareholder and strategist at Stock Trader Network, told Reuters: “Elon’s politics continue to harm the stock. First, he aligned himself with Trump, which upset many potential Democratic buyers. Now he has turned on the Trump administration.”

Trump’s budget bill also proposes cutting the $7,500 federal EV subsidy by the end of 2025. Tesla, along with other automakers, has relied heavily on such incentives to drive adoption.

Analysts at J.P. Morgan estimate that if the bill passes, Tesla could lose up to $1.2 billion annually from reduced vehicle sales, along with an additional $2 billion hit from declining regulatory credit sales.

Even more concerning for investors is how this feud affects Tesla’s standing in Washington. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has pushed for regulatory reform around autonomous driving, and up until recently, Musk’s companies were seen as central to federal innovation plans. But Musk’s public attacks on Trump’s “big beautiful bill” may have jeopardised that influence.

Ross Gerber, CEO of Tesla investor Gerber Kawasaki, said, “Every benefit that was perceived he would have got now turns into a negative.”

Musk’s personal wealth also took a hit, down $27 billion in a single day, now reportedly sitting at $388 billion according to Forbes. Tesla’s valuation, while still leading globally at $1 trillion, may no longer feel as untouchable. Toyota, its closest rival, stands at a more modest $290 billion.

The political issue Musk took by endorsing Trump in 2024, initially rewarded with a stock surge of 169%, has now reversed. Since December, shares have tumbled 54%, dragged by protests, falling sales in Europe and China, and cooling sentiment in major U.S. markets like California.

There’s still long-term value in Tesla’s core technology. But for now, the market is wondering if Tesla can survive politically weaponised disruption.

“I am short Tesla. I don’t understand it. I don’t understand its valuation. I don’t understand its fundamentals. I think it’s overhyped,” said Bob Doll, chief investment officer at Crossmark Global Investments.

• 67%of business leaders would trust AI to drive their company vehicles
• 70%of respondents think AI self-driving company vehicles could complete business transportation tasks more efficiently than human drivers
• 50%of respondents are considering replacing human-driven company vehicles with AI self-driving vehicles

New survey data from leading business technology authority Tech.co has revealed that 67% of business leaders would trust AI to drive their company vehicles.

In addition, half of business leaders (50%) are even considering replacing their current human-driven company vehicles with AI-powered self-driving vehicles.

Subtle use of AI technology is already being implemented to enhance business transportation.

For example, all of the best route planning software uses some form of AI to power routing. Despite this, the use of artificial intelligence in US commercial vehicles is yet to be fully realized, and continues to face legal concerns.

However, Tech.co’s new data reveals that the majority of surveyed business managers are keen to embrace self-driving company vehicles, especially due to their efficiency-enhancing benefits.

Seventy percent (70%) of respondents think that AI self-driving company vehicles could complete business transportation tasks more efficiently than human drivers. It’s easy to see the appeal, considering an artificial intelligence that can drive a vehicle avoids all the complications experienced by a human driver – whether that be low visibility during nighttime driving, or requiring legally mandated time off driving to rest.

AI is accelerating into the future of company vehicles — or at least according to the 73% of respondents who say they believe self-driving company vehicles will grow in popularity over the next five years.

Tech.co’s Fleet Expert, Adam Rowe, comments: “Many commercial fleets in the United States are still struggling to replace their vehicles due in part to years of supply chain disruptions. This new survey indicates they are more than open to making those overdue investments into self-driving vehicles. The big question that remains: Can AI advance fast enough within the next few years to actually make self-driving trucks fully safe for public roads across America?”

Regardless of AI’s increased efficiency, no corners should be cut when it comes to roadside safety. 83% of business leaders Tech.co polled think that clear AI regulation needs to be established for AI-powered company vehicles.

Lawmakers are already laying out regulations surrounding the use of self-driving commercial fleets on public roads.

A bill passed the California Senate this month to require the presence of a human safety operator for each self-driving truck operating in the state. That’s effectively a ban on self-driving trucks across the nation’s most populated state. But this bill was later vetoed by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

We are yet to see if full automation can arrive for company vehicles across the US, but Tech.co’s survey findings make one development clear: if self-driving company vehicles do reach the market, business leaders are likely to be ready and waiting with open checkbooks.

