DeepRoute.ai Raises $100 Million for Expansion

DeepRoute.ai, a Shenzhen-based autonomous driving startup, has raised $100 million from an undisclosed Chinese automaker to expand its advanced driving systems in China, with a goal of equipping 200,000 vehicles by the end of 2025, significantly up from the current 20,000. CEO Maxwell Zhou emphasized the company's ambition to introduce over ten models in collaboration with automotive partners next year, including vehicles under the Smart brand co-owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz. This funding comes as Tesla prepares to launch its Full Self-Driving system in China, intensifying competition in the market. DeepRoute’s business model focuses on licensing fees per vehicle and leveraging collected data to enhance its AI capabilities. The company aims to not only dominate the domestic market but also expand into Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East by 2027. This strategic move highlights the fierce race among automakers in China to innovate and capture market share amid increasing consumer demand for autonomous driving technology.