Travis Kalanick’s latest venture, Atoms, has secured a hefty $1.7 billion funding round, with plans to hire and acquire to dominate the autonomous vehicle industry. The FT reports that Atoms may partner with Uber, which has already invested $100 million in the startup. While Kalanick has been tight-lipped, this move suggests Atoms could play a significant role in transforming the transport landscape.

Atom's acquisition of Pronto, led by Uber's former self-driving chief, Anthony Levandowski, hints at a strategic direction towards robotaxis. Levandowski, a controversial figure who recently had his sentence commuted by President Trump, now finds himself on the cusp of another major transportation revolution.

Despite the ambitious plans, Atoms’ goals extend beyond just robotaxis, indicating a broader vision that remains somewhat opaque. This development is interesting not just for its potential impact on the industry, but also for the personal and legal entanglements it brings to the forefront.

For now, Atoms appears to be positioning itself as a formidable player in the race for autonomous vehicles, and the collaboration with Uber could accelerate its progress. Whether this partnership will be a smooth ride or a bumpy one remains to be seen.