SAIC Capital, Alpine Electronics Inc and Nico Rosberg announce investment in what3words

Last September, Mercedes-Benz announced it was building the first in-vehicle 3 word address navigation system. The new A-Class with what3words voice navigation is now on the road, leading the way in destination input and giving drivers the first taste of how 3 word addresses can revolutionise the navigation experience. Other big players in this space are now also on board, with Sygic and TomTom integrating the system into their navigation and route-planning solutions.

As what3words gains traction in the automotive sector, it is essential to find the right investors that bring credibility, contacts, experience, and knowledge to our business. This is why we’re thrilled to announce new backers that will help shape the future of the business.

SAIC Capital, the venture capital arm of China’s largest auto group, SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, is what3words’ latest investor. Michael Cohen, Investment Director at SAIC Capital said 'what3words is entering a new phase in which the company has a growing presence in the automotive world. We are excited to back them now, ahead of the technology becoming commonplace in all vehicles, and look forward to the global adoption of their unique system.'

Alpine Electronics – which specialises in audio and navigation systems for premium global carmakers – has also participated in the funding round, along with existing what3words investor, Intel Capital, and Formula One champion Nico Rosberg, who said ‘what3words is a truly revolutionary way to talk about location, and a technology that makes a huge positive impact on the world’.

These new investors join Daimler, which earlier this year took around a 10% stake in the company, equipping what3words with backing from an influential and diverse range of automotive and navigation experts. These investments will further our work in the automotive and navigation sectors, and support our global expansion in the US and Germany.

what3words is growing fast and we’re looking for great people to join our team on our mission to become a global standard for location! Check out our open positions here.