Uber's Growth Slows as It Diversifies Business Ahead of IPO
Uber's net losses widened to nearly $1 billion in its latest quarter as it invested in new businesses prior to its initial public offering expected next year, the private company said in its self-reported financial disclosures.
The losses were 32 percent greater than the previous quarter.
Revenues were nearly $3 billion, up 38 percent over the same period last year but a slower rate of growth from the prior quarter.
For the first time, Uber disclosed some numbers related to its fast-growing Uber Eats delivery service. That division accounted for $2.1 billion of $12.7 billion in gross bookings ー a 150 percent increase from the same quarter last year.
Uber's losses can be partially attributed to its increasingly diversified business model, in which ride-hailing is but one of the ways the company intends to make money in the future. In addition to Uber Eats, which is growing in emerging markets and will soon [cover](https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/23/uber-plans-to-expand-food-delivery-to-70percent-of-the-us.html) 70 percent of the U.S. population, Uber has invested in new mobility offerings like e-scooters and bike shares.
Uber is on course for an initial public offering in 2019 that could value the company at as much as $120 billion.
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Chris Ruder, Spikeball Founder and CEO, explains how he and his friends put roundnet on the global map, plus, how Spikeball helps people "find their circle."
J.W. Roth, CEO of Venu Holding Corporation, discusses the company's IPO and plans to redefine live music entertainment with their fan founded, fan-owned model.
Variety's Clayton Davis discusses why more than just the 1% are struggling after the LA fires. Plus, how awards shows will pivot to help victims. Watch!
Emily Hosie, CEO of Rebelstork, explains the concept of Returns Recommerce, plus how her company raised $18M to address the industry-wide issue of returns.