This case explores the changes wrought by the “sharing economy”, examining the innovations and controversies surrounding the online ride-hailing service Uber. It provides a unique overview of the challenges posed by new business models like Uber’s, which use the internet to link individual providers of goods and services to customers.

BlaBlaCar, Europe’s foremost ride sharing company, was founded by Frederic in 2006. An online market place where drivers “sell” seats in their cars for long distance rides, it allowed the drivers to cover their motoring costs and passengers access to cheaper travel.