TIER IV x JR Central (Capital Alliance)

TIER IV is a Japanese deep-tech company and the primary commercial force behind [Autoware](/models/autoware), the world's first open-source software stack for autonomous driving. Founded in December 2015 by Shinpei Kato, the company builds scalable platforms and delivers end-to-end solutions spanning software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations for Level 4 autonomous mobility. TIER IV has deployed autonomous buses, taxis, and trucks across Japan and internationally, and is a founding member of the Autoware Foundation. Strategic investors include [Yamaha Motor](/companies/yamaha-motor), [Sony](/companies/sony), KDDI, and SOMPO Holdings. Products include Pilot.Auto, Web.Auto, and an automotive-grade autonomous driving kit (ADK).