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{{short description|Indian ride-hailing company}}
{{short description|Indian ride-hailing and mobility company}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2025}}
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  |title_mode = replace
  |title_mode = replace
  |title = {{PAGENAME}} Wiki
  |title = Ola Consumer Wiki - Founders, Funding, Revenue, Business Model & Competitors
  |keywords = {{PAGENAME}}, online cab, cab booking, taxi booking, bike taxis
  |keywords = Ola Consumer, Ola Cabs, ride-hailing, mobility platform, Bhavish Aggarwal, Ankit Bhati, Ola Electric, transportation services
  |description = Founded in 2010, Ola is a major mobility platform in India and one of the world's largest ride-hailing companies.
  |description = Founded in 2010, Ola Consumer is India's leading ride-hailing platform, connecting customers with drivers for cabs, auto-rickshaws, and bikes.
  |image = [[File:Ola-logo.svg]]
  |image = Ola-logo.svg
  |image_alt = {{PAGENAME}} Logo
  |image_alt = Ola Consumer Logo
  |site_name = {{PAGENAME}} Wiki
  |site_name = Ola Consumer Wiki
  |locale = en_EN
  |locale = en_EN
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'''Ola Consumer''', formerly '''Ola Cabs''', is an Indian [[ride-hailing]] company operated by '''ANI Technologies Private Limited''', headquartered in [[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka]]. Founded on December 3, 2010, by [[Bhavish Aggarwal]] and [[Ankit Bhati]], both alumni of [[IIT Bombay]], Ola started as a cab aggregation platform and has since diversified into [[auto-rickshaw]] and [[bike taxi]] bookings, [[food delivery]] through cloud kitchens, and [[financial services]] like micro-insurance and credit payments. Ola operates in over 250 Indian cities with a network of 2.5 million driver-partners and holds a 60% market share in India’s ride-hailing sector as of 2014.<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-02-14 |title=Ola Success Story - Funding, Founders, Team, Revenue and More |url=https://startuptalky.com/ola-success-story/ |website=StartupTalky |publisher=StartupTalky |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref> It competes primarily with [[Uber India]], [[Rapido (company)|Rapido]], and [[Meru Cabs]]. In August 2024, Ola Cabs rebranded to Ola Consumer to reflect its broader service offerings.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-08-15 |title=Ola Cabs Rebranded To Ola Consumer; Ride-Sharing Service Ola Share Relaunched |url=https://inc42.com/buzz/ola-cabs-rebranded-to-ola-consumer-ride-sharing-service-ola-share-relaunched/ |website=Inc42 |publisher=Inc42 Media |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref>
'''Ola Consumer''', formerly known as '''Ola Cabs''', is an Indian [[ride-hailing]] company headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Founded in 2010 by [[Bhavish Aggarwal]] and [[Ankit Bhati]], it operates as a technology-driven mobility platform, connecting customers with driver-partners across 250+ cities in India. The company offers a range of services, including cabs, auto-rickshaws, bikes, and electric mobility through its subsidiary, [[Ola Electric]]. Ola's platform facilitates seamless bookings via its mobile app and website, integrating features like real-time tracking, digital payments, and subscription-based services. With a network of over 2.5 million driver-partners, Ola holds a significant market share in India's ride-hailing industry. The company has diversified into financial services, food delivery, and cloud kitchens, aiming to build an integrated mobility ecosystem.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>


