This Week in Startups

Dara Khosrowshahi, Bill Gurley, Brad Gerstner, & Jason Calacanis on Uber's growth and future | E1878

Jan 12, 2024
Dara Khosrowshahi, Bill Gurley, Brad Gerstner, and Jason Calacanis discuss Uber's growth and future plans, including Khosrowshahi's initial reservations about joining Uber and how he overcame them. The podcast also dives into the qualities of a CEO, game theory and network effects, understanding stock prices, raising capital, and the future of secondaries in tech companies.
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INSIGHT

Uber's Early Efficiency Push

  • Uber was forced to become efficient earlier than others due to COVID's impact on travel and ride business.
  • Dara led cost discipline, laid off 25% of workforce, exited unprofitable businesses to focus on core marketplace strengths.
ADVICE

Drive Cost Discipline & Ownership

  • Assign ownership and accountability for every cost center within the company.
  • Celebrate and recognize employees who maintain discipline and innovate with small teams.
ANECDOTE

Dara's Reluctant CEO Start

  • Dara Khosrowshahi initially declined the CEO role at Uber, comfortable with Expedia and hesitant about Uber's turmoil.
  • A friend's challenge about impact and Dara's own usage of Uber convinced him to accept the role despite uncertainties.
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