Applied Intuition raises $600 million as it pushes further into defense

Applied Intuition, a prominent player in autonomous vehicle software, has successfully raised $600 million in its Series F funding round, boosting its valuation to an impressive $15 billion. This significant financing effort was spearheaded by funds managed by BlackRock and Kleiner Perkins, with notable participation from the Qatar Investment Authority, Abu Dhabi Investment Council, Greycroft, and other investors. This latest funding round follows just one year after the company completed a $250 million Series E, which had valued it at $6 billion. Applied Intuition specializes in software that aids both private companies and government agencies in the development of autonomous vehicle technology, offering solutions that include simulation software and data management. CEO Qasar Younis expressed a desire for Applied Intuition to be the go-to solution for clients facing challenges related to software and AI. He stated, “When they think like, ‘I have this software or AI problem,’ we generally want them to think about us.” The company has established partnerships with major automakers and autonomous vehicle firms, including Gatik and Kodiak. Recently, Applied Intuition has made strides in the defense sector, having been approached by the U.S. Army to integrate autonomous technology into military vehicles. Remarkably, the team transformed an infantry squad vehicle from a basic model to an autonomous one in just 10 days, utilizing innovative solutions like a robotic system designed to operate the vehicle’s controls.