Berlin's MOTOR Ai Raises $20M for Autonomous Driving Tech
MOTOR Ai's autonomous driver is equipped with individual driving characteristics that the system can retrieve without data-intensive training - © MOTOR Ai
Berlin-based startup MOTOR Ai has successfully closed a $20 million seed funding round, marking a significant milestone for the German autonomous driving sector. The company, which develops certified Level 4 and 5 autonomous driving technology, plans to use the fresh capital to accelerate deployment of its self-driving vehicles on German public roads.
Founded in 2017 by Roy Uhlmann and Adam Bahlke, MOTOR Ai has taken a unique approach to autonomous driving by basing its technology on cognitive neuroscience principles. Unlike traditional "black box" systems that rely heavily on training data, MOTOR Ai's solution makes explainable decisions in complex traffic situations through advanced sensor fusion combining LiDAR, radar, cameras, microphones, GPS, and ultrasound.
The funding round was led by Frankfurt-based Segenia Capital alongside eCAPITAL and several mobility-focused angel investors. According to a LinkedIn post by the company, "Europe is setting a global benchmark for how autonomy should be built: explainable, trustworthy, and compliant. MOTOR Ai is proud to be building the infrastructure that meets this challenge head-on."
What sets MOTOR Ai apart in the competitive autonomous driving landscape is its focus on European safety and legal requirements. The startup has been working closely with German regulatory authorities since its inception, developing technology specifically designed to meet stringent European compliance standards.
The company's roadmap is ambitious yet realistic. MOTOR Ai plans to begin deploying autonomous vehicles on German streets in 2025, initially with safety drivers monitoring the systems. By 2026, the vehicles are expected to operate fully autonomously, coinciding with the planned final type approval according to European and German regulations.
This "Made in Germany" approach, as described by Lucas Merle, Principal at eCAPITAL, "reduces inter-dependencies while strengthening Europe's ability to operate in critical innovative technology." The startup currently employs over 40 people and represents Berlin's growing position in the global autonomous driving race.
