Aurora develops a full-stack self-driving system combining AI, software, hardware, and cloud-based data services. Its Aurora Driver integrates sensors, mapping, planning, and control to enable autonomous trucking and ride-hailing.
Aurora Cloud powers continuous simulation, fleet management, and data operations, enabling scalable deployment across transportation networks. The company partners with major OEMs and logistics providers to integrate autonomous capabilities into commercial fleets.
What Is Aurora and What Does It Do?
Aurora, founded in 2017 by Chris Urmson, Sterling Anderson, and Drew Bagnell, is headquartered in Mountain View, United States. The company develops an AI and SaaS-based self-driving platform that integrates software, sensors, onboard compute, and cloud data services to power autonomous vehicles.
Its flagship product, the Aurora Driver, combines computer vision, radar, lidar, and AI decision-making to perceive the environment and execute safe driving actions.
Aurora employs approximately 1,800 people, with a primary focus on autonomous trucking, freight automation, and commercial fleet deployments.
How Much Funding Has Aurora Raised?
1. Post-IPO Funding
- Amount Raised: $600M
- Date: July 2023
- Lead Investors: T. Rowe Price, Uber
- Motivation: To scale commercial autonomous trucking operations and accelerate the rollout of the Aurora Driver.
2. Series B
- Amount Raised: $69.5M
- Date: September 2019
- Lead Investors: Amazon, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Shell Ventures, Greylock, Index Ventures, Geodesic Capital
- Motivation: To build out Aurora’s core self-driving platform, expand R&D, and strengthen automotive partnerships.
Total Funding Raised: $693 Million
Current Valuation: $2 Billion (as of the Series B round)
Latest Funding Date: July 2023
Key Investors
1. T. Rowe Price
- Details: A global investment management firm known for long-term equity strategies.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, mobility, financial services.
- Notable Investments: Uber, Tesla, Aurora.
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2. Reinvent Capital
- Details: Investment firm focusing on transformative tech companies through SPAC and growth strategies.
- Investment Focus Areas: Future mobility, AI, next-gen software.
- Notable Investments: Joby Aviation, Aurora.
3. Amazon
- Details: Global technology and logistics leader investing heavily in autonomous delivery and robotics.
- Investment Focus Areas: Logistics automation, AI, robotics, mobility.
- Notable Investments: Rivian, Zoox, Aurora.
4. Greylock Partners
- Details: Leading Silicon Valley VC firm backing foundational tech companies.
- Investment Focus Areas: AI, infrastructure, deep tech.
- Notable Investments: Airbnb, Coinbase, Discord.
5. Sequoia Capital
- Details: Global VC powerhouse known for building category-defining technology companies.
- Investment Focus Areas: AI, mobility, software, deep tech.
- Notable Investments: Tesla, Nvidia, DoorDash.
Where Is Aurora’s Headquarters?
Aurora is headquartered in Mountain View, California, enabling access to premier AI talent, Silicon Valley engineering ecosystems, and proximity to major automotive and robotics partners.
What’s Next for Aurora?
Aurora aims to finalize commercial deployment of autonomous freight services across key U.S. logistics corridors. The company plans to scale its Aurora Driver for trucking fleets, expand OEM integrations with partners like PACCAR and Volvo, and enhance simulation-driven training via Aurora Cloud. With regulatory progress and large enterprise partnerships, Aurora is positioned to become a dominant force in commercial autonomous trucking.
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