General Motors-backed Wejo is in SPAC merger talks with Virtuoso

  • Virtuoso is seeking to raise new equity to support a transaction with a combined enterprise value of more than $1 billion.
Founded in 2014 and led by Chief Executive Officer Richard Barlow, Wejo describes itself as a connected-vehicle data specialist.
Founded in 2014 and led by Chief Executive Officer Richard Barlow, Wejo describes itself as a connected-vehicle data specialist.

Wejo Ltd., the British automotive-data startup backed by General Motors Co., is in talks to go public through a merger with Virtuoso Acquisition Corp., a blank-check firm, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Virtuoso is seeking to raise new equity to support a transaction with a combined enterprise value of more than $1 billion, according to one of the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private negotiations. Terms could change and, as with all transactions that aren’t yet finalized, it’s possible the talks could collapse.

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Force Motors Gurkha (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2596.0 cc FuelType IconDiesel
₹ 13.59 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Mean Metal Motors Azani (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon120 Kwh Range Icon700 km
₹ 88 - 90 Lakhs
View Details
Force Motors Gurkha 5 Door (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
Engine Icon2596 cc FuelType IconDiesel
₹ 16 Lakhs
View Details
Revolt Motors Rv400 (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon3.24 KWh Range Icon150 Km
₹ 1.40 - 1.60 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Velev Motors Vio (HT Auto photo)
Range Icon70 km/charge
₹52,000
Compare
Tork Motors Kratos (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon4 kWh Range Icon180 km/charge
₹ 1.22 - 1.68 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers

A representative for Virtuoso declined to comment and Wejo didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Founded in 2014 and led by Chief Executive Officer Richard Barlow, Wejo describes itself as a connected-vehicle data specialist. It says its technology interprets information from more than 10 million vehicles.

In addition to GM, the company’s investors include Hella Ventures, Platina Partners, DIP Capital and the U.K. government’s Future Fund.

Wejo, based in Manchester, England, with an office in Detroit, named John Maxwell chief financial officer in March.

Virtuoso, led by CEO Jeffrey D. Warshaw and CFO Michael O. Driscoll -- both executives at radio broadcaster Connoisseur Media --raised $230 million in a January initial public offering.

Another automotive data startup, Otonomo Technologies Ltd., agreed in February to go public through a merger with Software Acquisition Group Inc. II.

First Published Date: 23 May 2021, 09:40 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.