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Aeva

Transportation · Mountain View, United States · Founded 2016 · Public via SPAC 2021

In 2016, Soroush Salehian and Mina Rezk, both former engineers from Apple's Special Projects Group, embarked on a journey to transform the landscape of perception technology. They founded Aeva with a vision to enhance the capabilities of autonomous vehicles through advanced lidar technology. Initially operating in stealth mode, Aeva secured a $3.5 million seed round in 2017, which set the stage for its ambitious growth. The company soon attracted attention from major investors, leading to a $45 million Series A funding round from Lux Capital and Canaan Partners. This influx of capital enabled Aeva to accelerate its development efforts and expand its team. Aeva's innovative approach caught the eye of strategic investors, including Porsche SE and Lockheed Martin, who recognized the potential of its groundbreaking technology. The company's lidar systems, known for their ability to provide high-resolution perception data, became a critical component in the advancement of autonomous driving. In a significant milestone, Aeva merged with InterPrivate Acquisition Corp in 2021, transitioning into a publicly traded company. This move not only provided Aeva with additional resources to fuel its growth but also solidified its position as a leader in the perception technology space. Today, Aeva continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, driving innovation in the automotive industry and beyond. With a commitment to safety and precision, Aeva's technology is paving the way for a future where autonomous vehicles are an integral part of everyday life.