Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana on steering through autonomous car challenges | StrictlyVC LA

TL;DR

Waymo's autonomous ridesharing service in Los Angeles has been well-received and integrated into people's lives, with over 15,000 rides taken since October. Waymo is optimistic about staying in San Francisco despite opposition and is committed to launching commercially in Los Angeles.

Transcript

[Laughter] right there they are thank you thank you so much all right thank you so much for joining me tonight and Teedra especially for joining me here tonight in La um you've been wh's been in La now for a few months now since October not commercially operating but touring around I actually took a robo taxi ride today and it was really interestin... Read More

Key Insights

• 🙈 Waymo has seen a warm reception and integration of their autonomous ridesharing service in Los Angeles, with over 15,000 rides taken since October.
• 😥 The company plans to launch commercially in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, addressing transportation pain points in these cities.
• 😀 Waymo is committed to providing safe transportation and trust to its riders, focusing on those who need the service and facing opposition with resilience.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the reception of Waymo's autonomous ridesharing service been in Los Angeles?

The reception has been warm, with over 15,000 rides taken since October. People are integrating it into their lives, using it for basic errands, dining out, and commuting to school.

Q: How does the treatment of autonomous vehicles differ between different population centers like Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles?

In Phoenix, Waymo has been operating since 2017 and has integrated into the community, especially among college students. In San Francisco, the dynamic city poses more challenges, but Waymo has been offering rides in a 50-square-mile area. In Los Angeles, the service has received a warm welcome, and Waymo plans to launch commercially.

Q: How is Waymo addressing opposition and vandalism in San Francisco?

Waymo is committed to providing safe transportation and focusing on the people who need the service. They believe that the benefits to society outweigh the concerns raised by a few individuals. Waymo plans to stay in San Francisco and expand to other cities.

Q: What is Waymo's plan for future growth and profitability?

Waymo aims to build a sustainable and profitable business. They are focused on expanding their service in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. Profitability will depend on various factors, including demand, pricing, and partnerships, but there is ample opportunity to build a profitable business in these cities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Waymo has been offering autonomous ridesharing in Los Angeles since October, with over 15,000 rides taken so far.

• People are integrating Waymo into their everyday lives, using it for basic errands, going to restaurants and bars, and commuting to school or college.

• Waymo plans to launch commercially in Los Angeles, as they believe there is a significant demand for autonomous ridesharing in the city.