Uber is losing its London license, pending appeal: whether or not the company gets it back is a test of the company’s long-term viability. Plus, why Facebook has to realize that facts are not enough.
Uber and Yandex; Grab Raises $2 Billion; Softbank, Ride-Sharing, and Capital
Uber has made a deal in Russia that, to the extent it approximates China, is a great idea. However, the company may soon be knocked out of Southeast Asia: capital is the ultimate aggregator.
The Justin Caldbeck Affair; The Enablers; Avis, Hertz, Waymo, and Apple
A salute to Danny Sullivan, then a note on the Justin Caldbeck affair: he must be held accountable, but so must his enablers. Then, the changing structure of the car industry.
Bill Gurley Leaves Uber’s Board, Uber Adds Tipping, Chris Lattner Leaves Tesla
Bill Gurley ultimately believes in the Uber idea, and it probably cost both Kalanick and him their jobs. Then, why it’s a problem that Uber is adding tipping, plus the news that Chris Lattner is leaving Tesla.
The Uber Endgame, Unchanging Uber, Uber Justice
The Uber endgame has arrived, and the events of last week showed what should happen — even if they might not. Plus, Kalanick’s fatal flaw and broader questions for all of tech.
Ford Fires CEO, Car Companies and the Future, Anthony Levandowski vs. Google
Ford has a new CEO, and it probably doesn’t have much to do with the tech industry. That said, what car companies are best placed for the future? Plus, 100x engineers and the problem of culture.
The Uber Disaster Round-up, Waymo and Lyft Form Partnership
Uber’s disasters continue, but the Lyft partnership with Waymo has a chance to be existential.
Microsoft, eBay, and Tencent Invest in Flipkart; The Indian E-Commerce Market; Lyft Raises $500 Million
Microsoft, eBay, and Tencent are investing in Flipkart: the opportunity is just too big to miss out on, even if Amazon looks ever stronger. It’s the same reason investors are putting more money into Lyft.
Waymo’s Lawsuit Against Uber, Existential Logic, Uber — and Google’s — Miscalculation
Uber looks to be in very big trouble if the allegations in Waymo’s lawsuit are true; this also may be what finally does in Uber CEO Travis Kalanick. Google, though, messed up too, in the same way they have before.
Intel, Mobileye, and Smiling Curves
Intel is buying Mobileye; it’s an acquisition that makes sense once you realize how much value there is in components.