Self Inspection Raises $3M for AI-Powered Vehicle Inspection Technology

Self Inspection, a San Diego-based startup, has raised $3 million in seed funding to expand its AI-powered vehicle inspection service. The round was co-led by Costanoa Ventures and DVx Ventures, the firm run by former Tesla president Jon McNeill, with participation from Westlake Financial, which manages over a million vehicle transactions annually.

Founded in 2021, Self Inspection offers a streamlined solution for vehicle inspections using just a smartphone camera and optional data from a car’s OBD2 port. The technology has already attracted big names like Avis, CarOffer (a CarGurus-owned wholesaler), and Westlake Financial.

AI-Powered Vehicle Inspections Made Simple

Unlike competitors like UVEye, which raised $191 million for its drive-through AI inspection technology, Self Inspection focuses on simplicity and accessibility. The company’s AI models were trained on one of the largest datasets of damaged vehicles, allowing them to quickly detect and assess damage, estimate repair costs, and generate detailed PDF reports comparable to those from body shops.

“What we deliver is actually a fully detailed PDF report that you would normally only get from a body shop,” said CEO Constantine Yaremtso. “It tells you what labor is needed, the cost of repairs, how many parts you need, and more.”

Key Features That Set Self Inspection Apart

Self Inspection’s software is designed to be user-friendly and highly customizable:

• No Special Equipment Needed: All inspections can be completed using a standard smartphone camera. Users aren’t required to maintain a specific distance or angle, unlike some competing services.

• Seamless Integration: The software isn’t a standalone app. Instead, it integrates into customers’ existing workflows and can be accessed via a web browser link sent through text or email.

• Customizable Inspection Process: Businesses can customize inspections with a drag-and-drop configurator. For example, a fleet company can prioritize high-wear areas, or an EV marketplace can add steps to verify the presence of charging cables.

“Everyone has a good camera, everyone has a good phone, everyone knows how to capture photos,” Yaremtso explained. “We’re trying to give this tool to marketplaces or banks so anyone can inspect vehicles easily and expedite the sales cycle process.”

Validation from Industry Leaders

Karim Bousta, partner at DVx Ventures, emphasized the broader impact of Self Inspection’s technology. “The traditional vehicle inspection process is ripe for innovation,” Bousta said. “Self Inspection not only streamlines operations for auto lenders, dealerships, and rental companies but also sets a new benchmark for quality, reliability, and a seamless digital experience in the $30 billion vehicle inspection market.”

What’s Next for Self Inspection?

With the new funding, Self Inspection plans to scale and expand its operations. The company aims to grow its customer base beyond current partnerships with Avis, CarOffer, and Westlake Financial, targeting auto lenders, rental companies, and dealerships looking to simplify their inspection processes.

The startup’s low-cost, easy-to-use approach could disrupt the vehicle inspection industry, offering a faster, more efficient alternative to traditional methods and high-tech competitors.

What This Means

Self Inspection’s AI-powered solution reflects a growing trend in the automotive industry toward simplifying complex processes with technology. By eliminating the need for specialized equipment and integrating seamlessly into existing workflows, the company is making vehicle inspections more accessible and efficient.

As more companies in the $30 billion vehicle inspection market seek to modernize their operations, Self Inspection’s approach could become a new standard for how cars are assessed, bought, and sold.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.