Dave Ferguson (Nuro)
Overview
Dave Ferguson is the co-founder and president of Nuro, an autonomous vehicle technology company based in Mountain View, California. Founded in 2016 alongside Jiajun Zhu, a fellow veteran of Google's self-driving car project, Ferguson has been integral in developing Nuro's vision of making autonomy accessible for all. Nuro focuses on developing self-driving technology, notably its Nuro Driver system, which is adaptable for various applications, including robotaxis and delivery services. Ferguson has led Nuro to partner with major companies like Uber and Lucid Motors, aiming to revolutionize the mobility sector through innovative autonomous solutions.
Recent Developments
Recent years have seen significant progress and partnerships at Nuro under Dave Ferguson's leadership:
- August 2025: Nuro closed a Series E funding round, raising an additional $203 million, achieving a valuation of $6 billion. The funds, raised from partners like NVIDIA, Uber, and Baillie Gifford, will propel Nuro's AI-first autonomous technology.
- July 2025: Nuro announced a partnership with Uber and Lucid Motors to launch a next-generation robotaxi service. This collaboration aims to deploy over 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs integrated with Nuro's autonomous driving technology across several markets by 2026.
- 2024: Nuro shifted its strategy to license its technology to automotive manufacturers and mobility providers. This pivot was made to focus on scalability and broader application of Nuro's technology.
- 2023: The company underwent restructuring, involving layoffs as part of its strategic realignment to address changes in economic conditions.
These developments underscore Nuro's position as a leader in the autonomous vehicle space, continually adapting its strategies to align with market demands and technological advancements.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dave Ferguson |
| Born | Origin: New Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Occupation | Co-Founder, President of Nuro |
| Known For | Autonomous Vehicle Technology |
| Education | MS and PhD in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University; Bachelor's in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Otago |
Early Life and Education
Dave Ferguson was born and raised in New Zealand. Initially considering a career in law, he found his passion for computer science during his university years. Ferguson attended the University of Otago, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics. He went on to pursue graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University, earning both a Master’s and a PhD in Robotics. His work at Carnegie Mellon included participating in the DARPA Urban Grand Challenge, which significantly influenced his career path toward autonomous vehicles.
Career and Notable Achievements
Dave Ferguson’s career is marked by significant contributions to autonomous vehicle technology:
- Google: Ferguson worked as a principal engineer at Google's self-driving car project, now known as Waymo. During his tenure, he led teams focused on computer vision, machine learning, and vehicle behavior prediction.
- Nuro: In 2016, Ferguson co-founded Nuro, focusing on autonomous delivery vehicles. Under his leadership, Nuro was the first to receive NHTSA approval for a fully autonomous delivery vehicle.
- Partnerships: Key partnerships include Kroger, Domino’s for autonomous deliveries, and significant collaborations with Uber and Lucid Motors for robotaxi services.
- Awards and Honors: Ferguson has over 100 patents and numerous publications in robotics and autonomous technology.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Ferguson is focused on furthering Nuro's impact in mobility and broader AI applications. Nuro's partnership strategy aims to embed its technology across various platforms, from personal vehicles to global ride-hailing fleets. Ferguson's vision involves expanding autonomous solutions that promise safer and more efficient urban mobility, potentially reshaping transportation infrastructure worldwide.
Jiajun Zhu Nuro
Jiajun Zhu, the co-founder and CEO of Nuro, has played a crucial role alongside Dave Ferguson in steering the company's growth. Prior to Nuro, Zhu was a principal software engineer at Google's self-driving car project, like Ferguson. Working closely, they have architected the Nuro Driver system that powers many of the company's autonomous operations.
Nuro Valuation
Nuro's valuation as of 2025 stands at $6 billion, following a successful Series E funding round. This valuation reflects the company's innovative strides in autonomous vehicle technology and its strategic partnerships with major global players like Uber and NVIDIA.
Nuro Headquarters
Nuro's headquarters is located in Mountain View, California, a hub for technological innovation and home to several leading technology companies including many involved in autonomous vehicle development.
Conclusion
Dave Ferguson’s contribution to the field of autonomous vehicles through Nuro has significantly advanced the deployment and acceptance of driverless technology in everyday applications. As Nuro continues to evolve, leveraging partnerships and technological advancements, Ferguson's role remains pivotal in guiding the company toward creating a transformative impact on global mobility.