Uber definitely has some advantages vis-a-vis competitors, because there is a brand and networking effect at play. Everyone knows about Uber, nobody knows anyt

Uber definitely has some advantages vis-a-vis competitors, because there is a brand and networking effect at play. Everyone knows about Uber, nobody knows anything about that 'local startup'. The real competitor is obviously regular cabs. There is always a cab when I need one in Montreal, I don't care about Uber really. The bit about 'regional profitiability' is valid. I'm suspicious that Uber is running profitably in the US. That said, I'll bet the absolutely could if they wanted to ... but they spend a lot on aggressive tactics/marketing. If they had to 'stop growth' and 'just be a US' company right now - they'd have to lay off, downround etc.. Sure - they'd have screwed over later investors, but that's the point no? The loser in all of this is the later stage dumb money. Mostly everyone else wins.