Didi reportedly seeking funds for self-driving unit at $5B valuation

Core Insights - Didi is seeking new funding for its autonomous vehicle technology unit, potentially valuing it at $5 billion [1] - There is significant investor interest in self-driving cars in China, driven by recent IPOs from WeRide and Pony AI, with market capitalizations of $4.7 billion and $5.25 billion respectively [1] Funding and Financials - Didi Autonomous Driving has raised a total of $1.55 billion to date, including a $298 million round in October 2024 [2] - The unit aims to raise several hundred million dollars more and is in discussions with investors, including a Beijing-based fund [2] Operations and Development - Didi is testing a fleet of approximately 200 autonomous vehicles in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, but has not yet launched commercial robotaxi services [3] - The upcoming funds may be used to further develop autonomous vehicle technology and accelerate mass production of electric robotaxis in partnership with GAC Aion, with the first units expected to be produced in 2025 [3]