Phantom AI
Category: AI in Automotive
Phantom AI provides a comprehensive autonomous driving platform featuring computer vision, sensor fusion, and control capabilities for Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs, focusing on cost-effective Level 2/3 ADAS solutions. Phantom AI was founded in 2017. The company is led by Hyunggi Cho. Based in Mountain View, California, United States. Team size: 11-50. Total funding raised: $80.2M. Latest round: Series C. Key investors include Celeres Investments, InterVest, Samsung Venture Investment, Shinhan GIB, KT Investment, Renaissance Asset Management, Millennium Technology Value Partners, DSC Investment, Ford Motor Company.
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- Mountain View, California, United States
- Team size
- 11-50
- Total funding
- $80.2M
Value proposition
Cost-effective, modular, software-based ADAS platform that democratizes safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking and Emergency Lane Support, leveraging deep automotive production experience from Tesla and Hyundai alumni
Products and solutions
PhantomVision (deep learning-based computer vision for 360° object detection), PhantomFusion (platform-independent sensor fusion and object tracking), PhantomDrive (vehicle control solution for ADAS features like AEB, ACC, LKAS), Phantom Inference Engine (PiE) for optimized deep learning processing
Unique value
Combination of state-of-the-art AI/computer vision technology with real automotive experience shipping ADAS systems at volume production scale, delivered at significantly lower price points than competitors
Target customer
Tier 1 automotive suppliers and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) focused on delivering Level 2/3 ADAS solutions
Industries served
Automotive (passenger cars, medium-duty trucks), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Autonomous Vehicles
Technology advantage
Proprietary deep learning computer vision with best-in-class camera exposure control for day/night; multi-camera 360° coverage; real-time processing on low-power embedded SoCs; platform-independent sensor fusion; Euro NCAP compliant ADAS features
How they differentiate
75% of engineers have worked with multiple automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers; proprietary Phantom Inference Engine (PiE) for superior deep learning processing efficiency; focus on cost-effective Level 2/3 solutions rather than chasing full autonomy; modular architecture allowing OEMs to select and customize components
Main competitors
Mobileye (Intel), Wayve, Helm.ai, StradVision, Motional AD
Key partnerships
ZF Group (licensing agreement for passenger car ADAS products, announced Feb 2026), Harbinger Motors (acquired Nov 2025, announced Feb 2026), Ford Motor Company (investor and potential customer)
Notable customers
Tier 1 automotive manufacturers (undisclosed), ZF Group (licensing partner), Harbinger Motors (post-acquisition integration)
Major milestones
2017: Company founded by Hyunggi Cho and Chan Kyu Lee, 2020: $22M Series A led by Celeres Investments with Ford Motor Company participation, 2021: Series B funding, 2023: $36.5M Series C led by InterVest with Samsung Ventures participation, Nov 2025: Acquired by Harbinger Motors, Feb 2026: ZF Group licenses Phantom AI's computer vision for passenger car ADAS
Market positioning
Silicon Valley-based ADAS software provider positioned as a cost-effective alternative to Mobileye, targeting the mass-market ADAS adoption wave driven by regulatory mandates (EU and US requiring AEB and forward-warning systems)
Geographic focus
Global (US, Europe, Asia) with strong ties to Korean automotive ecosystem
About Hyunggi Cho
Ex-Tesla Motors Senior Control Engineer (Autopilot R&D, Environmental Modeling & Computer Vision); PhD in Autonomous Driving from Carnegie Mellon University
Latest news about Phantom AI
- Medium-duty EV manufacturer Harbinger has acquired autonomous driving startup Phantom AI, marking a strategic move to diversify beyond hardware into software services. The 30-employee Phantom AI team,
- Electric truck startup Harbinger has acquired autonomous driving company Phantom AI, securing both advanced driver-assistance technology and an immediate licensing deal with German automotive giant ZF
More AI in Automotive companies
Official website: https://phantom.ai/
