Car-sharing and ride-sharing autonomous platform company Ridecell, which is recognized and respected across the globe, announced last week that it has acquired, through an all-stock transaction, California-based Auro, which specializes in the development of autonomous vehicle technology.

With this acquisition, Ridecell becomes the first complete, automated solution provider of optimized mobility in the industry, thus facilitating the gradual introduction of on-demand autonomous low-speed shuttle mobility on private roads.

The acquisition will bring the expertise to accelerate the development of the Ridecell autonomous operations platform. Auro’s driverless shuttles will also allow Ridecell to test its automated driving control platforms in real-world conditions (on private roads).

Fledgling Companies

Ridecell CEO Aarjav Trivedi commented on this acquisition: “As of today, we can now provide additional value to our autonomous customers and assist mobility operators wishing to launch new car-sharing, ride-sharing, and on-demand shuttle services.”

Founded by expert roboticists in 2013, Auro is backed by investors including Y Combinator and Motus ventures.

Founded in 2009, Ridecell has a team of more than 100 professionals in the US, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company has already processed over 20 million rides and rentals worldwide, and offers shuttle services for campuses such as Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco.