Croatian Startup Verne Challenges Robotaxi Giants—With Uber's Backing
The autonomous vehicle (AV) landscape is heating up, and a surprising contender is emerging from Croatia. Verne, a startup founded by Mate Rimac of Rimac Group, is poised to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Europe, backed by a strategic partnership with Uber and Chinese autonomous driving leader Pony.ai. This move signals a significant shift in the robotaxi race, potentially disrupting the dominance of established players like Waymo and Tesla. This article delves into the details of this ambitious project, exploring Verne’s origins, its strategy, and the challenges it faces in bringing autonomous mobility to the European market.
Verne: From Rimac Group Project to Autonomous Reality
Mate Rimac, renowned for his electric hypercars, began envisioning a future of electric robotaxis seven years ago. This vision is now materializing through Verne, initially launched in July 2024 with 100 million euros in funding. The company originated as Project 3 Mobility (P3) within the broader Rimac Group ecosystem, which also includes Rimac Bugatti, Rimac Energy, and Rimac Technology. Rimac himself holds a 23% stake in the group, demonstrating his continued commitment to the project.
While Rimac is celebrated for the high-performance Nevera, priced around $2.2 million, his long-term focus isn’t on catering to luxury car buyers. He believes the future of personal transportation lies in autonomous, shared mobility, rendering traditional, human-driven vehicles obsolete. “It will take a while, but it’s coming; I’m sure about that,” Rimac stated years ago, foreshadowing Verne’s development.
The Strategic Partnership: Uber, Pony.ai, and Verne
The collaboration between Verne, Uber, and Pony.ai is a crucial element of this venture. The partnership, announced in late 2024, outlines a clear division of responsibilities:
- Pony.ai: Will supply the autonomous driving system and the Arcfox Alpha T5 robotaxi, developed in collaboration with Chinese automaker BAIC.
- Verne: Will own and operate the robotaxi fleet, managing the entire operational infrastructure.
- Uber: Will integrate the robotaxi service into its existing ride-hailing network, providing access to a vast user base. Uber is also investing an undisclosed amount into Verne, solidifying its role as a strategic partner.
On-road testing is already underway in Zagreb, Croatia, where Rimac Group is headquartered. The initial launch will be in Zagreb, with plans for rapid expansion across Europe.
Focusing on the Ecosystem, Not Just the Self-Driving System
Unlike some competitors, Verne isn’t attempting to develop its own proprietary self-driving system. Instead, the company is strategically focusing on building a comprehensive ecosystem around autonomous mobility. This includes:
- Urban Electric Vehicle: Designing and producing purpose-built electric vehicles optimized for robotaxi operations.
- Ride-Hailing App: Developing a user-friendly app for booking and managing robotaxi rides.
- Fleet Management Infrastructure: Establishing a robust back-end system for managing the fleet, including maintenance, cleaning, and charging.
Verne is constructing a new factory in Lučko, Croatia, expected to begin operations later in 2024, to handle the production of its robotaxi EVs. While the two-seater vehicles haven’t yet been launched, Verne had already produced and tested 60 verification prototypes as of November 2024.
The Arcfox Alpha T5: The Initial Robotaxi Vehicle
For the initial phase of the commercial launch, Verne will utilize the Pony.ai-BAIC Arcfox Alpha T5 robotaxi. Users will be able to hail these vehicles through both the Uber app and Verne’s own dedicated application. This dual-platform approach aims to maximize accessibility and user adoption.
Scaling Ambitions and European Expansion
Verne’s initial launch will be modest, but the company has ambitious plans to scale its fleet to “thousands of robotaxis over the next few years.” The company’s vision extends far beyond Zagreb, aiming to become a leading provider of autonomous mobility solutions throughout Europe.
“Europe needs autonomous mobility that can move from testing to a real service,” stated Verne CEO Marko Pejkovic. “At Verne, we are bringing together the technology, platform, and operational capabilities required to make this a reality, starting in Zagreb before expanding to new markets.”
Challenges and Opportunities in the European Robotaxi Market
While Verne’s ambitions are commendable, several challenges lie ahead. The European regulatory landscape for autonomous vehicles is complex and varies significantly between countries. Securing the necessary permits and approvals for widespread deployment will be a significant hurdle.
Key Challenges:
- Regulatory Uncertainty: Navigating the diverse and evolving regulations across European nations.
- Public Acceptance: Building public trust and acceptance of autonomous vehicle technology.
- Infrastructure Development: Ensuring adequate charging infrastructure and reliable connectivity.
- Competition: Facing competition from established players like Waymo and Tesla, as well as other emerging startups.
Opportunities for Verne:
- First-Mover Advantage: Being among the first to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Europe.
- Strong Backing: Leveraging the resources and expertise of Uber and Pony.ai.
- Strategic Location: Operating from Croatia, a country with a growing tech sector and a supportive government.
- Focus on Ecosystem: Building a holistic solution, rather than solely focusing on the self-driving technology.
The Role of GearTech Events in Fostering Innovation
Events like GearTech Disrupt 2026 and the GearTech Founder Summit 2026 play a vital role in fostering innovation within the autonomous vehicle industry. These gatherings provide a platform for founders, investors, and tech leaders to connect, share insights, and explore potential partnerships. They are crucial for companies like Verne to gain visibility, attract funding, and stay abreast of the latest industry trends. The GearTech Disrupt 2026, held in San Francisco from October 13-15, 2026, will feature over 250 tactical sessions and opportunities for networking. The GearTech Founder Summit 2026 offers a focused day of learning and connection for founders and investors navigating the challenges of growth and scaling.
Conclusion: A Croatian Challenger to Watch
Verne represents a compelling story of innovation and ambition. Backed by Mate Rimac’s vision and a strategic partnership with industry giants, the company is poised to make a significant impact on the European robotaxi market. While challenges remain, Verne’s focus on building a comprehensive ecosystem, coupled with its strong backing and strategic location, positions it as a formidable competitor. The launch of the commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb will be a pivotal moment, not just for Verne, but for the future of autonomous mobility in Europe. The world will be watching to see if this Croatian startup can successfully challenge the established robotaxi giants and deliver on its promise of a truly autonomous future.