Uber Might Acquire Engineering Team From Car Valet Startup Luxe
According to Fortune Magazine, Uber interviewed employees of Luxe’s 60-person staff last week to determine who would join the company as part of the “acquihire.” Last year, Uber acquired AI startup Geometric Intelligence for an undisclosed amount and autonomous transportation company Otto for $680 million.
Luxe, a four-year-old, San Francisco-based startup, has an app that allows users to request valets who would park their car at a discount.
Despite the fact that it’s raised more than $75 million in venture funding from investors, including Hertz, Venrock and GV, Luxe seems to be struggling. This year, the company closed its Seattle auto operations and “paused” its service in Los Angeles and Austin, which led to layoffs.
Though terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed, it’s been reported that Luxe would only sell portions of the business and retain its brand. However, sources say that Uber might not be the company’s only suitor.