Top Fund Manager: Doubting Uber's Driverless Future Is 'Like Betting Against Amazon'

In the rapidly evolving world of autonomous vehicles, one prominent fund manager has drawn a striking parallel between Uber's driverless ambitions and Amazon's e-commerce revolution. In an interview with Bloomberg, the fund manager, who wished to remain anonymous, argued that doubting Uber's driverless future is akin to betting against Amazon's early dominance in e-commerce.

Uber's self-driving car program, which began in 2015, has faced numerous challenges and setbacks, including a fatal accident in Arizona in 2018. Despite these hurdles, the fund manager believes that Uber's long-term vision for autonomous vehicles remains intact. "Uber is not just a ride-hailing company; it's a technology company," the fund manager said. "They have the resources, the talent, and the data to make driverless cars a reality."

The fund manager pointed to Amazon's early struggles in e-commerce as a cautionary tale for those who underestimate Uber's potential. Amazon, too, faced skepticism and resistance from traditional retailers and consumers when it first launched. However, the company's relentless focus on innovation and customer experience ultimately led to its dominance in the e-commerce market.



The fund manager also highlighted the strategic advantages that Uber's existing platform and marketplace provide. Uber's global reach and extensive user base give it a significant head start in deploying autonomous vehicles at scale. Moreover, Uber's partnerships with AV hardware and software developers, such as Waymo and Avride, further strengthen its position in the autonomous vehicle landscape.



The fund manager acknowledged the regulatory and safety challenges that Uber and other AV companies must overcome. However, they emphasized that these hurdles are not insurmountable and that Uber's long-term vision remains intact. "Uber is playing the long game," the fund manager said. "They understand that the path to autonomous vehicles will be filled with obstacles, but they are committed to seeing it through."

In conclusion, the fund manager's comparison between Uber's driverless future and Amazon's e-commerce dominance serves as a reminder that even the most challenging and uncertain markets can yield significant rewards for those who remain steadfast in their vision. As Uber continues to invest in and develop its autonomous vehicle technology, it is poised to reshape the transportation and logistics industries in much the same way that Amazon transformed e-commerce.