Rivian invests in Also
Funding Disputed 95% confidence first seen
The deal
Also $150 million Series B · announced 19 Aug 2026
Deal terms as reported in the coverage below.
Decision brief
- What changed
- Also, a Palo Alto startup spun out of Rivian in early 2025, raised a $150 million Series D at a $1 billion valuation, bringing its total funding since spinout to $455 million; the company is repositioning from an e-bike maker to a modular electric vehicle platform (motors, batteries, compute, software) targeting autonomous delivery and passenger vehicles.
- Why it matters
- This signals Rivian is placing a bet on small-vehicle/autonomous platform technology through an external, well-capitalized entity rather than building it in-house, which could give Rivian early access to modular EV/autonomy tech while diversifying risk. Leaders should watch whether this becomes a template for Rivian's broader autonomous or last-mile delivery strategy, and whether the valuation reflects real platform traction or speculative interest in the 'Trojan horse' narrative around autonomous transportation.
- Evidence
- The claim is based on a single Fortune Startups article describing Also's funding round, valuation, and strategic pivot; there is no independent corroboration from other outlets in the provided coverage, and Rivian's specific investment terms are not detailed.
- What remains uncertain
- It's unclear how much of the $150 million Series D or $455 million total funding came directly from Rivian versus other investors, what equity or governance stake Rivin holds, and how near-term the autonomous delivery/passenger vehicle plans are versus long-term aspirational framing.
- Monitor next
- Watch for Rivian's own disclosures (SEC filings, earnings calls, or press statements) detailing its financial stake and strategic rationale for the Also investment.
Analytical support, not advice — assumptions and open questions stated above.