Uber has redirected its strategy, investing $10bn in autonomous vehicles and stakes in developers, moving away from an asset‑light model that once defined the company. Partnerships span over a dozen firms, including Baidu and Lucid, and Uber plans to launch robotaxi services in at least 15 cities by 2026.

The deal slate translates to more than $2.5bn in equity and over $7.5bn spent on fleets, according to analyst estimates. Uber’s move follows the sale of its internal AV unit for $4bn in 2020, a shift that aimed to sharpen profitability while keeping pace with rivals like Waymo and Tesla.

Investors view the strategy as a bid to secure a foothold in a market that could generate trillions in value. Uber’s leadership insists that owning fleets will improve vehicle utilization and unlock data‑driven revenue streams. The company now relies on external financing and partnerships to scale, positioning itself as a conduit for autonomous technology.

Uber’s stock has slipped 23% in six months, reflecting concerns that a capital‑heavy model could erode its former gig‑economy advantage. Yet the firm’s new commitments signal a clear intent to reshape its core business and compete directly with established AV players.