== History ==
== Founders & Leadership ==
Ola’s origins trace back to Bhavish Aggarwal’s frustrating experience with a taxi driver in 2009, prompting him to launch Olatrip.com, a trip-planning service, in 2010. Recognizing the demand for on-demand cabs, Aggarwal and Bhati pivoted to found Ola Cabs in January 2011, starting with phone-based bookings.<ref>{{cite web |date=2014-12-02 |title=The OlaCabs Story |url=https://www.letsintern.com/learning-centre/the-olacabs-story/ |website=LetsIntern |publisher=LetsIntern |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref> The company launched its mobile app in June 2012, enabling real-time cab bookings.<ref>{{cite web |date=2012-06-13 |title=Olacabs Offers Real-Time Cab Booking On Mobile; Single Click; Our Take |url=https://www.medianama.com/2012/06/223-olacabs-offers-real-time-cab-booking-on-mobile-single-click-our-take/ |website=MediaNama |publisher=MediaNama |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref> By 2015, Ola held the largest market share, surpassing [[TaxiForSure]], [[Meru Cabs]], and [[Uber India]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2015-08-12 |title=How Ola and Uber are making other taxi companies irrelevant in India |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/features/ola-uber-making-taxi-companies-irrelevant/story/222346.html |website=Business Today |publisher=India Today Group |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref>
* '''Bhavish Aggarwal''' (Co-Founder and [[Chief Executive Officer|CEO]]): A graduate of [[Indian Institute of Technology Bombay|IIT Bombay]] with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, Aggarwal founded Ola after a challenging cab rental experience. Before Ola, he worked at [[Microsoft Research]] for two years, filing two patents and publishing three academic papers. He leads Ola's strategic vision and expansion into electric mobility and financial services.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bhavish Aggarwal: Education | Personal Life | Success Story |website=startuptalky.com |date=2025-02-14 |url=https://startuptalky.com/bhavish-aggarwal/ |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
* '''Ankit Bhati''' (Co-Founder): Also an [[IIT Bombay]] alumnus with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bhati co-founded Ola with Aggarwal. He played a key role in developing Ola's technology platform and operational framework before transitioning to advisory roles. Bhati has also co-founded other ventures like EventEdge.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Success Story - Funding, Founders, Team, Revenue and More |website=startuptalky.com |date=2025-02-14 |url=https://startuptalky.com/ola-success-story/ |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>


Ola expanded through acquisitions, including [[TaxiForSure]] in 2015 for {{INR}}1,237 crore (US$200 million) and [[Foodpanda India]] in 2017 for food delivery.<ref>{{cite web |date=2015-03-03 |title=Ola buys TaxiForSure for Rs 1,237 crore in a cash-and-stock deal |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/ola-buys-taxiforsure-for-rs-1237-crore-in-a-cash-and-stock-deal/articleshow/46440678.cms |website=The Economic Times |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2017-12-18 |title=Uber rival Ola buys Foodpanda India to get into food deliveries |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/12/18/uber-rival-ola-buys-foodpanda-india-to-get-into-food-deliveries/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL Inc. |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref> It ventured internationally, launching in [[Australia]] (2018), [[New Zealand]] (2018), and the [[United Kingdom]] (2019), but exited these markets in April 2024 to focus on India.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-04-09 |title=Ola Cabs to exit international markets this month |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/ola-cabs-to-exit-international-markets-this-month/articleshow/109167789.cms |website=The Economic Times |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref> In 2020, Ola laid off 5,000 employees due to a 95% revenue drop during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2020-05-20 |title=Ola Cabs lays off 5,000 employees amid COVID-19 revenue slump |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/ola-cabs-lays-off-5-000-employees-amid-covid-19-revenue-slump-11589987654321.html |website=Livemint |publisher=HT Media |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref>
== Origin & Founding Story ==
[[File:Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati.jpeg|right|thumb|250px|Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, the founders of Ola Consumer]]
Ola was founded in December 2010 by [[Bhavish Aggarwal]] and [[Ankit Bhati]], two [[IIT Bombay]] graduates, in Mumbai, India. Initially launched as Olatrip.com, a trip-planning platform, the duo pivoted to ride-hailing after Aggarwal faced an unreliable cab experience during a trip from Bangalore to Bandipur. Recognizing the potential to streamline transportation using technology, they launched Ola Cabs in January 2011 as a taxi aggregation service, initially offering bookings via phone calls. The introduction of a mobile app in June 2012 marked a significant shift, enabling seamless ride-hailing services. Ola's focus on affordability, accessibility, and technology-driven solutions helped it gain traction, expanding to over 100 cities by 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Business Model - How Ola Makes Money? |website=businessmodelanalyst.com |date=2024-08-07 |url=https://businessmodelanalyst.com/ola-business-model/ |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>


