California is a hotspot for self-driving car companies, focusing on advanced automotive technologies and automation. This rapidly evolving industry features startups, established firms, and tech giants, each offering unique solutions ranging from autonomous ride-sharing services to delivery vehicles. With robust regulatory frameworks and a supportive ecosystem, California is propelling innovation forwards, seeking sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. Notably, many companies prioritize safety and user experience, while also racing to tackle critical industry challenges, such as public acceptance and infrastructure adaptation. As industry standards are solidifying, we can expect significant advancements in artificial intelligence and vehicle connectivity in the near future.

The companies in this list showcase a mix of sizes and specializations within the autonomous driving sector. Most major players are headquartered in California, ranging from startups to established entities, and were founded between 2009 and 2020. They focus on diverse aspects such as electric vehicles, passenger and delivery automation, and advanced driver-assistance systems. With a combined employee count in the thousands, their innovations drive growth across various cityscapes, indicating a trend toward increased collaboration and competition aimed at shaping the future of mobility.

Read on to explore the top self-driving car companies in California.

Top 19 Self Driving Cars Companies in California

1. Waymo

• Website: waymo.com
• Ownership type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 95%, Other 5%
• Latest funding: Series C, $5.6B, July 2024
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: waymo

Waymo LLC is an autonomous driving technology company based in Mountain View, California. Founded in 2009, Waymo originated from the Google Self-Driving Car Project and has since evolved into a standalone entity focused on developing self-driving technology. The company operates the Waymo One service, which is recognized as the world's first fully autonomous ride-hailing service, currently available in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. Waymo's mission is to enhance mobility while prioritizing safety, aiming to reduce traffic-related fatalities. The company has achieved significant milestones, including over 20 billion miles driven in real-world and simulated conditions, and has transitioned its fleet to fully electric vehicles, emphasizing sustainability. In July 2024, Waymo secured $5.6 billion in funding, reflecting its ongoing relevance and ambition in the autonomous vehicle sector.

2. Zoox

• Website: zoox.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Foster City, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 99%
• Latest funding: $1.2B, June 2020
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: zoox-inc

Zoox, Inc. is an autonomous vehicle manufacturer based in Foster City, California, founded in 2014. The company is dedicated to revolutionizing urban transportation through its all-electric robotaxi service. With a workforce of approximately 3,773 employees, Zoox aims to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly mobility solutions. As a subsidiary of Amazon, Zoox is well-positioned to leverage significant resources and expertise in the transportation sector. The company has made strides in developing a unique vehicle designed specifically for autonomous operation, eliminating the need for a driver. Their focus on safety, sustainability, and user experience is evident in their vehicle design and operational philosophy. Zoox has also secured substantial funding, with a notable investment of $1.2 billion in June 2020, which reflects strong investor confidence in their innovative approach to mobility. The company is actively testing its technology in various cities, including San Francisco, Las Vegas, Seattle, Austin, and Miami, as it moves towards launching its ride-hailing service.

3. Nuro

• Website: nuro.ai
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 99%
• Latest funding: Series E-K, $106.0M, April 2025
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: nuro-inc.

Nuro, Inc. is a robotics company based in Mountain View, California, specializing in autonomous delivery vehicles and artificial intelligence technology. Founded in 2016, Nuro aims to transform logistics and personal mobility through its innovative Nuro Driver™ technology. The company has developed solutions for automotive manufacturers and mobility platforms, focusing on enhancing safety and efficiency in transportation. Nuro has achieved significant milestones, including being the first autonomous vehicle company to receive a federal exemption from the NHTSA and a deployment permit from the California DMV. With a workforce of nearly 1,000 employees, Nuro has successfully completed driverless operations in multiple states and is now expanding its technology to include robotaxis and personally owned vehicles. The company has raised substantial funding, with its latest round totaling $106 million in April 2025, further solidifying its position in the autonomous vehicle industry.

4. Cruise

• Website: getcruise.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 96%, Germany 3%
• Latest funding: $850.0M, June 2024
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: cruise-automation-inc-

Cruise LLC, based in San Francisco, California, is an autonomous vehicle company that specializes in self-driving technology and driverless transportation services. Founded in 2013, Cruise has developed a fleet of vehicles equipped with advanced sensors and AI technology, enabling them to navigate complex urban environments. The company has provided hundreds of thousands of driverless trips, primarily in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Houston. Recently, Cruise has resumed manual driving operations as a precursor to returning to fully autonomous services, demonstrating their commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. Their partnership with Walmart for delivery services in Phoenix showcases their versatility in the transportation sector. With a workforce of over 2,500 employees and significant funding, including $850 million raised in June 2024, Cruise is positioned as a key player in the self-driving car industry.

