Applied Intuition Inc., a leading force in AI-powered transportation systems, has raised $600 million in a fresh funding round, more than doubling its valuation to $15 billion. The company, known for its cutting-edge autonomous vehicle software and simulation platforms, is now positioning itself for a near-term initial public offering (IPO).
The raise was co-led by BlackRock-managed funds and Kleiner Perkins, with participation from an impressive lineup of global investors including Franklin Templeton, Qatar Investment Authority, Lux Capital, BOND, and General Catalyst. This marks a substantial leap from its previous valuation of $6 billion just a year ago.
From Cars to Drones: The Vision for “Every Moving Machine”
Founded in 2017 by Qasar Younis and Peter Ludwig, Applied Intuition has quickly emerged as a category-defining company in autonomous systems. The company is already integrated into the dashboards of vehicles from major automakers such as Volkswagen AG and Toyota Motor Corp, working with 18 of the world’s largest automotive firms to improve driving safety through real-time simulation, testing, and software tools.
With the new funds, CEO Qasar Younis stated that the company aims to expand beyond automobiles, focusing on “every moving machine” — a category that includes trucks, drones, defense systems, and even factory robotics. This push further blurs the line between consumer mobility and industrial autonomy.
“It’s not random that our name is Applied Intuition. The initials ‘A.I.’ say it all,” — Qasar Younis
Defense Tech and Strategic Acquisitions
Applied Intuition has also made bold moves in national security. Earlier this year, the company acquired EpiSys Science Inc., a startup focused on AI solutions for defense. It has secured multi-million dollar contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, using its tech to help coordinate autonomous drone fleets and other mission-critical systems.
The funding round includes a secondary offering, giving early investors and insiders partial liquidity while allowing the company to fuel further acquisitions and deepen R&D.
IPO on the Horizon
With hundreds of millions in revenue, Applied Intuition is one of the few private AI startups with a mature enough financial profile to seriously consider going public. In an interview, Younis confirmed that an IPO is likely the next step, contingent on favorable market conditions.
“This is probably the last round we’ll raise before we go public,” Younis said.
Investors are bullish on the company’s trajectory. Mamoon Hamid, Partner at Kleiner Perkins, emphasized the high entry barriers in autonomous mobility and the critical importance of safety.
“You can’t screw up cars. Applied Intuition is one of the rare AI companies with deep product-market fit and commercial scale.”
What’s Next for Applied Intuition
With its combination of robust customer base, proven revenue generation, deep government ties, and expansion into new categories like robotics and industrial automation, Applied Intuition is not just riding the AI wave — it’s helping shape its direction.
As the company edges toward IPO readiness, it’s clear that Applied Intuition isn’t just a startup anymore. It’s becoming a platform company for autonomous intelligence, setting the stage for what mobility — and autonomy — could look like across every industry it touches.