Pony.AI Attracts Major Investors, Including ARK Invest, as Autonomous Driving Startup Sees Strong Growth

Pony AI, a Chinese autonomous driving startup, is gaining support from global investors despite cautiousness on Chinese tech assets. ARK Invest, led by Cathie Wood, invested $12.9 million in Pony.AI, its first direct stake in a Chinese Level 4 autonomous driving company. The robotaxi firm attracted 14 major global investors in Q2, including Baillie Gifford and Nikko Asset Management. Pony.AI's growth trajectory is driven by its robotaxi revenue increase and expansion into new markets. The company aims to operate 1,000 vehicles by the end of the year, which it believes will secure unit-level profitability.