Grab Invests $60M to Boost Remote Driving Tech with Vay

Grab is expanding deeper into autonomous and remote driving technologies with a major investment in German mobility startup Vay. The Singapore-based superapp has signed definitive agreements to invest $60 million in cash for a minority stake in the Berlin-based company, which specializes in remote-operated vehicle technology. The deal is pending regulatory approval and is expected to close this quarter.

Under the current terms, Grab plans to increase its investment by an additional $350 million within a year of closing, contingent on financial and operating milestones, regulatory clearance, and other conditions. The move marks one of Grab’s largest mobility technology investments to date and underscores its long-term commitment to next-generation transportation solutions.

The announcement follows Grab’s recently unveiled partnerships with May Mobility and WeRide, both aimed at bringing autonomous services to Southeast Asia. With Vay, Grab is exploring how remote driving may fit into its broader mobility ecosystem—particularly models that blend human expertise with emerging automation.

Vay’s technology sets itself apart from traditional robotaxi systems. Rather than relying solely on autonomous driving, Vay vehicles are controlled remotely by trained operators before and after the rental period. Customers use the Vay app to request an electric vehicle that is tele-driven to their location. Once delivered, the remote operator disconnects, allowing the customer to drive normally. After the trip ends, a remote driver takes over again to reposition the vehicle.

This hybrid approach allows Vay to reduce operational overhead, serve more customers efficiently, and offer a more flexible mobility model. The company has stated it plans to layer in autonomous capabilities over time, using insights from its extensive high-quality remote driving data.

Grab sees significant strategic potential in this model.
“We believe the future of mobility in Southeast Asia will be a hybrid model that relies on the expertise of our driver-partners alongside autonomous vehicles and remote driving services,” said Anthony Tan, co-founder and CEO of Grab.

Tan added that the investment will accelerate Vay’s technology roadmap while creating “valuable technical and operational synergies” for Grab’s long-term plans. The funding will also support Vay’s expansion in the United States, where demand is rising among consumers seeking flexible, low-cost mobility without vehicle ownership.

As Southeast Asia’s urban transportation landscape evolves, Grab’s investment in Vay signals its ambition to remain at the forefront of mobility innovation—combining human-driven services with cutting-edge automation and remote driving solutions.

Tags: phocuswire, SyndicEx251116B

Grab Invests $60M to Boost Remote Driving Tech with Vay

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