Google invests in Go-Jek

Google, Temasek and Meituan-Dianping have recently joined the $1.2 billion investing round Go-jek started last year. Google’s investment of around $100 million, is noticeable given that they have only invested in the two largest ride-hailing companies steaming from the US, Uber and Lyft. However, Google’s investment interests might go further than just e-hailing. Go-Jek offers a range of services besides rides, such as GoPay, supporting a large part of Indonesia’s population without access to other means to make online payments.

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BMW acquires Parkmobile

BMW has acquired the biggest provider of mobile parking services in North America. Parkmobile helps people find a parking spot faster — the app has over 8 million registered users and it works in over 300 cities in the US.

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MaxiMobility raises $160

MaxiMobility, Cabify’s parent company has raised $160 million in a series E round. The round was lead by Rakuten Capital and welcomed new investors. The investment was made at a $1.4 billion valuation.

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Grab x Obike

Spotted: Obikes have a new look, and it is green and yellow. Grab announced that GrabPay will be integrated into the Obike app, allowing customers to pay for the service from their account. Grab made an investment in the bike-sharing company last year and everything points towards Grab adding Obikes to their fleet. This, however, has not been yet confirmed by either of the companies.

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Didi launches in Taiwan

As its first international expansion, ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing has entered Taiwanese grounds. Given its strict regulatory grounds, Didi has decided partnered up with LEDI Technology and will only offer its ride-hailing services through registered taxi drivers.

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SoftBank wants Uber out of Asia

As the Uber x Softbank deal has officially been closed, the Japanese group is now a majority shareholder in the ride-hailing firm. Part of the deal was a restructuring of the board to grant SoftBank more decision-power. SoftBank is known for having invested billions in ride-hailing companies, Uber competitors to be precise. Now that SoftBank holds investments across the globe, they are seeking to persuade Uber to step back from Asia. Companies such as Grab in Singapore and Ola in India, are part of SoftBank’s portfolio — competing in the same territories has lead to price wars and kept the away from becoming profitable. SoftBank has made it clear that it would like for Uber to focus in their strongest territories, the US and Latin America.

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Shell’s FarePilot seeks minicab license in London

The app which lets drivers know where the highest demand for rides is, in order to increase increase their profitability and reduce idle time, has recently applied for a minicab license in London. Owned by Shell and BCG, FarePilot is being very careful with the regulatory system that has denied Uber a license renewal and not yet granted access to companies like Lyft.

“Should this materialise, we will ensure that all the correct commitments — including licences and procedures — are in place prior to going live. We cannot comment any more at this time.” said a FarePilot spokesperson

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