Kodiak Robotics
This company is in the pipeline of America 2030, IPO CLUB’s $50M, actively managed secondary fund focused on U.S. defense, energy, security, and AI.
Founded in 2018, Kodiak Robotics is headquartered in Mountain View, CA, and employs around 200 people. The company operates within the AI and Software, Defense, Logistics and Mobility verticals at IPO CLUB.
Kodiak Robotics
Location: 1045 Terra Bella Ave, Mountain View, California 94043, USA
Employee Count
Approximately 200-250 employees
What is kodiak?
Developer of artificial intelligence-based hardware and software technology designed to address critical challenges in the autonomous trucking industry. The company's technology leverages advanced computer vision, sensor fusion, AI-driven decision-making, and automation to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability in long-haul transportation.
What does kodiak do?
Kodiak operates a scalable, asset-light “Driver-as-a-Service” model that aligns with both commercial and defense-sector logistics needs. Customers can license the Kodiak Driver platform on a per-mile or per-vehicle basis, supported by multi-year system sustainment contracts. This approach reduces friction for integration into existing fleets and positions Kodiak as an embedded autonomy infrastructure provider—similar to how SaaS platforms serve enterprise IT. Kodiak’s modular hardware and virtual driver architecture allow for fast deployment across diverse operational environments, from highway lanes to military-grade off-road terrains.
Autonomous Trucking Solutions
Develops advanced self-driving technology specifically for long-haul trucking, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Capable of operating autonomously in diverse environments, including highways and challenging off-road conditions.
Kodiak Driver Technology
Kodiak’s autonomy stack is built on a single, unified AI driver—a deep learning system capable of adapting to surface streets, highways, off-road paths, and dirt roads without reliance on HD maps. This platform is designed to perceive and react to real-time road conditions using embedded neural networks and redundant safety-critical modules. The modular SensorPods can be swapped faster than tires, minimizing maintenance time and maximizing uptime across commercial and defense fleets. This “mapless autonomy” approach enables Kodiak to scale across diverse geographies and vehicle classes with unprecedented operational flexibility.
Commercial and Military Applications
Commercial Sector: Enhances logistics efficiency and reduces transportation costs through autonomous fleet operations.
Military Sector: Kodiak’s dual-use capabilities are gaining momentum within defense circles. In 2024 and early 2025, the company partnered with Textron Systems to develop and deliver autonomous capabilities for military-grade platforms, including the RIPSAW M3 unmanned ground vehicle. This followed the U.S. Department of Defense’s selection of Kodiak as a Program of Record provider for AI-driven autonomy in logistics and reconnaissance. The ability to transition commercial-grade autonomy into battlefield-grade performance underscores Kodiak’s unique positioning among autonomy vendors.
Off-Road Operations
Expanding capabilities into autonomous off-road logistics through partnerships (e.g., Atlas Energy Solutions).
Focuses on automating deliveries in challenging terrains such as oilfields, improving reliability and operational safety.
Innovation and Milestones
As of Q1 2025, Kodiak has delivered over 7,000 autonomous loads and accumulated more than 2.6 million autonomous miles across multiple U.S. lanes. In partnership with Atlas Energy, it has entered a new phase of commercialization, completing 750+ hours of paid driverless operations and receiving a 100-truck commitment to scale its operations throughout 2025. These milestones mark Kodiak as the first AV company to move beyond pilot programs into full driverless revenue-generating logistics.
This company is in the pipeline of America 2030, IPO CLUB’s $50M, actively managed secondary fund focused on U.S. defense, energy, security, and AI.
Kodiak Robotics Stock
Kodiak Robotics stock is primarily held by founders, employees, and early investors. Until a liquidity event, such as an IPO or M&A transaction, the company remains privately owned. Investors seeking exposure to Kodiak Robotics should explore opportunities in the private markets, where certain brokers, platforms, or funds may offer access. Shield AI is currently in the pipeline for America 2030 IPO CLUB’s $50 million actively managed secondary fund, which focuses on U.S. defense, energy, security, and AI. Investors may also participate through our single-name SPV. To request more information, please click here.
Stock price source: IPO CLUB Valuation at Market© - Become a member for in-depth coverage
Invest in Kodiak Robotics
Kodiak is a part of America 2030 model portfolio, our six-year, target-maturity fund focused on defense and AI infrastructure. We may also consider organizing a single-name SPV, though this is not yet confirmed. IPO CLUB does not imply any partnership, endorsement, investment, or other formal association between America 2030 and the companies in its pipeline.
Most recent valuation
Latest Confirmed Valuation: Approximately $507 million (post-Series B-2 round).
Previous Valuation: $506 million after the $125 million Series B round (October 2021). The autonomous trucking startup is now preparing to go public through a SPAC merger that values the company at $2.5 billion (April 2025).
Kodiak Robotics Funding
Total Funding Raised: Between $246.4 million and $337.4 million across multiple rounds.
Kodiak’s valuation demonstrates strong market confidence and highlights its leadership position and growth potential in the autonomous trucking industry.
Kodiak Investors
Venture Capital Firms
Lightspeed Venture Partners: Multi-stage VC known for investing in disruptive technologies.
Battery Ventures: Global technology investment firm backing transformative businesses.
CRV (Charles River Ventures): Early-stage VC investing in innovative technology startups.
Tusk Ventures: Specializes in startups navigating regulatory and political landscapes.
Harpoon Ventures: Early-stage technology-focused venture firm.
Muirwoods Ventures: Focuses on innovative technology investments.
Walleye Capital: Invests in early-stage disruptive tech companies.
Strategic Investors
Bridgestone Americas: Leading tire manufacturer interested in autonomous vehicle technologies.
BMW i Ventures: Venture capital arm of BMW, investing strategically in mobility solutions.
IPO Status
Current IPO Status: SPAC Transaction with Ares Acquisition Corporation II (AACT)
In April 2025, Kodiak Robotics announced a definitive agreement to merge with Ares Acquisition Corporation II (NYSE: AACT), a $551 million SPAC sponsored by Ares Management Corporation, one of the largest global alternative asset managers with over $525 billion AUM. This transaction positions Kodiak for a public market debut while simultaneously securing critical growth capital. As part of the deal, Ares and existing shareholders—including ARK Investments—committed an additional $30 million in private financing, comprised of $10 million in SAFEs and $20 million in convertible notes, structured to accelerate platform deployment and support working capital through the business combination process. The merger reflects a significant endorsement of Kodiak’s commercial traction, technological readiness, and capital efficiency, particularly as Kodiak becomes the first AV company to transition from pilot programs to customer-owned, fully driverless operations. With 100% equity rollover from existing shareholders and no changes to the executive team, the SPAC route offers both continuity and expanded liquidity optionality. Notably, Kodiak remains one of the few companies in the sector to enter the public market with active revenue, real-world deployments, and a defensible, vehicle-agnostic autonomy stack—all while maintaining a capital-light structure. The expected closing of the transaction, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, is anticipated later in 2025 and will mark a pivotal liquidity milestone for early investors while strengthening Kodiak’s ability to scale operations across commercial and defense applications.
This company is in the pipeline of America 2030, IPO CLUB’s $50M, actively managed secondary fund focused on U.S. defense, energy, security, and AI.
Kodiak - Enter a New Era of Autonomy. Driverless Trucking Has Arrived.
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