Uber: the startup that changed how people move around

Uber is an app that is globally recognized and used by millions. It provided an alternative to using expensive taxis, and provided high service for customers. Furthermore, it provided jobs for those looking for extra cash or wanting to try something different. Uber spawned a variety of similar but different ride sharing apps, and essentially created a whole new industry. From Uber came Uber Eats, Menulog and so on. But how did it all get started, before all of this?

It started when Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick were in Paris and unable to find a cab. When Camp returned to San Francisco, he was fixated on the idea of a ride sharing app and subsequently bought UberCab.com. Camp was the CEO of StumbleUpon (bought out by Ebay for $75 million) and started working on Uber as a side project. Camp persuaded Kalanick to join in on the project. Uber was tested in New York using 3 cars, then officially launched in San Francisco. The ease of access to a ride share gave the app much popularity, using GPS to locate the car and rider then charging the rider.

The company received $1.25 million in funding from First Round Capital.

In 2011, Uber raised $11 million in its Series A round of funding, allowing to expand into New York, Boston, Seattle, Chicago and Washington DC.

The company broadened in 2012 by introducing UberX, provided less expensive hybrid cars in contrast to expensive black car services.

The story of Uber is one of a startup success built on a demand, being ride sharing. Many people were not happy with prices and the service within the Taxi industry, and Uber filled that need for them, ultimately bringing them recognition and large success globally.