5. AutoX

• Website: autox.ai
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: China 51%, United States (USA) 41%, South Africa 6%, Other 2%
• Latest funding: Series B, December 2019
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: autox-ai

AutoX is a technology and transportation company based in San Jose, California, founded in 2016. The company specializes in autonomous driving solutions, operating a fleet of fully driverless RoboTaxis in major cities. With a mission to democratize autonomy, AutoX aims to enhance transportation efficiency and safety through its advanced vehicle technology. The company has established ten RoboTaxi Operations Centers globally, including significant locations in Shenzhen and Shanghai, where they provide innovative mobility services to urban commuters. AutoX's Gen5 autonomous driving technology is designed to navigate complex urban environments, and they have successfully launched fully driverless services to the public, marking a significant achievement in the autonomous vehicle sector. Their operations cover extensive areas, allowing for comprehensive service in densely populated regions. AutoX's commitment to safety and operational excellence positions it as a notable entity in the self-driving car industry.

6. Plus

• Website: plus.ai
• Ownership type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 67%, China 20%, Germany 11%, Other 2%
• Latest funding: Series C, $100.2M, March 2021
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: plusai

Plus is an autonomous driving technology company based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 2016. The company specializes in Level 4 autonomous solutions tailored for commercial freight trucks. Their product suite includes SuperDrive, PlusDrive, and PlusVision, which are designed to improve safety and operational efficiency in transportation. Plus collaborates with automotive manufacturers and freight companies, facilitating the integration of advanced autonomous technology into their fleets. The company operates not only in the U.S. but also in Europe and Australia, showcasing its international reach. Plus has garnered significant attention in the industry, having raised $100 million in a Series C funding round in March 2021, which underscores its potential and relevance in the autonomous driving market.

7. Ike

• Website: ike.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 33%, Nigeria 33%, Brazil 33%
• Latest funding: December 2020
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: ikerobotics

Ike, operating under the name Nuro, is an autonomous vehicle technology company based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2018, Nuro focuses on creating AI-driven mobility solutions that enhance transportation efficiency and safety. Their flagship products include the Nuro Driver, a state-of-the-art autonomous vehicle system, and the Nuro AI Platform, which provides tools for automotive companies and consumers. Nuro has successfully deployed its technology across various vehicle platforms and has been involved in logistics and passenger mobility services. The company has achieved notable milestones, including receiving the first-ever federal exemption for an autonomous vehicle and completing driverless operations in three states. Nuro's commitment to safety is evident in their record of over 1 million autonomous miles driven without any at-fault incidents, showcasing their focus on innovation and reliability in the autonomous vehicle sector.

8. comma.ai

• Website: comma.ai
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: $10.0M, November 2021
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: comma.ai

comma.ai is an automotive technology firm based in San Diego, California, founded in 2016. The company specializes in advanced driver-assistance systems, offering products like the comma 3X and openpilot. These products are designed to improve driving comfort and safety by providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities. With a focus on individual car owners, comma.ai has developed a user-friendly solution that works with a wide range of vehicles, enhancing their existing features. The company has received substantial venture capital funding, with its last reported funding amount nearing $10 million in November 2021. This financial backing supports their ongoing development and innovation in the automotive technology space.

9. Imagry | Autonomous Driving

• Website: imagry.co
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: Israel 77%, United States (USA) 17%, Georgia 7%
• Latest funding: Other (Grant), $3.5M, December 2024
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: imagry

Imagry | Autonomous Driving is an autonomous driving software company founded in 2015 and based in San Jose, California. The company has carved out a niche in the automotive sector by developing AI-based solutions that enable mapless driving technology. This innovative approach allows vehicles to navigate dynamically without the need for high-definition maps, which can be costly and complex to maintain. Imagry's software is designed to support SAE levels 3 and 4 autonomy, making it applicable for both passenger vehicles and public transportation systems, such as buses. The company has been involved in various pilot programs, including autonomous buses in Israel, showcasing their technology in real-world scenarios. Their client base includes automotive manufacturers and public transport operators, highlighting their commitment to enhancing vehicle capabilities and operational efficiency. Recently, Imagry secured a grant of $3.5 million, indicating continued investment in their technology and growth within the industry.