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One of the most exciting and transformative developments in transportation is the rise of self-driving cars. Looking at the future of transportation and delving into the world of autonomous vehicles, let’s discuss the benefits, challenges, and potential impact on society.

The Rise of Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, are automobiles equipped with advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms that enable them to navigate and operate without human intervention. Over the past decade, major technological advancements have propelled autonomous vehicles from science fiction to reality.

Advantages of Self-Driving Cars

1. Safety and Reduced Accidents

One of the most significant advantages of self-driving cars is their potential to greatly enhance road safety. Human error accounts for a significant portion of traffic accidents, but autonomous vehicles have the potential to eliminate this risk. With their advanced sensors and ability to make split-second decisions, self-driving cars can detect and react to potential hazards more effectively than human drivers, leading to a reduction in accidents.

2. Increased Efficiency and Reduced Congestion

Self-driving cars can optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion on roads. By communicating with each other and coordinating their movements, autonomous vehicles can travel at optimal speeds and maintain safe distances, minimizing traffic jams. Moreover, self-driving cars can make more efficient use of existing infrastructure, potentially reducing the need for new road construction.

3. Improved Accessibility and Mobility

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionize transportation for individuals with limited mobility. Elderly people, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot drive due to various reasons can regain their independence through self-driving cars. These vehicles can provide convenient and accessible transportation options, enabling everyone to reach their desired destinations.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Technological Hurdles

While significant progress has been made in autonomous vehicle technology, there are still several technological challenges to overcome. These include refining sensors and perception systems to handle diverse weather conditions, developing robust cybersecurity measures to protect against potential hacking, and enhancing machine learning algorithms to adapt to complex and unpredictable driving scenarios.

2. Legal and Regulatory Framework

The widespread adoption of self-driving cars also raises important legal and regulatory considerations. Policymakers and governments around the world need to develop comprehensive frameworks to address liability, insurance, data privacy, and ethical dilemmas. Establishing standardized regulations will be crucial to ensure the safe and responsible integration of autonomous vehicles into our transportation systems.

3. Public Acceptance and Trust

Acceptance and trust are vital factors for the success of self-driving cars. It is essential to educate the public about the technology, its benefits, and safety measures to alleviate concerns and skepticism. Transparent communication, rigorous testing, and successful deployment of autonomous vehicles in controlled environments will help build trust and encourage public acceptance.

The Future Impact on Society

The widespread adoption of self-driving cars will have a profound impact on various aspects of society:

1. Transportation and Urban Planning

The integration of self-driving cars will reshape transportation and urban planning. With reduced car ownership, parking spaces can be repurposed for green spaces or additional infrastructure. Moreover, shared autonomous vehicles can facilitate the shift from private vehicle ownership to on-demand mobility services, reducing traffic congestion and parking requirements.

2. Employment and Workforce

The advent of self-driving cars may disrupt employment in the transportation sector. Professional drivers, such as taxi drivers and truck drivers, may face challenges as autonomous vehicles become more prevalent. However, new job opportunities will arise in industries related to autonomous vehicle development, maintenance, and supervision.

3. Environmental Impact

Self-driving cars have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. Autonomous vehicles can optimize driving patterns, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the shift towards shared autonomous vehicles can lead to a decrease in the overall number of vehicles on the road, further reducing pollution and congestion.

4. Mobility and Accessibility

Self-driving cars can improve mobility and accessibility, particularly in underserved areas. Autonomous vehicle fleets can provide affordable and convenient transportation options, bridging gaps in public transportation networks. This can benefit communities with limited access to transportation, empowering individuals to access employment, education, healthcare, and other essential services.

Conclusion

The future of transportation lies in the hands of self-driving cars. The rapid advancements in autonomous vehicle technology present numerous opportunities to revolutionize the way we travel, making transportation safer, more efficient, and accessible for all. While there are still challenges to overcome, including technological, regulatory, and societal considerations, the potential benefits of self-driving cars are immense.

As we move forward, it is crucial for policymakers, industry leaders, and society as a whole to collaborate and address these challenges proactively. By embracing the possibilities of self-driving cars and fostering an environment of innovation, we can shape a future where transportation is not only efficient but also sustainable, inclusive, and safer than ever before. The era of self-driving cars has arrived, and it holds the promise of transforming the way we move and connect with the world around us.