Uber says co-founder Travis Kalanick to leave company’s board

NEW YORK — One of the founders of dominant ride-hailing service Uber, Travis Kalanick, will exit the company at the end of the year, the company said on Tuesday.

Kalanick, who was pushed out as chief executive in 2017 over various controversies, will sever his final ties to the company, resigning from the board of directors effective December 31 "to focus on his new business and philanthropic endeavors", Uber said in a statement.

"Uber has been a part of my life for the past 10 years. At the close of the decade, and with the company now public, it seems like the right moment for me to focus on my current business and philanthropic pursuits," Kalanick said.

In March 2018, Kalanick announced the creation of a new investment vehicle, 10100, that will focus on both for-profit and non-profit ventures. The key areas of focus for the fund include real estate, e-commerce and innovation in China and India.

Kalanick and fellow Uber co-founder Garrett Camp got the idea for Uber while visiting Paris in December 2008 when they were unable to find a taxi.

UberCab launched in July 2010 in San Francisco. The company name was shortened in October to Uber.

Board Chairperson Ron Sugar thanked Kalanick for "his unique expertise, honed over 10 years building Uber from a scrappy startup into the global public company".

Kalanick resigned from Uber in June 2017 amid heavy pressure following a series of disturbing reports about a cutthroat workplace culture, harassment, discrimination and questionable business tactics to thwart rivals.

Uber shares have fallen more than 25 per cent since the company went public in May amid questions over its long-term profitability prospects.

Shares rose 1.1 per cent to $30.67 in morning trading on Tuesday.