Self-driving car firm Cruise raised $2.75 billion in its latest funding round with additional investment from Walmart Inc and others, raising its valuation to over $30 billion.
As part of the deal, Cruise will provide a trial delivery service in Scottsdale, Arizona to Walmart.
In January, Cruise expects Microsoft Corp to join General Motors, Honda Motor Co, and institutional investors for a combined new equity investment of over $2 billion.
A Cruise spokeswoman pointed out that the IPOs happening is a great indication of the strength of the industry and the opportunity self-driving presents.
The San Francisco-based Cruise plans to begin deploying its Origin vehicles for ride-hail services in Dubai from 2023 for its first overseas commercial service.
Grayson Brulte, president at consultancy Brulte & Co., noted that Cruise is executing a global strategy with the right partners, as it would come down to who can cut the best deals which long-term generate revenue and profits.
Last week, another self-drive startup TuSimple also revealed plans for an initial public offering.
