The next billion goes to Uber

Uber (now $40 bn) strengthens roots in Amsterdam and loses UberPOP-case

December started busily for Uber. After the bad publicity generated by indicating it would ‘smear’ journalists or even follow customers’ travel patterns, the company picked up another round of investments (+ $ 1,2 bn), making it a $ 40 billion company, moved part of its app-development to Amsterdam and saw UberPOP banned in The Netherlands.

On December 8 the Dutch government won the appeal Uber had lodged against the decision of the government’s Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) to fine four UberPOP-drivers in Amsterdam € 1.500 each for working without a permit, with a penalty between € 10.000 and € 40.000 for each subsequent offence and also uphold the penalty imposed on Uber BV for € 100.000. In effect this means UberPOP is banned in The Netherlands. Its UberLux and UberBlack-services can continue.

Immediately after the court’s decision was announced, Uber said it would continue …