It’s crazy to think how the right partnership can turn a smart business into a market dominator. Nike and Apple brought tech to fitness. Starbucks and Pepsi made cold coffee a billion-dollar habit. When companies join forces and each brings real strength, it’s a strategic advantage. And right now, there’s a lot of chatter on Twitter because Pony AI just locked down its own high-level teammate with Uber.

Pony’s stock pulled a full Steph Curry heat check… up 160% in the past month, with 63% of that coming this week alone. While the Nasdaq was flat-lining, Pony AI was having a week for the record books.

Earlier this week, Uber announced a partnership with Pony AI to roll out autonomous robotaxi services. The rollout starts in a “key Middle East market” later this year… and yes, there’ll be human safety drivers in the front seat at first (sounds like glorified chaperones), but the goal is full autonomy.

It’s a huge credibility medal for Pony AI. This definitely looks like more than a PR stunt… this is Uber, the GOAT of ride-hailing, deciding to roll with Pony as its robotaxi partner. And as we all know from recent history, Wall Street loves when startups hitch their wagon to big, recognizable players. 

Just two weeks ago, Pony AI also inked a deal with Tencent, giving it access to Tencent’s cloud and mapping tech… pretty much the digital infrastructure of half of China. Pony’s AV software will now live inside Tencent’s mobility ecosystem, which is like being handed the keys to the kingdom… or at least a solid driver’s permit.

Pony AI is hot… no question. But this is still a $75 million revenue company sporting a $6 billion market cap. That’s a Price-to-Sales ratio of 80. So investors are clearly betting on the long game… that Pony can scale globally, sign more A-list partners, and eventually monetize robotaxis at scale. But the stock is priced like it’s already there.

Pony reports Q1 earnings on May 20th, and it better bring more than just “potential.” Unless the company drops some blow-your-hair-back guidance (think: user growth, new markets, and actual revenue projections), this stock might finally meet gravity. 

Look, Pony AI has the tech, the momentum, and now the strategic partners to be a legit player in the self-driving space. And its move to partner with existing giants like Uber and Tencent… instead of trying to go it alone… is actually super smart.

But if you’re thinking of buying in now, just know the hype is priced in. The real question isn’t whether Pony AI has potential (it does), it’s whether that potential can ever catch up to the stock price.

Stocks.News has positions in Apple, Starbucks, Pepsi, Pony AI, Tencent, and Uber.