Moove Targets Robotaxi Fleet Ownership

A transition is unfolding within the autonomous vehicle sector, where the focus is shifting from software development to the logistical demands of massive fleet management. Moove, originally founded in Nigeria, is positioning itself to bridge this gap by applying its experience in human-driven ride-hailing to the nascent robotaxi market.

Capitalizing on Operational Experience

The company recently secured a $250 million Series C round, pushing its valuation to $2.1 billion. This investment arrives as the firm pivots from its traditional vehicle financing and ride-hailing model—which currently manages 42,000 vehicles—toward the ownership and orchestration of autonomous fleets.

The business model addresses a specific pain point identified by co-founder and co-CEO Ladi Delano: while many entities develop software or vehicles, few are willing to manage the physical assets. By creating a structure to own and service these vehicles, Moove aims to become the essential service provider for developers.

“In 2023, we started talking to every single AV company you could imagine, and as you know — God would have it, luck would have it — we managed to partner with Waymo first.”

— Ladi Delano, co-founder and co-CEO at Moove

Infrastructure for Autonomous Fleets

The roadmap for this capital includes a significant expansion of the company’s workforce and the construction of specialized facilities. Moove plans to hire approximately 350 people to support its autonomous business unit. A portion of the funds is dedicated to the development of “Nests,” which are described as automated depots designed for 24-hour vehicle maintenance and charging.

• $250 million raised in Series C funding.
• $2.1 billion current valuation.
• 42,000 vehicles in the existing ride-hailing fleet.
• 3,300 total employees globally.
• 350 new hires planned for the autonomous division.

Strategic Implications for Mobility

The move toward third-party fleet ownership could significantly lower the barrier to entry for autonomous vehicle deployment. By offloading the burden of asset management, cleaning, and maintenance, developers like Waymo can focus strictly on refining their driving technology. If successful, this model could establish a standardized approach to scaling robotaxi operations across global cities, shifting the industry standard away from manufacturer-managed fleets toward independent, specialized service providers.