Self-driving vehicle startup Pony.ai raised $$$ in venture capital, bringing its total raised to date to over $$$$. : In a sign that enthusiasm for driverless cars hasn’t waned during the pandemic, Pony.ai today raised $267 million in venture capital financing. The infusion brings the Guangzhou- and Fremont, California-based startup’s total raised to over $1 billion at a valuation north of $5.3 billion (up from $3 billion as of February 2020). Some experts predict the pandemic will hasten the adoption of autonomous transportation technologies. Despite needing disinfection, driverless cars can potentially minimize the risk of spreading disease.