In the early 21st century, urban transportation underwent a significant transformation, largely due to the innovative approaches of Uber, Grab, and Ryde. These companies not only redefined ride-hailing but also expanded into comprehensive platforms offering diverse services.

Uber – From a Simple Idea to a Global Phenomenon

Uber's inception traces back to 2008 in Paris, where co-founders Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, after facing difficulties in hailing a cab, envisioned a service that allowed users to request rides via a mobile application.

This concept materialised in 2009 with the launch of UberCab in San Francisco, providing a platform that connected passengers with drivers of luxury vehicles. The service quickly gained popularity for its convenience and efficiency. By 2010, Uber had officially launched in San Francisco, and in 2011, it expanded to New York City, marking the beginning of its rapid global growth.

The introduction of UberX in 2012, which allowed non-professional drivers to offer rides, significantly reduced costs and broadened the user base. Despite facing regulatory challenges and competition, Uber continued to innovate, introducing services like UberEats for food delivery and Uber Freight for logistics. In 2019, Uber went public, solidifying its position as a leader in the ride-hailing industry. As of November 2024, Uber's market capitalisation stands at approximately $154.24 billion, reflecting its substantial growth and influence in the global market.

Grab – Southeast Asia's Super-App Evolution

In Southeast Asia, Grab's journey began in 2012 when Anthony Tan and Tan Hooi Ling, inspired by the challenges of the local taxi industry, launched MyTeksi in Malaysia. The app aimed to improve safety and efficiency in taxi services.

Recognising the diverse needs of Southeast Asian consumers, Grab expanded its services beyond ride-hailing. It introduced GrabBike for motorcycle taxis, GrabFood for food delivery, and GrabPay for digital payments, evolving into a comprehensive super-app.

A significant milestone was reached in 2018 when Grab acquired Uber's Southeast Asian operations, solidifying its dominance in the region. In 2021, Grab went public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), marking one of the largest SPAC deals at the time. As of November 2024, Grab's market capitalisation is approximately $16.12 billion, underscoring its significant presence in the Southeast Asian market.

Ryde – Singapore's Emerging Contender

Founded in 2014 by Terence Zou, Ryde began as a carpooling platform in Singapore, aiming to offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional ride-hailing services. Over the years, Ryde expanded its offerings to include private-hire car services, catering to a broader customer base. In March 2024, Ryde made history by becoming Singapore's first ride-hailing startup to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "RYDE."

Despite its smaller scale compared to industry giants Uber and Grab, Ryde has shown potential for growth. As of November 2024, Ryde's market capitalisation stands at approximately $15 million. The company's focus on niche markets and commitment to innovation position it as a promising player in the ride-hailing industry. Ryde still has a huge room to grow, as compared to its other peers.