Trending Now - Uber Expands Elite Service With Acquisition of Blacklane

WHO:

Engadget - Jens Wohltorf is the founder and CEO of Blacklane.

TechCrunch - Uber Technologies Inc. is acquiring Blacklane, a Berlin-based startup.

Techmeme - Blacklane is a chauffeur booking app.

WHAT:

Engadget - Blacklane currently operates in at least 500 cities across more than 60 countries.

Engadget - Blacklane offers services including long-distance rides from city to city, airport pickup with flight tracking, and by-the-hour bookings.

TechCrunch - Uber is buying Blacklane to enhance its Uber Elite service.

Techmeme - The acquisition is for an undisclosed sum.

WHERE:

TechCrunch - The acquisition involves a Berlin-based company, Blacklane.

WHEN:

Engadget - The acquisition deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of 2026.

Techmeme - The acquisition is set to close by the end of 2026.

WHY:

Engadget - Jens Wohltorf stated that the partnership marks a significant milestone in Blacklane’s next chapter and is a powerful step-change in introducing their service to new markets globally.

TechCrunch - The acquisition aims to court a high-end clientele for Uber's Elite offering.

HOW:

Engadget - Uber's acquisition of Blacklane follows the launch of Uber Elite as an invite-only service for its luxury ride experience.

TechCrunch - Blacklane has raised more than $100 million from investors including Mercedes-Benz and Sixt.

(UPDATED March 30, 2026 17:19 UTC)

Uber is set to acquire Blacklane, a company founded and led by Jens Wohltorf, which operates in over 500 cities across more than 60 countries. Blacklane offers a range of services, including long-distance rides, airport pickups with flight tracking, and by-the-hour bookings, and this acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Wohltorf described the partnership as a significant milestone for Blacklane, paving the way for their services to reach new markets globally.

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(UPDATED March 30, 2026 15:20 UTC)

Uber Technologies Inc. is acquiring Blacklane, a Berlin-based chauffeur booking app, to enhance its Uber Elite service and attract a high-end clientele. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is expected to close by the end of 2026. Blacklane has raised over $100 million from notable investors, including Mercedes-Benz and Sixt.