Uber has bought San Jose-based mapping service deCarta, a move that could build up the in-house mapping capabilities the global ride-hailing giant needs to become less dependent on Google Maps to connect riders with drivers.
Uber confirmed the acquisition in an email Tuesday to the Mercury News. The acquisition is Uber s first to become publicly known since the smartphone app-based taxi service was founded in San Francisco in 2009.
Kim Fennell, deCarta s CEO and president since 2004, was not immediately available for comment late Tuesday afternoon but was seen addressing a staff meeting at his company s office in downtown San Jose.
A lot of the functionality that makes the Uber app so reliable, affordable and seamless is based on mapping technologies, Uber said in a written statement. With the acquisition of deCarta, we will continue to fine-tune our products and services that rely on maps.
Uber said it would also continue to use a blend of its own mapping technologies and others, such as those developed by Google and Apple.
Above: Mapping company deCarta s lobby in San Jose on March 3, 2015. (Photo by Matt O Brien)
