Uber is acquiring Blacklane, the Berlin-based premium ride-hailing startup, in a move that signals the ride-hailing giant’s intent to dominate the luxury and business travel segment across Europe and beyond.

The deal, announced March 30, 2026, puts Uber squarely in the driver’s seat of the continent’s high-end mobility market. Blacklane, founded in 2011, has built a reputation for reliable, upscale chauffeur services and operates in over 50 countries. The company has raised more than $100 million from heavyweight backers, including Mercedes-Benz and Sixt.

Why Uber Wants Blacklane

This isn’t just about adding another fleet. Uber is after Blacklane’s deep relationships with business travelers, its premium service DNA, and its technology stack. Blacklane’s focus on quality, discretion, and international reach gives Uber a fast track into a segment that’s less price-sensitive and more loyal than standard ride-hailing users.

Uber’s ‘Elite’ offering—targeting corporate clients and luxury travelers—has been a strategic growth area as the company looks to diversify beyond its core ride-hailing business. Integrating Blacklane’s services and tech will allow Uber to deliver a more consistent, high-touch experience for premium customers, both in Europe and globally.

Consolidation and the Premium Play

The acquisition underscores a wider trend: consolidation in the mobility sector, especially as global players chase differentiated, higher-margin segments. According to TechCrunch, Blacklane’s exit is one of the most notable in the European mobility startup scene in recent years, especially given its strong automotive industry ties.

"Premium mobility is increasingly where the margins are," says an industry analyst. "Uber’s move is about owning that space before someone else does."

Blacklane’s investor roster—Mercedes-Benz, Sixt, and other mobility incumbents—reflects the growing convergence between traditional automotive and digital platforms. For Uber, it’s not just about buying market share; it’s about acquiring credibility and operational know-how in a segment where trust and service quality are non-negotiable.

What’s Next for Uber and Blacklane

Uber plans to integrate Blacklane’s team, services, and technology into its global platform. That means business travelers booking an Uber Elite in London, Paris, or Berlin could soon be riding in a Blacklane vehicle—complete with professional chauffeurs, guaranteed vehicle quality, and a seamless digital experience.

For Blacklane, this is a rare European mobility exit of scale. The company’s $100 million-plus in funding and global footprint made it a standout, but the path to profitability in luxury ride-hailing is notoriously tough. Uber’s global reach and resources could finally unlock the scale Blacklane’s model needs.

Signals for the Mobility Market

• Premium is hot: As standard ride-hailing gets commoditized, the real growth—and margins—are in differentiated, high-end experiences.
• Automotive giants want in: Blacklane’s backers show that carmakers and rental giants see digital mobility as a must-have, not a nice-to-have.
• Europe’s startup ecosystem delivers exits: Despite a tough funding climate, Blacklane’s sale is a win for European mobility founders and investors.

What to Watch

This deal sets a new bar for premium mobility in Europe. Expect rivals—both ride-hailing and traditional automotive—to respond, either with acquisitions or by doubling down on their own luxury offerings. The integration will be a test: Uber needs to prove it can maintain Blacklane’s service standards at scale, without diluting the brand.

For Uber, the message is clear: premium mobility is no longer a side bet—it’s central to the platform’s next phase of growth. Watch for more deals, more partnerships, and a sharper focus on business and luxury travel as the sector matures.