10. PIX Moving

• Website: pixmoving.com
• Ownership type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: China 65%, United States (USA) 12%, Japan 8%, Other 15%
• Latest funding: Series B, December 2024
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: pixmoving

PIX Moving, founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, California, is a private equity-backed technology firm focused on autonomous mobility solutions. The company has developed products such as the Robobus, an autonomous shuttle designed for urban environments, and the PIXKIT, a development kit aimed at engineers and educational institutions. PIX Moving's mission is to enhance urban transportation while reducing carbon emissions, making them a relevant player in the sustainable mobility sector. Their customer base includes urban planners and transportation authorities, indicating a strong market presence. The company operates with a significant portion of its workforce based in China, reflecting its international reach and operational capabilities. Through advanced manufacturing and software development, PIX Moving is positioned to contribute to the evolution of self-driving technology and urban mobility solutions.

11. A3Ventures

• Website: a3ventures.co
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Berkeley, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: a3ventures

A3Ventures, founded in 2016 and based in Berkeley, California, serves as the innovation lab and capital investment engine for AAA Northern California, Nevada, and Utah. The company is dedicated to developing and investing in mobility solutions and services, with a particular emphasis on autonomous vehicle technology. A3Ventures operates several initiatives, including GIG Car Share, which is the largest free-floating car share service in the U.S., and the Autonomous Shuttle, which has provided public rides in a self-driving vehicle. They also manage GoMentum Station, the largest U.S. Department of Transportation-approved autonomous vehicle proving ground, facilitating critical testing and development for self-driving technologies. Through these efforts, A3Ventures aims to enhance mobility and safety in communities, making them a notable entity in the self-driving car sector.

12. DeepRoute.ai

• Website: deeproute.ai
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Fremont, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: China 67%, United States (USA) 33%
• Latest funding: Series C, $100.0M, November 2024
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: deeproute-ai-ltd

DeepRoute.ai is a technology company based in Fremont, California, specializing in autonomous driving solutions. Founded in 2019, the company has developed products like D-PRO and D-AIR, which are tailored for mass production and urban logistics. Their clientele includes e-commerce platforms and freight carriers, benefiting from enhanced delivery efficiency through their innovative technology. DeepRoute.ai operates in multiple cities across China and has made significant strides in the autonomous vehicle sector, including the launch of robotaxi services in Shenzhen. The company has accumulated over 15 million kilometers of road testing, achieving zero accidents, and has received substantial funding, including a recent Series C round of $100 million in November 2024. With a strong focus on making smart driving accessible and affordable, DeepRoute.ai is actively contributing to the evolution of urban mobility.

13. Kodiak

• Website: kodiak.ai
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 99%
• Latest funding: Series C, August 2024
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: kodiakrobotics

Kodiak Robotics, based in Mountain View, California, is a technology company that specializes in autonomous vehicle solutions, particularly for the trucking sector. Founded in 2018, Kodiak has developed innovative products such as the Kodiak Driver and Kodiak Catalyst, aimed at improving safety and efficiency in freight transportation. The company has successfully completed over 50,000 autonomous long-haul trucking miles in collaboration with major logistics firms, showcasing its operational capabilities. Kodiak's technology is designed to be adaptable, integrating easily into existing fleets and addressing the pressing challenges faced by the trucking industry, including safety concerns and driver shortages. Their focus on creating a safer and more efficient future for transportation underscores their commitment to advancing autonomous technology in practical applications.

14. Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc.

• Website: mbrdna.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 95%, India 4%
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: mbrdna

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc. (MBRDNA) is a technology innovation company based in Sunnyvale, California, specializing in automotive research and development. Founded in 1994, MBRDNA focuses on creating advanced technologies for automated driving, electric vehicles, and connected car solutions. The company plays a crucial role in adapting and certifying Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the North American market, ensuring compliance with local regulations and customer expectations. MBRDNA is also recognized as the global AI center for Mercedes-Benz, collaborating with universities and industry partners to pioneer cutting-edge technologies. Their recent initiatives include the development of the DRIVE PILOT system, the first SAE-Level 3 automated driving system approved for use in California and Nevada, and funding educational initiatives in AI and automated driving at prestigious institutions like Stanford University and UC San Diego. With a workforce of around 890 employees, MBRDNA is integral to Mercedes-Benz's strategy for innovation in the automotive sector.

15. Applied Intuition

• Website: appliedintuition.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 86%, Germany 6%, Japan 5%, Other 3%
• Latest funding: $300.0M, July 2024
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: applied-intuition-inc

Applied Intuition, founded in 2017 and based in Mountain View, California, is a software company that specializes in solutions for the automotive industry, particularly in the development of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The company provides a comprehensive suite of software tools and platforms designed to assist automakers and other businesses in sectors such as trucking, defense, construction, and agriculture. Their offerings include an ADAS and AD development platform, a vehicle software platform, and an autonomy stack, all aimed at enhancing the efficiency and safety of vehicle technology development. Applied Intuition has established partnerships with major automotive players, including Toyota, Nissan, and Porsche, and has recently announced a strategic partnership with Isuzu Motors to advance autonomous trucking. The company has raised significant funding, with a reported $300 million in their latest round, underscoring their growth and relevance in the industry.

