(Bloomberg) – Didi Global Inc. Looking for fresh capital for its autonomous driving unit which could appreciate it at about $ 5 billion, people who are familiar with the situation said, as Chinese technology companies ride a wave of investor enthusiasm.
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Didi's autonomous driving plans to raise hundreds of millions of dollars and is in discussions with potential investors including a pool of Beijing to measure interest, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing a private issue.
DIDI's autonomous drive unit operates a self-driven fleet of over 200 vehicles that have conducted trials in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. The Chinese destination company unveiled its first concept Robotaxi, the Neuron Didi, in April 2023.
Didi may use the earnings to continue to develop autonomous driving technologies and accelerate the mass production of his Robotaxi, says one of the people. Negotiations are ongoing and the company could continue to pursue a deal, the people said.
A representative for Didi did not respond immediately to a request seeking attention.
Autonomous driving and machine learning have been at the forefront of a recent rally in China's equity markets, which were initiated by reaching the Deepseeek low -cost R1 model. President Xi Jinping's support has also prompted investors to re-evaluate the nation's technology companies and their growth prospects.
The self-driving entrepreneur James Peng has become a billionaire after a surge in shares of his Robotaxi Startup Pony Ai Inc., which has a market value of $ 5.3 billion. Pony AI is up about 16% since its U.S. initial public offer in November.
Weride Inc., who has a robotaxi service agreement with Uber Technologies Inc. In Abu Dhabi, his 135% spit shares mid -February after Nvidia Corp. reveal investment in the Chinese company.
Didi autonomous driving rose $ 298 million from investors led by Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. In a funding round C series in October, according to a statement on his official WeChat account. Other fans of the company include Softbank Vision Fund, IDG Capital, CCB International and CPE alternative investment company.
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