Full Breakdown
Also Partners with DoorDash to Develop Autonomous Delivery Vehicles
4/1/2026, 1:05:59 PM
Overview of the Partnership
Micromobility company Also, which was spun out of Rivian in March 2025, has entered into a significant partnership with DoorDash to develop autonomous delivery vehicles. This collaboration includes a multi-year commercial agreement and a $200 million investment from DoorDash as part of Also's Series C funding round, which was led by Greenoaks Capital. The total funding for Also now stands at approximately $505 million, with a valuation exceeding $1 billion.
Details of the Agreement
The partnership with DoorDash marks Also's second major commercial agreement, following a deal with Amazon to supply pedal-assist e-cargo quads for delivery fleets. While the Amazon agreement focuses on human-operated vehicles, the DoorDash collaboration is centered on creating self-driving small electric vehicles specifically designed for last-mile delivery. Chris Yu, Also's Co-Founder and President, emphasized the need for purpose-built electric vehicles to navigate urban environments effectively.
Funding and Valuation
Also's funding journey began with a $105 million investment from Eclipse, followed by the recent $200 million Series C round. This funding trajectory indicates a growing confidence in the company's potential to reshape the delivery market. Jay Park, co-founder of Prysm Capital, noted that Also operates at a critical inflection point, highlighting its capacity to innovate within a rapidly evolving sector.
Product Development
Also's product lineup includes the TM-B, a Class 3 electric bike, and the TM-Q, a four-wheel pedal-assist quad designed for urban delivery. The TM-Q can carry over 400 pounds, making it suitable for dense city environments. Preorders for the TM-B began in October 2025, with deliveries expected to start in spring 2026. The new capital raised will support product development, manufacturing scale-up, and international expansion, with plans to launch first in the United States before moving to Europe and other regions.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the excitement surrounding the partnership, there are concerns regarding the feasibility and safety of deploying autonomous vehicles in urban settings. Critics argue that the integration of autonomous technology into existing delivery systems poses challenges, particularly in navigating complex environments shared with pedestrians and cyclists.
Official Statements
Stanley Tang, Co-Founder of DoorDash, stated, “Last-mile delivery is a physical-world challenge... Also is building purpose-built EVs that are designed to unlock new ways to meet customers and merchants where they are.” Meanwhile, Chris Yu expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, indicating that small autonomous EVs are optimal for urban delivery challenges.
What's Next
As Also moves forward with its partnership with DoorDash, the focus will be on developing and deploying autonomous delivery vehicles. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for future collaborations between technology companies and logistics providers, potentially transforming the landscape of last-mile delivery.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Also represents exactly the type of company we seek to partner with — one operating at a key inflection point with the potential to reshape a large and evolving market,” — Jay Park, Co-founder, Prysm Capital
- “I couldn’t be more excited to partner with the team at DoorDash to deploy autonomy in areas not yet fully solved for — at the intersection of roadways, bike lanes and road-adjacent spaces,” — Chris Yu, Co-Founder and President, Also
- “Also is building purpose-built EVs that are designed to unlock new ways to meet customers and merchants where they are,” — Stanley Tang, Co-Founder, DoorDash
