Also, URwork launches in Los Angeles, Drivemate raises funding, and more
Uber loses its Vietnam CEO
The director of Uber’s Vietnam chapter, Dang Viet Dung, has left his post, according to a report by The Saigoneer. Uber did not provide details regarding his departure.
Dang, an Amherst College alumnus, was pursuing a Master’s degree at the Harvard University before he dropped in 2014 to join Uber.
Last month, the Vietnamese government order Uber to cough up VND 66.68 billion (US$2.95 million) in back taxes.
Uber inks partnership with Tokopedia
On a more cheery note for Uber, Indonesian e-commerce giant Tokopedia has inked partnership deal with the company. A DealStreetAsia reported that users will be able to book Uber rides from the Tokopedia app.
In the future, Tokopedia might leverage on Uber’s fleet to conduct merchant deliveries. Uber would also allow users to pay for its rides via Tokopedia’s e-wallet TokoCash.
URwork expands to Los Angeles
Chinese co-working space chain URwork has expanded to Los Angeles. This would done via a joint venture with iDream Space Inc. The goal is to increase business support for Chinese entrepreneurs residing in the US.
The new co-working space will be located at the City of Industry, covering 10,000 sqm. Its indoor space, measuring 4,000 sqm will feature an activity area, IoT area, brand showcase area, service area and new media area.
There is also a 1000 sqm stage can host a variety of activities including concerts, vernissage, launches and seminars. The space will be opened this month.
Also Read: Did Starbucks miss the co-working boat?
Urwork is currently engaged in a legal battle with New York-based rival WeWork over copyright violations.
Drivemate raises funding
Thai-based car-sharing startup Drivemate has raised a six-digit seed funding from 500 TukTuks and DTAC Accelerate, according to a report by DealStreetAsia.
Drivemate said it now has over 6,000 cars on its platform. It charges a 25 per cent commission fee from car owners and THB 300 (US$9) from renters. Currently, it is generating THB 1.5 million (US$44,900) in monthly revenue.
Drivemate aims to release an app that will allow renters to rent cars with drivers, in the near future.
Gogoprint goes to Singapore
Online printing startup Gogoprint has announced its official launch its Singapore office.
Gogoprint’s Singapore office will be helmed by Laurent De Candido, Managing Director and co-founder at Gogoprint.
“We’re pleased to deepen our commitment to small and medium sized businesses and freelancers in Southeast Asia by expanding into Singapore, a country where we already have thousands of clients. It is one of Asia’s leading hubs for nimble, innovative, on-demand business models, which often struggle with cost effectiveness around going-to-market,” said Candido.
The company uses algorithmic software to instantly manage and pool together small orders, and distributes the cost of printing, allowing small businesses to save significant printing costs. It offers printing of products such as digital booklets, leaflets, flyers, posters, gift vouchers, postcards and stickers.
Currently, Gogoprint has over 3,000 clients in Singapore, including Lazada and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
—
Image Credit: Uber
The post Captain’s Log, Oct 3: Uber loses its Vietnam CEO but inks a partnership with Tokopedia appeared first on e27.