MOTOR Ai, a Berlin-based autonomous driving company, has secured $20 million in seed funding to support the development and certification of its Level 4 self-driving technology, the company said on Sunday.
The investment round was led by Segenia Capital and eCAPITAL, along with several private investors. The funding will be used to pursue type approval for public roads in Germany and to continue refining MOTOR Ai’s autonomous vehicle system, which has been in development since 2017.
Unlike many competitors using complex machine-learning systems, MOTOR Ai says its technology is based on active inference, a model derived from neuroscience that emphasizes structured, explainable decision-making. The company says this design supports regulatory compliance with European standards, including UNECE vehicle regulations, ISO 26262 (ASIL-D), GDPR, and the EU AI Act.
“Our solution meets key requirements for transparency and traceability, distinguishing us from U.S. providers and aligning with European regulations,” said CEO Roy Uhlmann.
MOTOR Ai’s full-stack system is currently being tested on public roads in Germany with safety drivers, with a target to operate without them by 2026. The company says its focus on explainability aims to improve public and regulatory trust in autonomous systems.
“The business case is compelling, particularly in Europe, where safety and accountability are key drivers of mobility innovation,” said Michael Janßen of Segenia Capital. “MOTOR Ai’s technology is well-positioned to address those priorities.”