Breaking news

Uber Moves Into Parking Services With SpotHero Deal

Uber Technologies is set to acquire parking reservation platform SpotHero, expanding its mobility services beyond ride-hailing and delivery. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal reflects Uber’s strategy to integrate additional transportation-related services into a single app experience.

Enhancing The Urban Mobility Experience

Uber plans to embed a “parking reservation experience, powered by SpotHero” directly into its existing platform. This initiative aims to simplify the parking process for users attending events, visiting airports, and navigating bustling downtown areas. In a statement, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi explained, “For the moments when people do choose to drive, SpotHero on the Uber app will make the experience easier than ever, and bring more people into the Uber ecosystem.”

Financial And Competitive Landscape

The acquisition follows Uber’s recent quarterly results, which showed stronger-than-expected revenue supported by growth in delivery services, including groceries and retail. At the same time, the company issued softer profit guidance for the current period, which briefly pressured its share price. Uber’s market capitalisation remains significantly higher than that of competitors such as Lyft, reflecting its broader diversification strategy.

Corporate Synergies And Market Prospects

Founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, SpotHero provides access to more than 13,000 parking locations across over 400 cities in North America. The company raised $50 million in funding in 2019, led by Macquarie Capital. SpotHero CEO Mark Lawrence said the partnership with Uber is expected to expand the platform’s reach and integrate parking more closely into everyday mobility planning.

Looking Ahead

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first half of the year. The addition of parking services expands Uber’s mobility offering as the company continues to build a broader transportation platform.

Global Investment Migration: Leading Residence And Citizenship Programs For 2026

European Dominance Challenged By Global Contenders

The 2026 edition of the Henley & Partners Residence and Citizenship Programs report shows increasing competition in the investment migration market. European programs, traditionally seen as the global benchmark, are now facing stronger competition from jurisdictions in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean as countries expand offerings aimed at attracting capital and internationally mobile investors.

New Entrants And Rapid Climbers Reshape The Landscape

Malta remains ranked first in the Global Citizenship Program Index for the 11th consecutive year, while Greece retains the top position in the Global Residence Program Index. At the same time, several jurisdictions improved their standings. The UAE moved from fifth to a joint second position, entering the top three for the first time. Countries including Costa Rica, New Zealand, Panama, and Singapore also gained ground, while Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives appeared as new entrants.

Competing For Capital And Global Talent

Governments increasingly use residence and citizenship frameworks as tools to attract foreign investment and entrepreneurial talent. According to Henley & Partners Chairman Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Europe remains a strong player, but countries such as Singapore and the UAE are accelerating reforms to strengthen their appeal to globally mobile investors.

Established Leaders And Agile Newcomers In Citizenship Programs

The Global Citizenship Program Index continues to be led by established programs. Malta’s citizenship-by-merit framework scored 77 points, maintaining its leading position, while Austria followed with a highly selective model. Programs in Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Nauru also received strong rankings. New entrants such as São Tomé and Príncipe and Samoa reflect a broader expansion of citizenship-based offerings.

European Consolidation And Emerging Residence Hubs

In the residence category, Greece remains first, supported by EU access and lifestyle advantages. Italy, Switzerland, and the UAE continue to compete closely, combining tax efficiency with investor-oriented policies. Portugal and Australia maintain strong positions, while Uruguay is emerging as a stable option with growing international interest.

Performance Metrics And Strategic Advantages

Both indexes evaluate 40 programs across factors including reputation, quality of life, compliance standards, investment requirements, and tax considerations. Austria and Malta scored strongly on program quality, while the UAE ranked highly in lifestyle and tax competitiveness. The rankings highlight how jurisdictions are positioning themselves to attract globally mobile capital.

Wealth On The Move

The report points to a broader shift in global wealth mobility. According to Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, investors increasingly prioritize stability, transparency, and clear long-term pathways when choosing residence or citizenship options.

As global uncertainty persists, residence and citizenship programs are increasingly viewed not only as investment tools but as strategic instruments for long-term mobility and risk diversification.

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