Go eyes robotaxis and acquisitions after Japan’s biggest IPO of 2026. Here’s why it matters

techcrunch.com Jun 20, 2026

Go eyes robotaxis and acquisitions after Japan’s biggest IPO of 2026. Here’s why it matters

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 20, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Go, Japan's largest ride-hailing app, has successfully completed its initial public offering (IPO), raising ¥88.6 billion ($553 million) to expand its robotaxi business and make strategic acquisitions. The company plans to use the funds to address Japan's shortage of taxi drivers, which has fallen by roughly 20% in recent years due to an aging population. Go has partnered with Waymo and Nihon Kotsu to develop autonomous driving technology and aims to begin fully driverless operations when validated and approved.

💡 Why It Matters

· The IPO's success underscores global institutional investors' willingness to back Japanese startups, despite the country's quiet listing season.
· Go's robotaxi ambitions also highlight the growing competition in Japan's taxi industry, with Uber, Wayve, and Nissan planning to pilot robotaxi services in Tokyo by late 2026.

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Microsoft is killing Office 2021 in October to push you onto Microsoft…

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💡 Microsoft's decision to end support for Office 2021 highlights the company's increasing reliance on subscription-based models, which may not appeal to users who value the stability and predictability of a one-time purchase. As a result, users who choose to stay with Office 2021 may be forced to adopt workarounds to maintain security and functionality.

techradar.com · Jun 20

Australia’s social media ban shows UK child safety measures are bound to…

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9to5google.com · Jun 19

Google Meet for Android Auto now rolling out widely

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💡 Google's integration of Google Meet into Android Auto marks a significant shift in how people use video conferencing on-the-go. By streamlining the process and limiting distractions, Google is making it easier for professionals to stay connected while driving, potentially increasing productivity and reducing the need for lengthy breaks.

appleinsider.com · Jun 19

EU-style App Store rules reach Brazil with new app stores & payments

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9to5google.com · Jun 19

Android developer verification on track for September, ‘Verifier’ service will soon auto-install

Google has published an update on its Android developer verification process, which is set to launch in September. Millions of apps have been verified since the registration process began in March. The service, called 'Verifier', will automatically install on Android 8+ devices starting in June, validating that an app is registered to a verified developer. The initial launch will cover Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global launch planned for 2027. Google is also launching a new type of Android developer account for students and hobbyists, and an API to streamline app registration.

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9to5google.com · Jun 19

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