Competition is Good, Uber Should Fear DiDi
I think I have a love-hate relationship with Uber. Sure, they can be innovative. Yet their culture means that they expect their devs to deliver the same (or more) with less.
DiWhat?
DiDi is a ride-sharing app from China that operates in a number of countries around the world. Specifically China, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica, Panamá, Argentina, Ecuador, Perú, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, and República Dominicana.
Now they are going to expand into the UK, and it’s probably not too long until they target Uber’s USA heartland.
And I think it’s time for Uber to be given a run for their money.
Uber’s Not-So-Great Culture
If you’ve ever worked for or even just followed Uber, you know their culture is, let’s say, less than stellar.
The stories of mistreatment and toxic work environments are legendary within the tech community. Think “Wolf of Wall Street” meets “Mad Max,” but with a tech company flavor.
Uber’s dominance has led to complacency and a toxic culture that permeates from the top down. Drivers are treated poorly, and the company’s business practices often leaves a bad taste. Tech staff are treated poorly and have the type of treatment that just needs to stop.
This isn’t just a company that needs competition; it’s a company that deserves it.
The New Playa Enters the Chat
Enter Didi. Sure, they’ve had their fair share of drama, from cybersecurity probes to getting booted off Chinese app stores.
Then there is the idea of a Chinese app hitting Uber’s stronger markets (the UK is dominated by the ride-hailing firm). This strength has been suffocating to their drivers, riders and tech staff alike — a shake-up in this market area could be a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Didi’s entry could help balance the scales, offering more choices and possibly better conditions for tech workers.
Didi’s Strategic Moves
Didi isn’t a new entrant in the market. They know what they are doing in the business, and Uber should be worried.
They’ve hired a stream of executives to move into the UK market and will not do so on a whim.
They’re poised to jump in, and Uber should be worried.
Uber’s monopolistic tendencies might just be curbed, and Didi’s entry might just be the tonic the market needs.
Conclusion
It’s time for big tech to detoxify. DiDi making strides into the ride-sharing market might just give Uber the kick in the pants it both needs and deserves.
Bring on competition, it’s our best hope of better working conditions and better apps.