Ride sharing is billion ringgit business, two biggest app providers have both their company’s valued as much as a GDP of some countries. Start-ups like this often after hitting staggering user base and churn revenue (not necessarily profits) at break neck speeds, they look for ways to reach even greater numbers.

The scene has been heating up, Grab and Uber have been competing for voice and market share in this tightly contested space and have now upped the ante with promotions and discounts. Luring customers to use their service in order to record higher tickets and volume is all part of the number game. Since the existence of the modern day metered taxi of over 120 years, no taxi company or driver has offered free coffee or trips for using his/her service. With the advent of technology and ride sharing apps, the status quo has been disrupted and the industry is at the brink of collapse, add these marketing tactics, the fate of taxi’s is as good as dead.

But I digress, David and Goliath in the ride sharing world have been aggressive and will use their might (marketing dollars) to gain stronger position in the region. While Grab is dominating in South East Asia, Uber being the incumbent has been slow to react…in the past. The chase has started with deals the global provider has resources to tap into, and dig deep into the pockets for acquisition, the question is who has a deeper one.

(Uber is offering a one day promotion 12th January where three users (and partner) stand a chance to fly to Barcelona and watch FC Barca play 2 days later.)