These Billionaires Plan To Bring Self-Driving Tech To Everything That Moves

Applied Intuition: Bringing Self-Driving Tech to All Vehicles

Key Concepts: Autonomous vehicles, Operating Systems for vehicles, Simulation & Validation, Automotive Software, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Self-Driving Platforms, Robotics, Defense Applications, Gross Margins, Valuation.

Introduction & Company Overview

Applied Intuition, founded in 2017 by Casar Ununis and Peter Lewig, is developing an operating system designed to unify and manage the electronics within any type of vehicle, with a growing focus on enabling full autonomy. The company, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, distinguishes itself by offering a single software platform applicable to cars, trucks, military vehicles, construction equipment, and even aircraft. A unique company culture, exemplified by a strict “no outside shoes” policy (inspired by Bosch in Japan), fosters a focused work environment.

The Problem Applied Intuition Solves

Traditional automakers face significant challenges in software integration. They rely on numerous suppliers for individual vehicle components (braking, seating, etc.), each with its own software. This results in a fragmented system requiring the “stapling together” of 5 to 8 different operating systems per vehicle, hindering updates and innovation. As Ununis states, “Historically, car makers acquire all these modules from suppliers…This is why they’re not like Tesla.” This complexity is highlighted by Volkswagen’s failed attempt to create a Tesla rival, costing billions and resulting in a scrapped project and CEO resignation. Even established manufacturers like Ford and Toyota have experienced significant recalls due to software glitches (over 2 million vehicles recalled collectively in the past year).

Applied Intuition’s Solution: A Unified Operating System

Applied Intuition’s core offering is a comprehensive operating system designed to act as the “missing link” to create “intelligent” vehicles. This system connects and manages all vehicle electronics, and increasingly, facilitates autonomous driving capabilities. The company pitches its technology as a way for traditional automakers to compete with next-generation players like Tesla, Google, Rivian, and emerging Chinese competitors. The platform’s versatility allows it to be deployed across a wide range of vehicles, as demonstrated by their current projects: a Jeep Grand Wagonear, an Isuzu box truck (tested in Japan), a JCB teleskid loader, and a Ford Raptor pickup for the US Army.

Financial Performance & Investment

Applied Intuition is experiencing rapid growth. Forbes estimates the company booked approximately $800 million in revenue in the past year, doubling its revenue from 2024, while maintaining gross margins of at least 80%. This strong financial performance has attracted significant investment from top-tier firms including BlackRock, Andreessen Horowitz, and Kleiner Perkins. In June of last year, the company secured an additional $600 million in funding, bringing its total raised to $1.1 billion and its valuation to $15 billion. This valuation positions Ununis and Lewig with a net worth of at least $1.5 billion each, according to Forbes estimates. Ununis also notes the company has been “cash flow positive for basically the whole history of the company.”

Expansion into Autonomous Driving & Beyond

While initially focused on improving vehicle functionality, Applied Intuition is now heavily invested in full autonomy. The company already provides driver assistance features as part of its operating system. Their ambitious goal is to create a single self-driving platform applicable to all forms of transportation – from pickup trucks (F-150) to fighter jets (F-16). Current contracts extend to the US military ($60 million in public deals with the Army and Air Force) and manufacturers in trucking (Scania), mining (Komatsu), and construction. CTO Peter Lewig claims fully autonomous self-driving cars are “just 18 months away.” He emphasizes the company’s investment in AI, stating, “We have invested a huge amount in helping AI see, think, and act. Now we can port that technology to all these different things…”

Current Limitations & Future Outlook

Despite the optimistic outlook, a test drive revealed that Applied Intuition’s technology is still undergoing refinement. However, the company’s core strength lies in its ability to adapt and scale its AI-powered platform across diverse applications.

Notable Quotes:

• Casar Ununis: “Historically, car makers acquire all these modules from suppliers for the braking system, the seats, and each one has a little software on it. This is why they’re not like Tesla. They have to staple together 5 to eight different operating systems on a single vehicle and you can't do a single update.”
• Casar Ununis: “Applied software…is the missing link to make cars and trucks and tanks intelligent.”
• Peter Lewig: “We have invested a huge amount in helping AI see, think, and act. Now we can port that technology to all these different things, whether we're talking about a car, a defense drone, a humanoid robot, or an agriculture machine for farming.”
• Mark Andreessen (via X): “[Ununis] is the best AI CEO nobody knows.”

Conclusion

Applied Intuition is positioned as a key player in the future of autonomous technology, offering a unified software solution that addresses the complexities faced by traditional automakers and expands into new markets like defense and industrial equipment. Its strong financial performance, significant investment, and ambitious vision suggest a trajectory for continued growth and innovation in the rapidly evolving landscape of self-driving technology.