Waze

Company Overview

Snapshot

Founded in March 2007 by Amir Shinar, Ehud Shabtai, and Uri Levine, Waze operates with 201–500 employees. The company raised $67M across 3 funding rounds from 7 investors. Waze was acquired by Google in June 2013.

Business overview

Waze is a community-driven navigation application that leverages real-time data from its user base to optimize driving routes. Its core technology accounts for various road conditions, including accidents, traffic congestion, speed traps, and construction, to provide dynamic navigation. Waze serves the automotive and mobility sectors, operating within the broader smart mobility and urban mobility categories, and targets both consumers (drivers and commuters) and municipalities.

Strategic signal

In March 2026, news reports indicated that Google was poised to complete its acquisition of Waze for $32 billion, with founders and key employees expected to receive substantial bonuses. This development, over a decade after the initial acquisition, highlights the enduring value and strategic importance Waze continues to hold within Google's ecosystem, signaling a significant financial milestone for its original stakeholders and reinforcing its position as a critical asset in the navigation and mobility market.

Company Intelligence Q&A

What is the primary function of Waze?

Waze is a community-driven navigation app that uses real-time data from its users to provide optimal routes, considering factors like traffic, accidents, and road closures.

When was Waze acquired and by whom?

Waze was acquired by Google in June 2013.

Which investors participated in Waze's October 2011 funding round?

In October 2011, Waze raised funding from investors including Horizons Ventures.

What was a significant product integration for Waze in 2019?

In May 2019, Waze integrated Pandora, allowing for seamless music streaming within the navigation app. In June 2019, Google Assistant also became available in the Waze navigation app.

What recent strategic development occurred regarding Waze's acquisition by Google?

In March 2026, it was reported that Google was nearing completion of its $32 billion acquisition of Waze, with founders and key employees expected to receive significant bonuses. This event, more than a decade after the initial acquisition, underscores the continued strategic value of Waze.