== Business Model ==
== Timeline ==
Ola operates a technology platform connecting customers with drivers for [[ride-hailing]], [[auto-rickshaw]], and [[bike taxi]] services. Its app, available on [[Android]], [[iOS]], and [[Windows]], supports bookings for city taxis, outstation travel, and hourly rentals.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-08-21 |title=Book Cabs Nearby at Best Price |url=https://www.olacabs.com/ |website=OlaCabs |publisher=ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd. |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref> Ola offers services like [[Ola Play]] (in-cab entertainment), [[Ola Select]] (subscription-based premium rides), and [[Ola Corporate]] for business travel.<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-02-14 |title=Ola Success Story - Funding, Founders, Team, Revenue and More |url=https://startuptalky.com/ola-success-story/ |website=StartupTalky |publisher=StartupTalky |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref> It also runs [[Ola Foods]], operating over 50 cloud kitchens, and [[Ola Financial Services]] for micro-insurance and credit-led payments.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-01-10 |title=Ola Cabs Parent ANI Tech’s FY23 Revenue Crosses INR 2,500 Cr Mark, Loss Declines To INR 772 Cr |url=https://inc42.com/buzz/ola-cabs-parent-ani-techs-fy23-revenue-crosses-inr-2500-cr-mark-loss-declines-to-inr-772-cr/ |website=Inc42 |publisher=Inc42 Media |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
! Year !! Milestone
|-
| 2010 || Ola founded as Olatrip.com by Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati in Mumbai.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2011 || Launched Ola Cabs, a taxi aggregation service; raised $500,000 from angel investors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Business Model |website=buildd.co |date=2024-08-07 |url=https://buildd.co/ola-business-model |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2012 || Introduced mobile app for ride-hailing services.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2014 || Expanded to auto-rickshaw services in Bengaluru; reached 100+ cities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2015 || Acquired TaxiForSure for ₹1,237 crore; became app-only service.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2017 || Acquired Foodpanda India to enter food delivery.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2018 || Expanded to Australia, New Zealand, and the UK; acquired Ridlr.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2020 || Reported first operating profit of ₹90 crore.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2021 || Launched Ola Electric’s S1 Series electric scooters.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Electric - 2025 Company Profile |website=tracxn.com |date=2025-04-30 |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/ola-electric |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2024 || Exited international markets to focus on India; rebranded to Ola Consumer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
|}


== Funding ==
== Funding ==
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|}
|}


== Legal Entity Details ==
== Business Model ==
Ola operates under '''ANI Technologies Private Limited''', a private limited company incorporated in [[India]]. Below is a table summarizing key legal entity details:<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-03-15 |title=Ola - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/ola/__XyZ3kF9g2JzvWKBqGKBjMwnD7IuQ8oKxdkO2Ay8Xs |website=Tracxn |publisher=Tracxn Technologies Limited |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2024-01-10 |title=Ola Cabs Parent ANI Tech’s FY23 Revenue Crosses INR 2,500 Cr Mark, Loss Declines To INR 772 Cr |url=https://inc42.com/buzz/ola-cabs-parent-ani-techs-fy23-revenue-crosses-inr-2500-cr-mark-loss-declines-to-inr-772-cr/ |website=Inc42 |publisher=Inc42 Media |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref>
Ola operates a [[two-sided platform]] model, connecting customers seeking transportation with driver-partners through its mobile app and website. The company generates revenue primarily through commissions (15–20%) on each ride, calculated based on base fare, distance, ride time, and dynamic pricing during peak hours.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Business Model - How Ola Makes Money? |website=businessmodelanalyst.com |date=2024-08-07 |url=https://businessmodelanalyst.com/ola-business-model/ |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref> Additional revenue streams include cab leasing fees, subscription-based services like Ola Select, in-cab advertisements, and corporate partnerships.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Business Model |website=whitelabelfox.com |date=2023-06-28 |url=https://whitelabelfox.com/ola-business-model/ |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref> Ola Money, a digital wallet, facilitates cashless payments and earns transaction fees. The company targets diverse customer segments, including daily commuters, business travelers, and corporates, offering services like cabs, auto-rickshaws, bikes, and outstation rentals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Success Story |website=startuptalky.com |date=2025-02-14 |url=https://startuptalky.com/ola-success-story/ |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
 
