In this week's episode of Get the Check, the hosts dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of autonomous vehicles (AVs). They explore how Waymo transitioned from suing Uber for $244 million in 2017 to extending their partnership in 2024 that involves the launch of Waymo rides within the Uber app in Austin and Atlanta. 

The episode kicks off with a look at Waymo’s journey, tracing its inception in 2009 to its current presence in cities like San Francisco and Phoenix. The hosts discuss the significance of Waymo’s partnership with Uber, detailing how the two companies are dividing operational responsibilities to enhance efficiency. Next, they break down the economics of the Uber-Waymo deal, examining ride-sharing revenue models and potential profit margins. They analyse what this partnership means for Waymo’s scalability and public perception. 

Finally, the hosts consider how competitors like Cruise, Zoox, and Tesla fit into the landscape. Tune in for a deep dive into the Uber-Waymo dynamic, and follow @getthecheckpod on all socials to catch next week’s episode on Kalshi!

00:00 Intro

01:35 How did Waymo start?

03:38 Deal terms explained

07:00 Uber’s history with AV

12:11 Who benefits from this deal?

22:00 Other players in the AV Space

29:22 Restaurant Pick of the Week