Ford has agreed to acquire Journey Holding Corporation, a company that has developed vehicle tracking software and app-based technology designed for public transportation, as the automaker seeks to scale up its new mobility business. Journey Holding will be housed under Ford Smart Mobility, a Ford subsidiary that invests in and builds the automaker’s transportation services.… Continue reading Ford acquires software company Journey Holding
Author: Tech Crunch Online News
Google’s new version of Android Auto focuses on Assistant
Google is starting to roll out an updated version of its in-car platform, Android Auto, that aims to make it easier and safer for drivers to use. The version, which was first revealed during Google I/O 2019, has a dark theme, new fonts and color accents, more opportunities to communicate with Google’s virtual assistant and the… Continue reading Google’s new version of Android Auto focuses on Assistant
With Y Combinator’s seal of approval, MyPetrolPump raises $1.6 million for its car refueling business
Even before pitching onstage at Y Combinator, Indian car refueling startup MyPetrolPump has managed to snag $1.6 million in seed financing. The business, which is similar to startups in the U.S. like Filld, Yoshi and Booster Fuels, took 10 months to design and receive approval for its proprietary refueling trucks that can withstand the unique… Continue reading With Y Combinator’s seal of approval, MyPetrolPump raises $1.6 million for its car refueling business
Report: Lyft COO Jon McNeill is leaving
Shortly after going public, Lyft is losing one of its top executives, according to a new report from Bloomberg. Jon McNeill, who joined the ride-hailing business from Tesla about 18 months ago, is reportedly stepping down. Lyft declined to comment. Lyft’s stock (Nasdaq: LYFT) is down nearly 3% on the news. Despite a turbulent first… Continue reading Report: Lyft COO Jon McNeill is leaving
How parking app SpotHero is preparing for an era of driverless cars
On-demand parking app SpotHero wants to be ready for the day when autonomous vehicles are ubiquitous. Its strategy: target the human-driven car-sharing fleets today. The Chicago-based company, which has operations in San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C. and Seattle, has launched a new service dubbed SpotHero for Fleets that targets shared mobility and on-demand services.… Continue reading How parking app SpotHero is preparing for an era of driverless cars
SoftBank pumps $2B into Indonesia through Grab investment, putting it head to head with Gojek
Grab — the on-demand transportation app worth $14 billion that is the Uber of Southeast Asia — today announced how it would be using some of the $7 billion or so that it has raised to date: $2 billion provided by SoftBank is being earmarked Grab’s operations in Indonesia — the biggest economy in Southeast… Continue reading SoftBank pumps $2B into Indonesia through Grab investment, putting it head to head with Gojek
Gatik’s self-driving vans have started shuttling groceries for Walmart
Gatik AI, the autonomous vehicle startup that’s aiming for the sweet middle spot in the world of logistics, is officially on the road through a partnership with Walmart. The company received approval from the Arkansas Highway Commissioner’s office to launch a commercial service with Walmart. Gatik’s autonomous vehicles (with a human safety driver behind the… Continue reading Gatik’s self-driving vans have started shuttling groceries for Walmart
Startups Weekly: SoftBank’s second act
Hello and welcome back to Startups Weekly, a weekend newsletter that dives into the week’s noteworthy startups and venture capital news. Before I jump into today’s topic, let’s catch up a bit. Last week, I noted some challenges plaguing mental health tech startups. Before that, I wrote about Zoom and Superhuman’s PR disasters. Remember, you… Continue reading Startups Weekly: SoftBank’s second act
Africa’s ride-hail markets are hot spots for startups and VC
When it comes to VC, vehicles, and startups, Africa’s ride-hail markets are becoming a multi-wheeled and global affair. The big players such as Uber and Bolt are competing in Kampala and Nairobi—where in addition to car-service—they offer rickshaw taxis. On-demand motorcycle startups are multiplying and piloting EVs with funds from international partners. And many ride-hail companies in Africa… Continue reading Africa’s ride-hail markets are hot spots for startups and VC
How top VCs view the new future of micromobility
Earlier this month, TechCrunch held its annual Mobility Sessions event, where leading mobility-focused auto companies, startups, executives and thought leaders joined us to discuss all things autonomous vehicle technology, micromobility and electric vehicles. Extra Crunch is offering members access to full transcripts key panels and conversations from the event, including our panel on micromobility where… Continue reading How top VCs view the new future of micromobility