Earlier this summer, Travis Kalanick's Atoms announced a $1.7 billion funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz. But even after raising that mega round, the Uber founder remained a bit cagey about what he was actually aiming to do. Classic Kalanick move: raise a mountain of cash, then play coy.

Now a story in the Financial Times offers more details about Atoms' goals. The startup is reportedly preparing for a hiring spree, as well as acquisitions, that could make it a major player in the autonomous vehicle industry. Because nothing says 'unfinished business' like diving back into the world of ride-hailing, but this time without the human drivers.

In fact, the FT said Atoms has talked to Uber about how the ride-hailing company could use the startup's robotaxi technology. (Uber has already partnered with a long list of autonomous vehicle companies, so what's one more?) The report also noted that Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms - a figure previously confirmed by TechCrunch. Yes, the company Kalanick founded is now investing in his new venture. It's like an ex investing in your new startup after a messy breakup.

While sources emphasized that robotaxis don't represent the entirety of Atoms' plans, this direction seems consistent with Kalanick's description of the round as 'unfinished business.' Unfinished business indeed: Kalanick left Uber amid scandal, and Levandowski, his former self-driving chief, was convicted of stealing trade secrets. But hey, no hard feelings, right?

It also fits with Atoms' acquisition of Pronto, an autonomous mining startup led by Uber's former self-driving chief Anthony Levandowski. (Levandowski was convicted of stealing trade secrets and sentenced to 18 months in prison, but was then pardoned by President Donald Trump.) So Atoms is basically a reunion tour for Uber's autonomous vehicle alumni, minus the one guy who's still in legal hot water. Wait, Levandowski is actually there. So it's a full reunion, complete with a presidential pardon as a party favor.