Grab Holdings Limited has announced a definitive agreement to invest US$60 million (~RM249 million) in Vay Technology GmbH, a Berlin-based remote-driving technology company. The deal marks Grab’s entry into the fast-evolving world of teledriving and autonomous vehicle innovation. Subject to regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions, the investment is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025, giving Grab a minority equity stake in Vay.
Strengthening Grab’s Mobility Vision
Grab said this move is part of its long-term strategy to redefine urban mobility in Southeast Asia. Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder Anthony Tan described the partnership as a key step toward developing a hybrid transportation model that combines driver-partner expertise with cutting-edge remote-driving technology.
By aligning with Vay, Grab aims to advance its technological capabilities while supporting Vay’s international expansion, particularly in the United States, where the company is already testing remote-driven electric vehicles for shared mobility.
How Vay’s Technology Works
Vay’s technology offers a unique model that bridges the gap between human drivers and full autonomy. Through its app, a customer can summon an electric vehicle that is remotely driven to their location. Once the car arrives, the user drives it as usual and at the end of the trip, a remote driver takes control again to retrieve the vehicle.
This system reduces idle time, maximises fleet efficiency, and lowers operational costs compared to traditional ride-hailing services. The platform uses a camera-based, hardware-light design that enables fast scaling and remote operation with high safety standards. Vay’s commercial fleet has been operating in Las Vegas since 2024, and the company’s technology has received automotive safety certification in Germany.
Inside the Investment Deal
Under the agreement, Grab’s initial investment of US$60 million will fund new shares and zero-strike warrants in Vay. The deal includes a potential follow-up investment of up to US$350 million within the first year after closing, contingent upon the achievement of specific milestones such as consumer revenue targets, city expansions in the U.S., and regulatory clearances.
If these milestones are met and warrants are exercised within three years, Grab could increase its stake to a majority equity position in Vay on a fully diluted basis, effectively paving the way for deeper integration and collaboration.
The Bottom Line
This strategic investment highlights Grab’s ambition to go beyond traditional ride-hailing and food delivery. By partnering with Vay, Grab is positioning itself to leverage remote and autonomous driving technology to reshape mobility across Southeast Asia. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.
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