Uber turns to India, Africa and Middle East as losses mount

New Delhi: The head of Uber said Tuesday that the global ride services firm was counting on India, Africa and the Middle East for future growth amid investor fears about mounting losses and a slump in its share price.
Uber exits several markets Uber has exited several markets — including China and Southeast Asia — to pare back losses, and is in fierce competition with rival Ola in India, a market estimated to be worth $7 billion a year.
Since its public offering in May, Uber’s share price has tumbled some 30 percent, while the company lost $5.2 billion in the second quarter.
“India is a fundamental part of Uber’s growth going forward… it’s a top 10 market for us,” chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi told reporters in New Delhi.
“The profitability characteristics of our business here are improving. If I look at Uber’s growth over the next 10 years, it’s… going to be defined by India, Africa and the Middle East, more so than the developed markets.” Khosrowshahi brushed aside fears the stock price could fall further after the expiration of a lock-up period in November, after which company employees and early investors can sell their shares.