Rivian acquires 3D world-model startup Third Dimension

Electric vehicle maker Rivian has acquired Third Dimension, a UK startup that uses AI to turn images and videos into lifelike 3D worlds. The deal’s terms were not disclosed.

Third Dimension was founded in 2024 by CEO Tolga Kart and Piotr Sokolski, veterans of the gaming and autonomous vehicle industries. The company raised $7 million in seed funding from Abstract Ventures, MVP, Soma Capital and Solari Capital.

Rivian plans to use the startup’s technology with its own driving data to build simulations for developing its advanced driver assistance features and self-driving systems. The company also plans to supply robotaxis to Uber. Rivian says its existing simulators can differ from the physical world, while Third Dimension’s technology is designed to better match it.

The startup’s 15-person team, most of whom are based in the UK, will join Rivian’s autonomy and AI team, led by James Philbin. The acquisition could also help Rivian expand its AI hub in London, Philbin told TechCrunch.

Rivian collects driving data from tens of thousands of R1S pickup trucks, R1S SUVs, delivery vans and R2 SUVs whose owners have enabled external camera sharing. The data is aggregated and anonymized for training driving models. Philbin said Rivian receives more than 400,000 sequences a day from customer fleets. He said Third Dimension’s technology could let Rivian simulate complex driving conditions without waiting for rare real-world cases.