Will Uber be able to compete?

Uber has shown resilience and adaptability in its competitive strategies over the years. Initially focused on luxury car services, Uber pivoted to include peer-to-peer ride-sharing as a direct response to competitors like Lyft and Sidecar, who were offering more affordable services 1. This strategic shift demonstrated Uber's willingness to evolve its business model to meet market demands and maintain its competitive edge.

The competition in the ride-sharing market has been intense, fueling rapid innovation and aggressive expansion strategies. For example, Uber's response to international threats like the London-based company Halo was to accelerate its expansion in the U.S. and abroad, ultimately adopting peer-to-peer ride-sharing widely 2.

Uber's ability to compete is also influenced by its corporate culture, heavily oriented towards winning and competitiveness, as discussed by Ben Horowitz. This culture has driven Uber to take aggressive actions against competitors, although it has also led to various controversies 3.

Overall, Uber's history shows a company that is highly responsive to competitive pressures, capable of significant strategic shifts, and not shy about using aggressive tactics. Its long-term competitiveness will likely depend on its ability to continue adapting and innovating in response to emerging market forces and competitive threats.