Morai

About Morai

MORAI is a South Korean developer of a full-stack simulation platform for verifying the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2018 by former Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) researchers Jiwon Jung (CEO), Jun Hong (CTO), and Sugwan Lee, the company originated from the co-founders' direct experience with the dangers and inefficiencies of real-road testing for autonomous systems. They identified a critical need for a safer, more scalable, and cost-effective validation method, which led to the creation of their simulation technology.

The company's core product, MORAI SIM, provides a virtual testing environment that functions as a digital twin, replicating real-world driving scenarios with high fidelity. This platform includes detailed sensor and vehicle models and can simulate complex traffic conditions, weather, and lighting changes, allowing developers to test for edge cases that are difficult and hazardous to recreate on public roads. MORAI SIM is built on a powerful graphics engine and supports standardized formats like OpenDRIVE and OpenSCENARIO, ensuring interoperability. A key feature is the automated generation of digital twins from high-definition (HD) map data, creating photorealistic and dynamic environments.

MORAI operates on a business model that includes software sales, licensing agreements, and a cloud-based SaaS model, MORAI SIM Cloud, which allows users to run simulations without local software installation. Its clientele spans automotive companies, academic institutions, and government bodies, with major clients like Hyundai Motor Company, Samsung Engineering, and Naver Labs. The company has expanded its applications beyond passenger cars to include urban air mobility (UAM), defense, trucking, and maritime systems.

The firm has secured significant funding to support its growth and global expansion into the U.S., Germany, Japan, and Singapore. After an initial seed round, MORAI raised a $1.8M Series A in 2020 and a $20.8M Series B in 2022, bringing its total funding to approximately $25M. Key investors include Korea Investment Partners, KB Investment, Naver D2SF, Hyundai Motor Group, and Kakao Ventures.