== Products / Services ==
* '''Ride-Hailing''': Includes cabs (Mini, Prime, Sedan), auto-rickshaws, and bikes, bookable via the Ola app.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
* '''Ola Electric''': Manufactures and sells electric scooters (S1 Series) and operates a Battery-as-a-Service model.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Electric - 2025 Company Profile |website=tracxn.com |date=2025-04-30 |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/ola-electric |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
* '''Ola Money''': A digital wallet for cashless payments across Ola services and partner vendors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Business Model |website=whitelabelfox.com |date=2023-06-28 |url=https://whitelabelfox.com/ola-business-model/ |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
* '''Ola Foods''': Operates cloud kitchens, including the Khichdi Experiment, in six cities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
* '''Ola Select''': A subscription-based service offering premium ride benefits.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Success Story |website=startuptalky.com |date=2025-02-14 |url=https://startuptalky.com/ola-success-story/ |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
* '''Ola Corporate''': Provides transportation solutions for corporate employees.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Success Story |website=startuptalky.com |date=2025-02-14 |url=https://startuptalky.com/ola-success-story/ |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
 
== Growth & Metrics ==
As of 2023, Ola has 150 million active users globally and operates in over 250 cities in India, serving over 1 billion rides annually.<ref>{{cite web |title=Analyzing The Business Model Of Ola In Detailing 2024 |website=iide.co |date=2025-01-14 |url=https://iide.co/ola-business-model/ |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref> The company reported a revenue of ₹2,200 crore in FY2024 and a profit of ₹90 crore in FY2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola - 2025 Company Profile |website=tracxn.com |date=2025-05-20 |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/ola |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref> Ola employs 8,000 staff and has a network of over 2.5 million driver-partners.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Success Story |website=toflr.in |date=2023-07-02 |url=https://www.tofler.in/blog/ola-success-story |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref> Its valuation reached $2 billion in November 2024, down from a peak of $7.3 billion in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vanguard slashes Ola's valuation to $1.9 billion |work=CNBC-TV18 |date=2025-05-09 |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/vanguard-ola-valuation |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>


== Legal Entity Information ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
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== Acquisitions and Investments ==
== Acquisitions and Investments ==
Ola has pursued strategic acquisitions and investments:
* '''Acquisitions''':
* [[TaxiForSure]] (2015) – Acquired for {{INR}}1,237 crore (US$200 million) to expand ride-hailing.<ref>{{cite web |date=2015-03-03 |title=Ola buys TaxiForSure for Rs 1,237 crore in a cash-and-stock deal |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/ola-buys-taxiforsure-for-rs-1237-crore-in-a-cash-and-stock-deal/articleshow/46440678.cms |website=The Economic Times |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref>
** [[TaxiForSure]] (March 2015, ₹1,237 crore)
* Geotagg (2015) – Trip-planning app acquired for an undisclosed sum.
** [[Geotagg]] (November 2015, undisclosed)
* [[Foodpanda]] India (2017) – Acquired to enter food delivery.<ref>{{cite web |date=2017-12-18 |title=Uber rival Ola buys Foodpanda India to get into food deliveries |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/12/18/uber-rival-ola-buys-foodpanda-india-to-get-into-food-deliveries/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL Inc. |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref>
** [[Foodpanda India]] (December 2017, undisclosed)
* Ridlr (2018) – Public transport ticketing app acquired to enhance mobility services.<ref>{{cite web |date=2018-04-03 |title=Ola Acquires Mumbai-based Public Transport Ticketing App Ridlr |url=https://indianweb2.com/2018/04/03/ola-acquires-mumbai-based-public-transport-ticketing-app-ridlr/ |website=IndianWeb2 |publisher=IndianWeb2 |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref>
** [[Ridlr]] (April 2018, undisclosed)
* Vogo (2018) – Invested US$100 million in the scooter rental startup.<ref>{{cite web |date=2018-12-18 |title=Ola, Uber’s India rival, invests $100M in scooter rental startup Vogo |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/12/18/ola-uber-india-rival-invests-100m-in-scooter-rental-startup-vogo/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL Inc. |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref>
** [[Avail Finance]] (2022, undisclosed)
** [[GeoSpoc]] (2022, undisclosed)<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola - 2025 Company Profile |website=tracxn.com |date=2025-05-20 |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/ola |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
* '''Investments''':
** [[Vogo]] (August 2018, $100 million)<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>


