The company was founded on 4 April 2009[1][2] by CEO Robert "RJ" Scaringe, who graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a doctorate in mechanical engineering.[3] After being renamed Avera Automotive and then Rivian Automotive,[4][5][7][8] the company began focusing on autonomous[4] electric vehicles in 2011.[6][9] Rivian received a large investment and grew significantly in 2015, opening research facilities in Michigan and the Bay Area.[7] Relocating headquarters to Livonia, Michigan to be closer to key suppliers,[11] Rivian began working exclusively on electric autonomous vehicles, specifically building an "entire ecosystem" of related products.[4] It also began gearing its prototypes towards the "ride-sharing and driverless car markets."[12]