16. COAST Autonomous

• Website: coastautonomous.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Pasadena, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 85%, Bulgaria 10%, Spain 5%
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: coast-autonomous

COAST Autonomous, founded in 2017 and based in Pasadena, California, is a private technology company focused on autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. With a team of around 40 employees, COAST aims to improve urban transportation through innovative services like Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Their proprietary 6-Level Autonomous Vehicle system integrates advanced mapping, localization, robotics, and artificial intelligence to enhance safety and efficiency in transportation. COAST has successfully deployed autonomous shuttles in various settings, including city centers, campuses, and private sites, showcasing their commitment to creating safer and more accessible mobility solutions. Their technology prioritizes pedestrian safety and aims to reduce congestion in urban areas, making them a notable player in the self-driving vehicle sector.

17. Toyota Research Institute

• Website: tri.global
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Los Altos, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: toyota-research-institute

Toyota Research Institute (TRI), established in 2016 and based in Los Altos, California, is a private research organization dedicated to advancing technologies in artificial intelligence, robotics, and materials science. With a workforce of over 400 employees, TRI aims to enhance vehicle automation and sustainability through innovative research and development. The institute collaborates with top universities and research institutions, focusing on areas such as human-centered AI and human interactive driving. Notably, TRI has made headlines for its groundbreaking work in autonomous driving, including the successful execution of the first fully autonomous tandem drift, showcasing their expertise in developing advanced safety systems for vehicles. Their mission is to create tools and capabilities that improve the human experience, particularly in the context of mobility and driving safety.

18. Faction

• Website: faction.us
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: South San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: Seed, $6.0M, October 2023
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: faction-technology

Faction is a technology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2020. The company specializes in driverless vehicle solutions tailored for the transportation sector. Faction offers a comprehensive software suite designed for fleet management, which helps businesses in ride-sharing and delivery services enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. Their technology supports real-time tracking and customer engagement, making it easier for companies to manage their fleets effectively. Faction's focus on micro electric vehicles and their commitment to sustainability through zero-emission solutions further solidify their role in the industry. Recently, they secured $6 million in seed funding in October 2023, indicating investor confidence in their innovative approach to autonomous transport.

19. Ghost Autonomy

• Website: ghostautonomy.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: October 2024
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: ghost-locomotion

Ghost Autonomy, established in 2017 and based in Mountain View, California, is an automotive technology company dedicated to advancing autonomous driving software. The company specializes in the Ghost Autonomy Engine, which enables automotive manufacturers to incorporate safe and scalable self-driving capabilities into their vehicles. Ghost Autonomy primarily serves automotive OEMs, aiming to enhance vehicle safety and functionality through innovative technology. The company has made significant strides in highway testing, driving approximately 5,000 miles per month autonomously on freeways, showcasing their technology's ability to handle complex driving scenarios. Their recent expansion into new offices, including a radar development center in Dallas, reflects their growth and commitment to improving autonomous driving solutions. Ghost Autonomy's mission is to make self-driving accessible for everyone, indicating a focus on consumer-friendly applications of their technology.

Self Driving Cars Insights: Key Companies in California

Company	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Ownership
Waymo	Mountain View, California, United States (USA)	1001-5000	2009	Private Equity
Zoox	Foster City, California, United States (USA)	1001-5000	2014	Corporate
Nuro	Mountain View, California, United States (USA)	501-1000	2016	Venture Capital
Cruise	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	1001-5000	2013	Venture Capital
AutoX	San Jose, California, United States (USA)	1001-5000	2016	Venture Capital
Plus	Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2016	Private Equity
Ike	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2018	Corporate
comma.ai	San Diego, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2016	Venture Capital
Imagry | Autonomous Driving	San Jose, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2015	Venture Capital
PIX Moving	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2013	Private Equity
A3Ventures	Berkeley, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2016	Private
DeepRoute.ai	Fremont, California, United States (USA)	501-1000	2019	Corporate
Kodiak	Mountain View, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2018	Venture Capital
Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc.	Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)	501-1000	1994	Private
Applied Intuition	Mountain View, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2017	Venture Capital
COAST Autonomous	Pasadena, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2017	Private
Toyota Research Institute	Los Altos, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2016	Private
Faction	South San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2020	Venture Capital
Ghost Autonomy	Mountain View, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2017	Corporate

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