Travis Kalanick's Departure from Uber
Travis Kalanick resigned as Uber CEO in June 2017 following a series of corporate scandals and investor pressure. He remained as a board member for several years before fully exiting the company in December 2019. His departure marked the end of the co-founder's direct operational control over the ride-hailing giant Forbes.
Kalanick's exit came after a leaked video showed him arguing with an Uber driver, and subsequent reports detailed a corporate culture of sexual harassment and misconduct. Benchmark Capital, Uber's largest shareholder, sued him in 2017, alleging he had concealed critical information. The lawsuit was settled in 2019, with Kalanick stepping down from the board as part of the agreement SEC.
Post-Uber Ventures and Investments
After leaving Uber, Travis Kalanick founded 10100, a venture investment firm focused on job creation and real estate in China and the United States. He also invested in City Storage Systems, a startup aiming to modernize cloud kitchens and retail spaces. His investment portfolio includes companies in logistics, healthcare, and consumer technology.
Kalanick's post-Uber activities have included advising and investing in various startups, though he has maintained a lower public profile than during his Uber tenure. He has not launched a major consumer-facing product comparable to Uber, instead focusing on behind-the-scenes venture capital and infrastructure investments Forbes.
Current Status and Uber's Evolution
As of 2024, Travis Kalanick has no formal role at Uber, which is now led by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. Uber has expanded beyond ride-hailing into food delivery, freight, and advanced technologies like autonomous driving. The company's market capitalization has grown significantly since Kalanick's departure, reflecting a shift in corporate strategy and public perception.
Kalanick's net worth has been estimated in the billions, largely tied to his remaining Uber shares sold after leaving the company. Uber continues to operate in over 10,000 cities worldwide, with a focus on profitability and regulatory compliance. The company's evolution under new leadership contrasts sharply with the turbulent era of Kalanick's leadership Bloomberg.