== Market Position and Competitors ==
== Media & Public Recognition ==
Ola Consumer holds a 60% market share in India’s ride-hailing market (2014 data), competing with [[Uber India]], [[Rapido (company)|Rapido]], and [[Meru Cabs]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-02-14 |title=Ola Success Story - Funding, Founders, Team, Revenue and More |url=https://startuptalky.com/ola-success-story/ |website=StartupTalky |publisher=StartupTalky |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref> Its diversified offerings, including [[Ola Electric]]’s 6% stake and [[Ola Foods]]’ cloud kitchens, strengthen its position.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-01-10 |title=Ola Cabs Parent ANI Tech’s FY23 Revenue Crosses INR 2,500 Cr Mark, Loss Declines To INR 772 Cr |url=https://inc42.com/buzz/ola-cabs-parent-ani-techs-fy23-revenue-crosses-inr-2500-cr-mark-loss-declines-to-inr-772-cr/ |website=Inc42 |publisher=Inc42 Media |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref>
Ola has been featured in over 82 media events in the past year, with 44 focused on company updates.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola - 2025 Company Profile |website=tracxn.com |date=2025-05-20 |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/ola |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref> Bhavish Aggarwal was named in [[Fortune India]]'s 40 Under 40 list in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fortune India 40 Under 40 |work=Fortune India |date=2019-09-10 |url=https://www.fortuneindia.com/40-under-40 |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref> The company received the "Startup of the Year" award at the Economic Times Startup Awards in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ola Wins Startup of the Year |work=The Economic Times |date=2016-08-20 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ola-startup-award |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref> Ola's shift to Ola Maps from Google Maps in 2024 garnered significant attention.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ola Cabs Parts Ways with Google Maps |work=The Hindu |date=2024-07-13 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/ola-maps-switch |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>


== Challenges ==
== FAQs ==
Ola has faced criticism for technology glitches, including a 2016 privacy breach exposing customer data and a 2020 glitch sending false booking notifications.<ref>{{cite web |date=2015-09-01 |title=Ola leaked its customers data, claims user; company blames manual error |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/ola-leaked-its-customers-data-claims-user-company-blames-manual-error/ |website=The Indian Express |publisher=Indian Express Group |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2021-01-20 |title=Technical Glitch: Ola App Sends False Booking Notifications To Users |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/363456 |website=Entrepreneur |publisher=Entrepreneur Media |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref> Drivers have raised concerns about low earnings, and a 2024 advertisement was pulled after backlash for perceived sexism.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-05-08 |title=Ola Cabs' new 'sexist' ad pulled down after public outrage |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/ola-cabs-new-sexist-ad-pulled-down-after-public-outrage/articleshow/109945678.cms |website=The Times of India |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |access-date=2025-04-18}}</ref> Regulatory scrutiny over [[surge pricing]] and driver credibility has also posed challenges.
;'''What is Ola Consumer?'''
:Ola Consumer, formerly Ola Cabs, is an Indian ride-hailing platform offering transportation services like cabs, auto-rickshaws, and bikes, alongside electric mobility, financial services, and food delivery.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
;'''Who founded Ola?'''
:Ola was founded by Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati in December 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Success Story |website=startuptalky.com |date=2025-02-14 |url=https://startuptalky.com/ola-success-story/ |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
;'''What is Ola's primary revenue source?'''
:Ola primarily earns revenue through commissions (15–20%) on rides booked via its platform.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Business Model - How Ola Makes Money? |website=businessmodelanalyst.com |date=2024-08-07 |url=https://businessmodelanalyst.com/ola-business-model/ |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>
;'''Does Ola operate internationally?'''
:Ola exited international markets (Australia, New Zealand, UK) in April 2024 to focus on India.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ola Consumer - Wikipedia |website=en.wikipedia.org |date=2024-09-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_Consumer |access-date=2025-06-01}}</ref>


