Developers of “Self-Healing” Software Gains Traction with Investors

Aurora Labs, a 3-year-old startup that specializes in cybersecurity and over-the-air software updates for connected vehicles, has completed a Series B funding round that netted $23 million.

While the investment itself is relatively paltry, the company’s new backers are impressive. The group includes the investment arms of:

• LG
• Porsche
• Toyota
• Underwriters Laboratories

Marius Nacht, co-founder of Check Point Software Technologies, also contributed to the campaign.

Why It Matters

New cars have as many as 150 electronic control units and 100 million lines of software code. The latter is expected to triple over the next decade.

As a result, software has become the new battleground for carmakers and suppliers.

"There is a growing need to continuously improve the quality of software, keep it safe, secure and updated in all devices,” says Zohar Fox, co-founder and CEO, Aurora Labs. He notes that the focus on the auto industry has intensified with the transition to electrified and connected systems and the amount of vehicle software “grows exponentially."

Porsche board member Lutz Meschke adds: “In the future, software will be the major differentiating factor in cars, and efficient software updates will play an increasingly important role.” As a result, he says, Aurora’s services will become increasingly relevant on new models.

How It Works

Tel Aviv-based Aurora says its “self-healing” technology can automatically detect and fix code faults before an actual error occurs. This enables on-the-fly software fixes and can prevent bugs from third-party telematics providers from entering a vehicle, according to the supplier.

In addition to fixing faults and protecting against cybersecurity attacks, company’s AI-based technology enables carmakers to add and improve features through OTA updates.

Aurora says it has dozens of patents on the technology. The Israeli company, which isn’t affiliated with Silicon Valley-based autonomous vehicle specialist Aurora Innovation, claims its software already is used in one-third of new vehicles produced worldwide.