Ola ceases operations in UK, Australian, and New Zealand markets

Indian ride-hailing service provider Ola is exiting from the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The move comes nearly six years after it launched its services in these three markets.

“Our ride hailing business is growing rapidly, and we remain profitable and segment leaders in India. The future of mobility is electric - not just in personal mobility, but also for the ride-hailing business and there is immense opportunity for expansion in India,” an Ola spokesperson said in a statement.

“With this clear focus, we’ve reassessed our priorities and have decided to shut down our overseas ride-hailing business in its current form in the UK, Australia and New Zealand…,” the spokesperson added.

Ola’s move is likely due to its shift in attention towards launching an initial public offering (IPO) for its electric vehicle arm, Ola Electric. In December 2023, Ola Electric filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Security Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for the IPO to raise Rs 5,500 crore ($660 million approximately).

As per the company, it will utilize the primary proceeds for the expansion of the capacity of its cell manufacturing plant, repayment or pre-payment of the indebtedness, investment into research and product development, and general corporate purposes.

Ola is among the few local ride-hailing companies that compete with Uber in the Indian market. The homegrown company is heavily funded too, and counts the likes of Bessemer Venture Partners, Temasek, and Accel as its marquee investors. Moreover, the IPO-bound electric vehicle arm recently raised 410 crore (approximately $50 million) via non-convertible debentures from EvolutionX.

Meanwhile, Uber India witnessed a 54.46% increase in its revenue which crossed Rs 2,600 Cr during the fiscal year ending March 2023 but the firm’s losses rose 57% during the same period. Its overall expenditure stood at Rs 3,146 crore in FY23 as compared to Rs 2,146 crore in FY22.