Google’s Waymo self-drives its way to a $2.5B fundraise — and it's putting itself on the Map

Can't be a backseat driver... when there's no frontseat driver. Waymo is the self-driving vehicle startup that was born out of Google's "moonshot factory." Google’s most successful moonshot is still a money-loser — but not when it comes to venture cash:

• Waymo just raised a massive $2.5B to advance its self-driving tech. It calls its system "The World's Most Experienced Driver," which no other company can say (because Waymo trademarked the phrase).
• Billions in the rearview: Explains the déjà vu. In March last year, Waymo raised $2.2B in its first external fundraise (read: not just Google $$$).

Waymo money... still problems. Waymo has driven millions of miles on public roads across the US. But Waymo and other self-driving companies have been criticized for moving slower than expected with commercialization. GM's Cruise, Tesla, and even Apple are all working on fully self-driving vehicles — in 2019, Elon said that self-driving robotaxis would be ready... last year. As of this month, Waymo has a big wheel up over the competition:

• Waymo One: Waymo's fully driverless taxi service can now be accessed through Google Maps, the same way you get routed to Uber’s app from Maps to book a ride. Think: distance, wait time, etc.
• Far from Uber status: The service is only available in Phoenix, where the bulk of Waymo’s 600 robotaxis are running. Good luck finding One.