ZEENAT MOORAD: Uber running out of road?
Rivals forming fresh alliances to capitalise on scandal-plagued start-up
It’s high noon for Uber this week as the ride-hailing firm navigates (corny, I know) the way forward after the release of the Holder report. One path leads to an initial public offering, the other to the likely implosion of the US$69bn super start-up. Let me explain. Former US attorney-general Eric Holder has led a probe into the San Francisco-based company centring on sexism, harassment and, plainly put, "bro" culture. This is separate to the inquiry by Perkins Coie LLP, which looks at human resources issues and has already led to the sacking of more than 20 employees. In recent months, a further 11 high-ranking Uber execs have exited the company. Crisis, then. The investigation was prompted by a former employee’s allegations of workplace sexual harassment and discrimination. Now, it’s no secret that Silicon Valley battles with diversity and inclusion. Details, though, are everything, so here we go: one-time Uber engineer Susan Fowler blogged about how her manager had allegedly pro...
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