Jan 28, 2025, 12:01 AM
Jan 28, 2025, 12:01 AM

Marc Warner's ride in Waymo taxis reveals the future of transport

Highlights
  • Marc Warner, co-founder of the consultancy Faculty, experienced Waymo's autonomous taxis for the first time in San Francisco.
  • Faculty secured significant investment in 2021, with total capital raised nearing £40 million and revenues increasing by 51% to £32.3 million.
  • Warner believes that companies must adapt and prepare for the imminent impact of autonomous vehicles and AI technology.
Story

In November, Marc Warner visited San Francisco, where he interacted with Waymo's autonomous taxi service for the first time. This experience brought to light the advancements made in autonomous driving technology and Warner's belief that the general public and companies involved have yet to fully appreciate the arrival of these vehicles. Warner is the co-founder and chief executive of Faculty, a consultancy specializing in data science and artificial intelligence that has collaborated with high-profile clients like the NHS and pharmaceutical company Novartis. Founded in 2014, Faculty has achieved significant financial milestones, securing £30 million from investors in 2021 alone. This funding brought its total capital raised to nearly £40 million. In the same year, Faculty's revenues surged by 51% to reach £32.3 million, despite posting a pre-tax loss of £4.2 million. The consultancy currently employs over 400 personnel, reflecting its considerable growth in the data science sector. The autonomous taxi ride underscored the potential for transformative shifts in transport, revealing a future that may become commonplace, yet one that remains overlooked by many. Warner believes the advancements in AI and autonomous vehicle technology necessitate decisive action from companies to adapt and prepare for the coming changes in transportation. Ultimately, Marc Warner's experience serves as a reminder that technology is rapidly evolving, and the stakeholders in these sectors need to urgently align their strategies and innovations to harness the opportunities that arise.

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