Atoms may be moving into the robotaxi business

Atoms, the startup founded by Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick, may be preparing to enter the robotaxi business, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Earlier this summer, Atoms announced a $1.7 billion funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz. The company has reportedly discussed hiring and acquisitions that could make it a major player in autonomous vehicles.

The Financial Times also reported that Atoms had spoken with Uber about using its robotaxi technology. Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms, a figure previously confirmed by TechCrunch. Robotaxis are not believed to represent the entirety of Atoms’ plans, but the reported discussions align with Kalanick’s description of the funding round as “unfinished business.”

Atoms has also acquired Pronto, an autonomous mining startup led by Uber’s former self-driving chief, Anthony Levandowski. Levandowski was convicted of stealing trade secrets and sentenced to 18 months in prison before being pardoned by President Donald Trump.