A $10 million investment led by Sheryl Sandberg's family office, Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners, has been made in Self Inspection, a San Diego-based startup using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve vehicle inspections. The investment, which also includes strategic backing from US AutoForce and Westlake Financial, is aimed at expanding the company's products and customer base, including in Europe.
Self Inspection's technology allows users to inspect vehicles using smartphone cameras, comparing photos to a large dataset of damaged vehicles to detect damage and provide cost estimates and detailed inspection reports. This approach has already been adopted by several major clients, including Stellantis' financial services arm, which has used the platform for corporate-owned vehicle inspections and lease-end inspections.
As the UK's automotive sector continues to evolve, the adoption of AI-driven inspection technology could bring significant benefits to firms operating in the sector. By streamlining the inspection process and reducing the need for physical check-ups, companies may be able to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Self Inspection's technology has already helped its clients reduce costs by over $80 million and save operational hours. The company plans to use the new funding to expand its product offerings and reach more clients in the UK and Europe.