Prnewswire·2025-05-07 13:00Core Viewpoint - Kodiak Robotics is preparing to become a publicly-listed company through a business combination with Ares Acquisition Corporation II, enhancing its board with experienced members to support this transition [1][3]. Company Overview - Kodiak Robotics, founded in 2018, specializes in AI-powered autonomous vehicle technology, particularly for commercial trucking and public sector applications [4]. - The company has been delivering freight using its autonomous technology across the southern United States and was the first to publicly announce the delivery of a driverless semi-truck to a customer in 2024 [4]. Board Appointments - Ken Goldman and Kristin Sverchek have been appointed to Kodiak's board of directors, bringing extensive experience in public company financial and technology leadership [1][3]. - Goldman has over four decades of experience, having served as CFO for notable companies like Yahoo! and Fortinet, and has helped multiple companies go public [5]. - Sverchek, former President of Lyft, played a key role in guiding Lyft through its IPO and has significant expertise in corporate governance and technology-enabled transportation [5]. Business Combination Details - Kodiak announced a definitive business combination agreement with Ares Acquisition Corporation II, expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending approvals [3]. - Upon completion, the combined entity will be named Kodiak AI, Inc., with its common stock and public warrants anticipated to be listed on a national stock exchange under the ticker symbols KDK and KDK WS [3].