Empires - An Asian Business Podcast

Grab (MY/SG) | Uber vs Grab, Street Hails and Street Fight | 4/5

Oct 9, 2023
Anthony Tan, co-founder of Grab, and Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, discuss the intense rivalry between their companies in Southeast Asia. Tan reveals how Grab evolved from a basic taxi app to a super app, capturing a dominant 70% market share after Uber's exit. They explore key survival tactics in the ride-hailing wars, including grassroots initiatives that gave Grab an edge. The conversation shifts from fierce competition to collaboration, highlighting Uber's strategic decision to sell its operations in the region and reshape the ride-sharing landscape.
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ANECDOTE

Didi's Struggle

  • Anthony Tan met with Cheng Wei, Didi's CEO, to understand their victory against Uber.
  • Cheng revealed Didi's near-death experience during the cash war, highlighting their struggle.
INSIGHT

Uber's Asian Struggle

  • Uber struggled in Asia due to its lack of understanding of the region's diversity.
  • Southeast Asia has unique languages and cultures in each country, requiring tailored approaches.
ANECDOTE

Grab's Guerrilla Tactics

  • Grab employees used guerilla tactics, targeting taxi queues to onboard drivers.
  • They would explain Grab's benefits and sign up drivers on the spot using tablets.
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