UK-based AI startup Wayve has commenced real-world testing of its autonomous driving technology in Tokyo, Japan, utilizing Nissan’s electric Ariya vehicles. This collaboration follows a commercial agreement signed in April 2025, with plans to integrate Wayve’s AI Driver software into Nissan’s ProPILOT system by fiscal year 2027
🚗 Testing in Urban Environments
The trials are being conducted on Tokyo’s bustling streets, presenting challenges such as dense traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. The Nissan Ariya test vehicles are equipped with 11 cameras, five radars, and a LiDAR sensor, providing the necessary sensory input for the AI system to navigate complex urban scenarios .
🤖 Wayve’s AI Approach
Unlike traditional autonomous systems that rely on pre-mapped environments, Wayve employs an “embodied AI” model that learns to drive using real-world data collected from cameras and sensors. This approach enables the system to adapt to new and unforeseen driving conditions without the need for detailed maps or extensive coding
🌐 Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
Wayve has secured over $1.3 billion in funding from investors including SoftBank, Nvidia, and Microsoft. The company has also established a testing and development center in Yokohama, Japan, to enhance its AI model with local driving data, facilitating its expansion into key markets such as the U.S., Germany, and Japan
📅 Looking Ahead
The integration of Wayve’s technology into Nissan’s ProPILOT system is scheduled for a 2027 launch in Japan. This marks a significant step in the commercialization of autonomous driving technology, with Wayve positioning itself as a key player in the evolving automotive landscape.
Moove, the Lagos-based vehicle-financing startup backed by Uber, is reportedly seeking to raise over $300 million in a new funding round, aiming to surpass a $2 billion valuation. This move positions Moove among Africa’s most valuable startups as it expands its operations globally.
Founded in 2020 by Nigerian entrepreneurs Ladi Delano and Jide Odunsi, Moove provides revenue-based vehicle financing to drivers, enabling them to acquire vehicles for ride-hailing, logistics, and delivery services. The company operates in over 20 markets, including the UAE, Mexico, and India, and has financed more than 36,000 mobility entrepreneurs.
In July 2025, Moove secured over $1 billion in debt financing to support its expansion into autonomous vehicle operations in partnership with Alphabet’s Waymo and to scale its presence in the U.S.
The company’s revenue has experienced significant growth, increasing from approximately $50 million in 2024 to nearly $400 million in annualized recurring revenue. Additionally, Moove achieved EBITDA break-even in September 2024, demonstrating its financial maturity.Moove’s strategic focus on autonomous vehicles and its expansion into international markets underscore its ambition to become a leading player in the global mobility financing sector.
