Grab to invest $78m in German remote driving tech start-up Vay

Ride-hailing company Grab will invest US$60 million (S$78 million) in cash for a minority stake in German remote driving startup Vay Technology, with the possibility of a further US$350 million injection and a majority stake down the road.

- 

Employee Silvia Avanzini speaking to a remote driver of Vay during a presentation in Germany on Oct 22. Vay delivers rental electric vehicles to customers using remote drivers, who resume control at the end of the rental. PHOTO: REUTERS

(REUTERS)

The initial investment is subject to regulatory approval and expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, Grab announced in a bourse filing on Nov 10.

Founded in 2018, Vay delivers rental electric vehicles (EVs) to customers using remote drivers. It launched a remotely driven commercial fleet in Las Vegas in 2024, and has completed “tens of thousands” of trips.

The startup’s mobile app enables customers to request an EV to be delivered to their location, with the help of a remote driver.