Uber

Uber Technologies, Inc., commonly known as Uber, is an American technology company that operates a ride-hailing platform. Founded in 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick in San Francisco, Uber connects riders with drivers through a mobile app. The platform has expanded to include other services such as Uber Eats for food delivery and Uber Freight for logistics, and operates in numerous cities worldwide.

Uber's business model centers on a digital two-sided marketplace where independent drivers offer rides to customers. The app determines pricing using dynamic algorithms, including surge pricing during periods of high demand. Customers hail rides, track drivers, and pay electronically; drivers use the app to accept rides and navigate. Ratings systems and safety features are part of the user experience. Uber has also pursued autonomous vehicle research, selling its Advanced Technologies Group to Aurora in 2020 as part of refocusing on core operations.

In addition to transportation, Uber Eats partners with restaurants to deliver meals and groceries in many countries, while Uber Freight matches shippers with truck drivers. The company operates under Uber Technologies, Inc., and went public with an initial public offering in May 2019, listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker UBER.

Regulatory and labor issues have shaped Uber's development; drivers are commonly classified as independent contractors in many jurisdictions, leading to legal and policy debates on worker rights and benefits. The company has faced criticisms related to safety incidents, data privacy, and competition with traditional taxi services, while also pursuing safety improvements, insurance coverage, and partnerships to expand services.