Camera-based autonomous driving startup secures 6.5 billion KRW investment

An autonomous driving software startup that makes judgments about vehicle driving using camera footage, has secured an investment of 6.5 billion KRW. This investment includes participation from MYSC, Tony Investment, K-Ron Ventures, and BSK Investment. The startup plans to use the funds to enhance its autonomous driving AI and validate performance in actual vehicles.

Founded in August 2024, the startup develops autonomous driving technology based on an end-to-end (E2E) approach. Instead of creating separate systems for road recognition, predicting the movements of surrounding vehicles, and making driving path decisions, it uses a single AI model that learns from both camera footage and driving data to determine vehicle movement. The model also integrates a visual-language-action model (VLA) that helps interpret complex situations that are difficult to handle with predefined rules, such as construction signals or vehicles that stop unexpectedly.

To generate data for unexpected situations that are hard to collect on real roads, the startup creates scenarios in a virtual environment. It uses a world model to learn and predict changes in driving conditions, generating exceptional situation data that is combined with actual driving data for training.

The startup has conducted two simulation demos last December and this February to confirm the initial operation of its core technology. In January, it plans to conduct a demonstration with actual vehicles, inviting global automotive manufacturers and key parts suppliers, and will discuss joint technology validation and business partnerships based on this event. The business model involves licensing autonomous driving software to manufacturers and suppliers. The startup is also pursuing partnerships with local autonomous driving and mobility companies through its US subsidiary, which was established this year. Additionally, it has been selected for the global TIPS program.

MYSC stated that it highly values the combination of AI technology development capabilities and automotive industry mass production experience, which can lead to products that meet the needs of automotive clients. The startup's representative noted that for autonomous driving technology to become integrated into daily life, AI that understands complex road situations must be implemented reliably in actual vehicles. He expressed that this investment will help advance core AI models and the learning and validation system, while also solidifying collaborations with global clients.

Reported by Platum.