Japan's DMP buying venture-backed Ushr to create self-driving map platform

Japan’s Dynamic Map Platform agreed to acquire Ushr, a Canadian-born maker of high-definition map technology for autonomous driving. Terms weren’t disclosed. Reuters reported the purchase price to be nearly US$200 million ($264 million). Upon closing, DMP and Ushr will form a single platform to develop HD mapping solutions for autonomous vehicles and driver-assistance systems. Detroit-based Ushr is a spinout of the automotive mapping unit of GeoDigital, a Canadian provider of geospatial mapping software and services. It was launched two years ago with a US$10 million Series A financing backed by EnerTech Capital, Emerald Technology Ventures, Forté Ventures and GM Ventures.