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Why is this a "surprise move" by Travis? It sounds like he was granted this power and now people are shocked he used it?

hkmurakami 9y ago
I suppose it's because the power is in question, and is being challenged in court by Benchmark as we speak.
- JumpCrisscross 9y ago
  Independent of social mores, I kind of see the strategic logic. If Benchmark defeats him in court, this power is null and the action undone. (The cost: he makes it slightly harder to do his next thing. Maybe.) If Benchmark fails, this is a solid backdoor power move. Between the binaries, this could influence Benchmark's willingness to settle (or sell). He’s doubling down.
  - LrnByTeach 9y ago
    Yes Board & Benchmark are getting ready to clip Kalanick wings, he is not going to gain anything by staying silent . > If Benchmark defeats him in court, this power is null and the action undone. > If Benchmark fails to defat him in court, this further ensconces his unofficial power. > Between the binaries, this power move could very well influence Benchmark's willingness to settle (or sell).
brians 9y ago
He’s a young man with a future to think about. Using all the powers you have can offend some people, some of whom are in a position to help or hinder your future efforts for decades to come. If this works, it’ll be Jobsian brilliance. If, as more likely, not—then expect his life to get harder.
- redm 9y ago
  I worked with Travis in 2002 and he didn't get where he is by not offending people. He plays hard all the time.
- SeanDav 9y ago
  > "...then expect his life to get harder." Poor guy might be out of a job, would just have to get by with his few paltry billions. (I know what you are trying to say, but no-one makes billions without being smart, lucky and willing to take a chance)
- moonka 9y ago
  If things go poorly I imagine within a year he'll find no hinderance. A guy like him will get lots of second chances.
ballenf 9y ago
Benchmark claims that Travis agreed not to exercise the authority as part of the resignation ordeal. This is mentioned in the article in passing. I'd guess that being sued by them changed his perspective on the deal, assuming it existed.

hkmurakami 9y ago

I suppose it's because the power is in question, and is being challenged in court by Benchmark as we speak.

JumpCrisscross 9y ago
Independent of social mores, I kind of see the strategic logic. If Benchmark defeats him in court, this power is null and the action undone. (The cost: he makes it slightly harder to do his next thing. Maybe.) If Benchmark fails, this is a solid backdoor power move. Between the binaries, this could influence Benchmark's willingness to settle (or sell). He’s doubling down.
- LrnByTeach 9y ago
  Yes Board & Benchmark are getting ready to clip Kalanick wings, he is not going to gain anything by staying silent . > If Benchmark defeats him in court, this power is null and the action undone. > If Benchmark fails to defat him in court, this further ensconces his unofficial power. > Between the binaries, this power move could very well influence Benchmark's willingness to settle (or sell).

brians 9y ago

He’s a young man with a future to think about. Using all the powers you have can offend some people, some of whom are in a position to help or hinder your future efforts for decades to come. If this works, it’ll be Jobsian brilliance. If, as more likely, not—then expect his life to get harder.

redm 9y ago
I worked with Travis in 2002 and he didn't get where he is by not offending people. He plays hard all the time.
SeanDav 9y ago
> "...then expect his life to get harder." Poor guy might be out of a job, would just have to get by with his few paltry billions. (I know what you are trying to say, but no-one makes billions without being smart, lucky and willing to take a chance)
moonka 9y ago
If things go poorly I imagine within a year he'll find no hinderance. A guy like him will get lots of second chances.

ballenf 9y ago

Benchmark claims that Travis agreed not to exercise the authority as part of the resignation ordeal. This is mentioned in the article in passing. I'd guess that being sued by them changed his perspective on the deal, assuming it existed.