== References ==
== External Links ==
{{Reflist}}
* {{URL|www.olacabs.com|Official Website}}
* {{URL|www.linkedin.com/company/ola|LinkedIn}}
* {{URL|twitter.com/olacabs|Twitter}}
* {{URL|www.facebook.com/olacabs|Facebook}}


== External Links ==
== Related Startups ==
* {{Official website|https://www.olacabs.com}}
* [[Uber]]
* {{Twitter|olacabs}}
* [[Rapido]]
* {{LinkedIn|company/olacabs}}
* [[BluSmart]]
* [[Meru Cabs]]


[[Category:Ride-hailing companies of India]]
== References ==
[[Category:Companies based in Bangalore]]
{{reflist}}
[[Category:2010 establishments in India]]
[[Category:ANI Technologies]]

Revision as of 11:13, 1 June 2025

Ola
Ola Consumer
Company typePrivate
IndustryTransportation, Fintech, Food delivery
FoundedDecember 3, 2010; 14 years ago (2010-12-03)
Founder
HeadquartersBangalore, Karnataka, India
Area served
India
Key people
  • Bhavish Aggarwal (CEO)
Products
  • Ride-hailing
  • Auto-rickshaw booking
  • Bike taxis
  • Food delivery
  • Financial services
Services
  • Cab booking
  • Outstation travel
  • Car rentals
  • Cloud kitchens
  • Micro-insurance
Revenue₹2,535 crore (US$304 million) (FY23)
Decrease ₹-772 crore (US$-93 million) (FY23)
Number of employees
6,000 (2024)
Subsidiaries
  • Ola Fleet Technologies
  • Ola Financial Services
  • Ola Foods
  • Ola Electric (6% stake)
Websitewww.olacabs.com

Ola Consumer, formerly known as Ola Cabs, is an Indian ride-hailing company headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Founded in 2010 by Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, it operates as a technology-driven mobility platform, connecting customers with driver-partners across 250+ cities in India. The company offers a range of services, including cabs, auto-rickshaws, bikes, and electric mobility through its subsidiary, Ola Electric. Ola's platform facilitates seamless bookings via its mobile app and website, integrating features like real-time tracking, digital payments, and subscription-based services. With a network of over 2.5 million driver-partners, Ola holds a significant market share in India's ride-hailing industry. The company has diversified into financial services, food delivery, and cloud kitchens, aiming to build an integrated mobility ecosystem.[1]

Founders & Leadership

  • Bhavish Aggarwal (Co-Founder and CEO): A graduate of IIT Bombay with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, Aggarwal founded Ola after a challenging cab rental experience. Before Ola, he worked at Microsoft Research for two years, filing two patents and publishing three academic papers. He leads Ola's strategic vision and expansion into electric mobility and financial services.[2]
  • Ankit Bhati (Co-Founder): Also an IIT Bombay alumnus with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bhati co-founded Ola with Aggarwal. He played a key role in developing Ola's technology platform and operational framework before transitioning to advisory roles. Bhati has also co-founded other ventures like EventEdge.[3]

Origin & Founding Story

Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, the founders of Ola Consumer

