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Tag: startups

  • Uber Freight CEO Lior Ron leaves to join self-driving startup Waabi as COO

    Self-driving truck maker Waabi has hired autonomous vehicle industry veteran and Uber Freight CEO Lior Ron to step in as chief operating officer, as the startup looks to scale its commercial operations ahead of its planned launch of driverless trucks on public highways later this year.

    Rebecca Tinucci, who previously spent six years building Tesla’s charging network before the automaker gutted its charging staff last year, will take over as head of Uber Freight. Ron will stay on as Uber Freight’s chairman.

    “[Ron] will lead the go-to-market strategy, expanding key partnerships, and really bringing Waabi from the phase that we’ve been in to commercialization at scale,” Raquel Urtasun, Waabi’s founder and CEO, told TechCrunch. “He has shown his ability to scale from inception to a $5 billion revenue company with Uber Freight.”

    Urtasun and Ron go way back: Ron previously co-founded self-driving truck company Otto, which Uber acquired in 2016. He overlapped with Urtasun at Uber, where the latter was chief scientist, leading the ride-hail firm’s self-driving research from 2017 to 2021.

    Uber Freight is a digital marketplace connecting shippers with carriers, and the company aims to integrate self-driving trucks with the platform via partnerships with startups like Aurora Innovation and Waabi. Uber’s partnership with Waabi isn’t affected by Ron’s departure, he said.

    While working at Uber Freight, Ron says, he met regularly with chief supply chain officers and big carriers that he said “could not wait” for self-driving trucks. 

    “If the most impactful thing to do in the next decade is autonomy, and if the timing is right, then for me it’s really about joining forces with who I think is most positioned to lead the transformation,” he added. 

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    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

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    Urtasun claims Waabi’s “AI-first” approach to scaling autonomy has allowed it to do more with fewer resources and in less time than competitors. Given this is a capital-intensive industry that’s seen several promising startups, like TuSimple and Embark, crash and burn, efficiency can be a major advantage.   

    Since it was founded in 2021, Waabi has raised $287.7 million in total, the bulk of which came from a $200 million Series B in 2024. Urtasun claims the company doesn’t need to raise more to get to its next phase of growth.

    The startup’s chief competitor is Aurora, which this year launched the first commercial driverless trucking route in the U.S., and has raised nearly $3.46 billion through a combination of venture capital and its public listing. 

    Waabi has managed to launch commercial pilots quickly because it does most training, testing, and validation in Waabi World, its closed-loop simulator that both virtually tests the self-driving software and teaches it in real time. More recently, Waabi took its simulator to the test track, overlaying virtual environments onto real-world driving conditions to simulate scenarios like accidents and construction zones without the actual risk, according to Urtasun.

    “At the beginning of the year, we reached feature complete, which basically means we have all the necessary things to remove the driver and [are focused] on the final performance improvement and validation,” Urtasun said. “We are on track for our driverless launch by the end of the year, which is the start of commercialization.”

    The startup plans to launch in Texas, which has become the autonomous freight capital of the U.S., but it hasn’t yet disclosed which routes it’ll operate on or with which launch partners. The startup is working with Volvo Autonomous Solutions to develop and deploy custom-built AVs. 

    “Waabi will lead the technology and it will scale autonomy faster than ever expected,” Ron said, adding that he’s excited with the prospect of integrating the technology into the customers’ operations. Part of that is a feature that would enable Waabi’s trucks to drive straight to customer depots, avoiding the need to build terminals for a hybrid setup. 

    “We’re going to create a commercial-ready solution that can really meet them,” Ron said.

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  • Mastering Hybrid Working:  Benefits, Challenges and Strategies

    Mastering Hybrid Working:  Benefits, Challenges and Strategies

    Hybrid working has become one of the most discussed topics in the post-pandemic world, with more and more companies shifting their focus to this flexible work arrangement.

    But is it working? Well, it depends.  So, let’s explore the benefits and challenges of hybrid working, and why companies need to be strategic in implementing it.

    The Benefits of Hybrid Working

    Hybrid working allows employees to have a better work-life balance, as they can choose to work from home or come into the office as needed. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity, as employees feel trusted and valued by their employers. It also means that employees can work from anywhere, which opens up opportunities for remote work and allows companies to tap into a wider pool of talent.
    Moreover, hybrid working can lead to cost savings for companies, as they do not need to provide as much office space or equipment. This can be a significant benefit, especially for small businesses or startups that are trying to keep costs down.

    The Challenges of Hybrid Working

    However, there are also some challenges to hybrid working. One of the biggest challenges is communication and collaboration, as team members may be working in different locations and time zones. It can be difficult to coordinate meetings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
    Another challenge is maintaining a sense of team culture and collaboration. When working remotely, employees may feel isolated and disconnected from their colleagues, which can lead to a lack of motivation and engagement.
    Some employees may struggle with the lack of structure and social interaction that comes with remote work. This can impact their mental health and wellbeing, and companies need to be aware of this when implementing hybrid working.  What is suitable for one person may not be suitable for someone else and it is important to understand the skills and trait of individual team members.

    Strategies for Successful Hybrid Working

    To make hybrid working successful, companies need to have effective strategies in place. Here are some key strategies that can help:

    Communication and Collaboration Tools

    Effective communication and collaboration tools are essential for successful hybrid working. Companies can use video conferencing software, instant messaging, and project management tools to ensure that employees can stay connected and collaborate effectively. Moreover, regular team meetings / coffee mornings can help to maintain a sense of team culture and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

    Clear Guidelines and Expectations

    It’s important to set clear guidelines and expectations for hybrid working, such as work hours and response times. This can help to ensure that employees are clear about what is expected of them and can manage their time effectively.

    Training and Support

    Companies need to provide training and support to employees to ensure that they can adapt to hybrid working effectively. This can include training on communication and collaboration tools, as well as the essential support for mental health and wellbeing.

    Flexibility and Adaptability

    Companies need to be flexible and adaptable when implementing hybrid working. This means being open to feedback from employees and making changes as needed. It also means being prepared to adjust policies and strategies based on changing circumstances, such as new technology or a shift in the job market.
    In conclusion, hybrid working can be a great option for companies and employees, as long as it is implemented strategically. Companies need to have effective communication and collaboration tools in place, set clear guidelines and expectations, provide training and support, and be flexible and adaptable. By doing so, companies can ensure that hybrid working is successful and beneficial for all involved.