Didi Eyes $5B Valuation as It Seeks Funding for Self-Driving Division
Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi is actively seeking new investments for its autonomous vehicle technology unit, which could potentially be valued at an impressive $5 billion, according to a report from Bloomberg News.
Growing Interest in Self-Driving Cars in China
The market for self-driving vehicles in China is witnessing a surge in investor interest, largely driven by recent IPO successes from companies like WeRide and Pony AI, which currently boast market capitalizations of $4.7 billion and $5.25 billion, respectively, as of Tuesday morning.
Didi’s Autonomous Driving Unit: Funding Overview
Didi Autonomous Driving, established in 2020, has successfully raised a total of $1.55 billion to date, as reported by PitchBook. This includes a substantial $298 million funding round completed in October 2024. According to sources familiar with the situation, the unit is now looking to secure several hundred million dollars more and is currently in discussions with various investors, including a notable fund based in Beijing.
Current Testing and Future Plans
Didi is currently testing a fleet of approximately 200 autonomous vehicles in key cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. However, commercial operations for their robotaxi service have not yet commenced.
- Funding Use: The anticipated funds may be directed towards further development of autonomous vehicle technology.
- Production Goals: Didi aims to accelerate the mass production of electric robotaxis in collaboration with GAC Aion, with initial models expected to roll out in 2025.
Conclusion
As Didi navigates this exciting phase of growth and technological advancement, investor confidence in the autonomous driving market continues to rise. For more updates on Didi and the evolving landscape of self-driving technology, stay tuned.
For additional insights, check out our related articles on autonomous vehicle trends and investment in electric vehicles.
