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Microsoft, SoftBank in talks for $2 billion investment in UK's Wayve, FT reports

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on October 13, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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Microsoft, SoftBank in talks for $2 billion investment in UK's Wayve, FT reports
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(Reuters) -British autonomous driving technology group Wayve is in talks with Microsoft and SoftBank to raise up to $2 billion in funding, which could value the firm at about $8 billion, the Financial

Microsoft, SoftBank in talks for $2 billion investment in UK's Wayve, FT reports

(Reuters) -British autonomous driving technology group Wayve is in talks with Microsoft and SoftBank to raise up to $2 billion in funding, which could value the firm at about $8 billion, the Financial Times reported on Monday, citing sources.

This comes after Nvidia had signed a letter of intent in September for a potential $500 million investment in London-based Wayve, as investors globally pour billions into fast-growing AI start-ups.

Wayve currently operates in Britain and the U.S. and has been expanding its testing and development operations to markets, including Germany and Japan.

The firm declined to comment on the report, while Microsoft and SoftBank did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for a comment.

Founded in 2017, Wayve raised over $1 billion last year, led by SoftBank and supported by Nvidia. Ride-hailing platform Uber also made an undisclosed investment in the firm in 2024.

(Reporting by DhanushVignesh Babu in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid)

Key Takeaways

  • Wayve is negotiating a $2 billion investment with Microsoft and SoftBank.
  • The investment could value Wayve at approximately $8 billion.
  • Nvidia previously showed interest with a $500 million letter of intent.
  • Wayve is expanding its operations in the UK, US, Germany, and Japan.
  • Founded in 2017, Wayve raised over $1 billion last year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is autonomous driving technology?
Autonomous driving technology refers to systems and software that enable vehicles to navigate and operate without human intervention, using sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence.
What is venture capital?
Venture capital is a form of private equity financing provided to startups and small businesses with high growth potential, typically in exchange for equity or convertible debt.
What is a financial investment?
A financial investment involves allocating money into assets or ventures with the expectation of generating a return or profit over time.
What is market valuation?
Market valuation is the process of determining the current worth of an asset or company based on its market price, financial performance, and other relevant factors.

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