Tools

Search

Explore

Videos Channels Figures

Atmrix

About

Tools

Search

Explore

Videos Channels Figures

Atmrix

About

TK

Travis Kalanick

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

Uber faced legal challenges in Washington D.C. when the taxi commissioner claimed it was illegal to charge by time and distance, despite the law allowing it.

Video

YC

Travis Kalanick at Startup School 2012

@ Y Combinator

10/25/13

Related Takeaways

TK

Travis Kalanick

04/11/25

@ Peter H. Diamandis

I learned that you shouldn't start a tech company in a country where Uber is illegal, as it can create significant challenges.

TK

Travis Kalanick

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

The original idea for Uber came from wanting to push a button and get a classy ride, inspired by the difficulty of hailing cabs in cities like Paris and San Francisco.

TK

Travis Kalanick

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

During special events, Uber tailors its services to meet increased demand, such as providing themed rides like the 'Uber Cade' for President's Day in Washington, D.C.

TK

Travis Kalanick

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

To combat regulatory challenges, Uber mobilized 50,000 emails and 37,000 tweets in 18 hours, successfully influencing city council decisions.

TK

Travis Kalanick

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

In cities like Boston, Toronto, Chicago, and San Francisco, Uber has expanded its services, including the introduction of Uber X, which is about 30% cheaper than traditional options.

TK

Travis Kalanick

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

Initially, many people thought Uber was a crazy idea, but it quickly gained traction and proved to be successful.

TK

Travis Kalanick

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

In New York City, the number of taxi medallions has remained flat since 1946, with each medallion valued at about a million dollars, representing a $13 billion investment to keep Uber from succeeding.

TK

Travis Kalanick

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

Currently, 50% of all people who have ever ridden with Uber have done so in the last 30 days, and the average person pays about $105 a month for rides.

PB

Paul Buchheit

07/31/14

@ Y Combinator

Startups that face setbacks but can leverage them for growth, like Uber did during the taxi strike in London, often succeed where others fail.