Chinese autonomous driving technology company WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) announced a significant development today, revealing that it has secured a substantial investment from Southeast Asian super app Grab (NASDAQ: GRAB). This investment, amounting to tens of millions of dollars, is poised to accelerate WeRide’s expansion efforts within Southeast Asia. The investment deal is anticipated to be finalized by the first half of 2026, marking a crucial milestone in the strategic partnership between the two companies.
This strategic partnership aims to drive the large-scale deployment of L4 robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles across Southeast Asia. WeRide and Grab have been working closely together, with the initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed back in March 2025 setting the groundwork for this collaborative endeavor.
Grab, known for its diverse array of services including ride-hailing, food delivery, and digital payments, is a key player in the Southeast Asian market. By integrating WeRide’s cutting-edge autonomous driving technology into Grab’s platform, the two companies are set to revolutionize the mobility landscape in the region. Additionally, both parties plan to provide skills training for Grab drivers and local community members interested in transitioning into the autonomous driving industry.
WeRide’s expertise in autonomous driving technology will be instrumental in enhancing Grab’s fleet management, vehicle matching, and route planning systems. This collaboration underscores WeRide’s commitment to expanding its commercial autonomous vehicle fleet in Southeast Asia and driving advancements in AI-driven mobility solutions.
With a vision to deploy thousands of robotaxis in Southeast Asia in compliance with local regulations and societal readiness, WeRide is poised to make a significant impact on the region’s transportation sector. Founded in 2017, WeRide has established itself as a pioneer in advanced smart driving solutions, culminating in its successful Nasdaq listing on October 25, 2024.
In a recent development, WeRide obtained the first local robotaxi autonomous driving license in Saudi Arabia, solidifying its position as the only technology company with autonomous driving licenses across six countries worldwide. This milestone enables WeRide to operate robotaxi services and deploy robotaxis nationally in Saudi Arabia, with an initial pilot operation in Riyadh in collaboration with Uber and local partner Ai Driver.
The investment from Grab represents a significant milestone for WeRide, underscoring the company’s commitment to driving innovation in the autonomous driving space. With Grab’s strategic support, WeRide is poised to accelerate its expansion efforts in Southeast Asia and pave the way for a future where autonomous vehicles play a central role in shaping the region’s transportation landscape.
