The self-driving car company has a US$8.6-billion valuation after its Series D round, which also included Microsoft, Nvidia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Stellantis and others. Wayve’s additional deals bring its total new funding to US$1.5 billion, after Uber agreed to invest in bringing Wayve-powered robotaxis to more than 10 cities, starting with London. (The Logic)

Talking point: Avid Larizadeh-Duggan, a senior managing director of Teachers’ late-stage venture program, said in a release that Wayve is one of “only a handful of serious contenders” in the self-driving vehicle industry. Still, competition is fierce. Toronto-based Waabi is also programming robotaxis for Uber, while Waymo has registered lobbyists in B.C. and held meetings with Ontario’s government. Wayve’s chief scientist Jamie Shotton leads a Vancouver-based R&D team. CEO Alex Kendall said in an emailed statement that the round will help the company expand “across all areas” but did not provide any hiring numbers for Vancouver.