Grab vs. Uber vs. Go-Jek: Digital Platform-based International Competition in South East Asia

Grab, Uber and Go-Jek compete in ride-hailing and related logistics and transport services (e.g., food delivery, courier service) across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. The case focuses on differences in company history and strategy, and how they shape the competition and ultimately performance differentials. The goal is to illustrate the dynamics of platform-based competition across a region. Issues covered include network effects, achieving scale, one-country focus versus expansion in an interconnected region, technological standardization versus localization, mutual forbearance and real options across product features and market geographies, and how equity ownership and control drive consolidation in platform ecosystems.

The case offers lessons in digital entrepreneurship, platform competition, network effects, internationalization strategy, technology standards, mutual forbearance, real options, market consolidation, and equity ownership and control.