Jacksonville, Florida - Jul 01, 2025 - Beep, an Orlando-based leader in autonomous shared mobility solutions, has announced a significant milestone in urban transportation. The company has secured $52.7 million in a funding round co-led by Intel Capital and Blue Lagoon Capital, bringing its total capital raised to $97.7 million. This investment coincides with the launch of NAVI (Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation), the nation’s first fully autonomous public transportation system, in Jacksonville, Florida. Operating under a five-year operations and maintenance contract with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), NAVI represents a pioneering step toward sustainable, driverless urban mobility.
Funding Details
The $52.7 million funding round, announced in July 2025, is a testament to investor confidence in Beep’s vision for autonomous transit. Co-led by Intel Capital and Blue Lagoon Capital, the funds will support the expansion of Beep’s operations, the development of new pilot programs, and entry into additional markets. Beep’s previous funding includes a $25 million Series A-1 round in 2022, led by ABS Capital with participation from Intel Capital, Blue Lagoon Capital, TDF Ventures, and Hidden Creek Management, highlighting the company’s consistent growth trajectory.
| Funding Round | Amount | Year | Lead Investors | Supporting Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series A-1 | $25M | 2022 | ABS Capital | Intel Capital, Blue Lagoon Capital, TDF Ventures, Hidden Creek Management |
| Latest Round | $52.7M | 2025 | Intel Capital, Blue Lagoon Capital | – |
| Total Raised | $97.7M | – | – | – |
The NAVI Program
NAVI, launched on June 30, 2025, is a cornerstone of JTA’s Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) program, aimed at revitalizing downtown Jacksonville. The system operates a fleet of 14 electric, autonomous Ford E-Transit vehicles along a 3.5-mile route in the Bay Street Innovation Corridor, connecting the Central Business Core to the Sports and Entertainment District with twelve stops. These vehicles, integrated with Oxa’s automated driving system (Oxa Driver), are Buy America and ADA-compliant, featuring ramps for wheelchair accessibility to ensure inclusivity.
Beep’s proprietary AutonomOS™ software platform powers NAVI, providing AI-driven fleet orchestration, real-time operational control, and continuous safety monitoring. While the system is fully autonomous, a safety operator is present in each vehicle during the initial phase to address any emergencies, reflecting Beep’s commitment to safety.
Beep’s Background and Expertise
Founded in 2018, Beep has established itself as a leader in autonomous shuttle services, focusing on first- and last-mile transportation for public and private communities. Unlike competitors like Waymo or Zoox, which prioritize robotaxis, Beep targets localized mobility networks for transit authorities, campuses, airports, and planned communities. The company has deployed 38 autonomous shuttle programs across nine states, leveraging data from these deployments to enhance safety, rider experience, and operational efficiency.
Beep’s partnership with Oxa, a UK-based autonomous vehicle software developer, is integral to NAVI’s success. Oxa’s self-driving software enables safe and energy-efficient operation of the Ford E-Transit vehicles, marking Oxa’s entry into the U.S. market. This collaboration underscores Beep’s strategy of integrating cutting-edge technology to deliver reliable autonomous transit solutions.
Leadership Transition
In conjunction with the funding and NAVI launch, Beep announced the appointment of Kevin Reid as its new CEO. Reid, who previously served as chairman of the board, brings extensive experience to the role, having co-founded Beep alongside Joe Moye and Rodney Rodgers. His leadership is expected to drive Beep’s expansion and innovation in the autonomous mobility sector.
Industry Impact and Challenges
The launch of NAVI marks a significant milestone in the autonomous vehicle industry, demonstrating the feasibility of fully autonomous public transit systems. By focusing on shuttle-based mobility, Beep offers a scalable alternative to single-passenger autonomous vehicles, addressing urban challenges like congestion, emissions, and accessibility. The use of electric vehicles aligns with environmental goals, contributing to reduced carbon emissions.
However, the autonomous vehicle sector faces challenges, including public concerns about safety and the potential displacement of traditional transit jobs. Beep mitigates these concerns through rigorous testing, collaboration with regulatory bodies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and continuous oversight via its command center operations. The presence of safety operators during NAVI’s initial phase further ensures public trust.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Nat Ford, CEO of JTA, emphasized the transformative potential of NAVI: “The goal of the Ultimate Urban Circulator is to provide multi-modal transit options that improve the city’s health, economy, and environment. The launch of NAVI is a crucial step toward a smarter, more accessible, better-connected Jacksonville – a city that is defining the future of mobility.” This statement reflects the broader vision of integrating autonomous transit into urban planning to foster sustainable growth.
Future Outlook
With $52.7 million in new funding, Beep is well-positioned to expand its autonomous shuttle services across the U.S. The company plans to develop additional pilot programs and target new markets, building on its success in Jacksonville. Beep’s focus on data-driven improvements and municipal partnerships positions it as a leader in the evolving landscape of autonomous mobility.
Conclusion
Beep’s $52.7 million funding round and the launch of NAVI represent a pivotal moment for autonomous public transit in the United States. By combining innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to safety and accessibility, Beep is paving the way for a future where driverless, electric shuttles enhance urban mobility. As the company continues to grow, its efforts could redefine how cities approach transportation, making them more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive.
Source : Beep