Ola was founded in December 2010 by Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, two IIT Bombay graduates, in Mumbai, India. Initially launched as Olatrip.com, a trip-planning platform, the duo pivoted to ride-hailing after Aggarwal faced an unreliable cab experience during a trip from Bangalore to Bandipur. Recognizing the potential to streamline transportation using technology, they launched Ola Cabs in January 2011 as a taxi aggregation service, initially offering bookings via phone calls. The introduction of a mobile app in June 2012 marked a significant shift, enabling seamless ride-hailing services. Ola's focus on affordability, accessibility, and technology-driven solutions helped it gain traction, expanding to over 100 cities by 2015.[4]

Timeline

Year Milestone
2010 Ola founded as Olatrip.com by Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati in Mumbai.[5]
2011 Launched Ola Cabs, a taxi aggregation service; raised $500,000 from angel investors.[6]
2012 Introduced mobile app for ride-hailing services.[7]
2014 Expanded to auto-rickshaw services in Bengaluru; reached 100+ cities.[8]
2015 Acquired TaxiForSure for ₹1,237 crore; became app-only service.[9]
2017 Acquired Foodpanda India to enter food delivery.[10]
2018 Expanded to Australia, New Zealand, and the UK; acquired Ridlr.[11]
2020 Reported first operating profit of ₹90 crore.[12]
2021 Launched Ola Electric’s S1 Series electric scooters.[13]
2024 Exited international markets to focus on India; rebranded to Ola Consumer.[14]

Funding

Ola has raised over US$3.8 billion across 15 funding rounds.[15] Below is a table of its major funding rounds:

Year Date Amount (US$) Investors Valuation (US$)
2012 April 5 million Tiger Global Management -
2013 November 20 million Sequoia Capital -
2014 October 210 million SoftBank Group 1 billion
2015 April 400 million DST Global, GIC 2.5 billion
2015 November 500 million Baillie Gifford, Falcon Edge Capital 5 billion
2017 October 1.1 billion Tencent, SoftBank Group 7 billion
2019 January 56 million Tiger Global, Matrix India (Ola Electric) -
2019 April 300 million Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation 6.5 billion
2021 July 500 million Temasek Holdings, Warburg Pincus 7.3 billion

Business Model

Ola operates a two-sided platform model, connecting customers seeking transportation with driver-partners through its mobile app and website. The company generates revenue primarily through commissions (15–20%) on each ride, calculated based on base fare, distance, ride time, and dynamic pricing during peak hours.[16] Additional revenue streams include cab leasing fees, subscription-based services like Ola Select, in-cab advertisements, and corporate partnerships.[17] Ola Money, a digital wallet, facilitates cashless payments and earns transaction fees. The company targets diverse customer segments, including daily commuters, business travelers, and corporates, offering services like cabs, auto-rickshaws, bikes, and outstation rentals.[18]

Products / Services

  • Ride-Hailing: Includes cabs (Mini, Prime, Sedan), auto-rickshaws, and bikes, bookable via the Ola app.[19]
  • Ola Electric: Manufactures and sells electric scooters (S1 Series) and operates a Battery-as-a-Service model.[20]
  • Ola Money: A digital wallet for cashless payments across Ola services and partner vendors.[21]
  • Ola Foods: Operates cloud kitchens, including the Khichdi Experiment, in six cities.[22]
  • Ola Select: A subscription-based service offering premium ride benefits.[23]
  • Ola Corporate: Provides transportation solutions for corporate employees.[24]

Growth & Metrics

As of 2023, Ola has 150 million active users globally and operates in over 250 cities in India, serving over 1 billion rides annually.[25] The company reported a revenue of ₹2,200 crore in FY2024 and a profit of ₹90 crore in FY2021.[26] Ola employs 8,000 staff and has a network of over 2.5 million driver-partners.[27] Its valuation reached $2 billion in November 2024, down from a peak of $7.3 billion in 2021.[28]

Legal Entity Information

Attribute Details
Company Name ANI Technologies Private Limited
Incorporation Date December 3, 2010
Registered Location Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Corporate Identification Number (CIN) U72900KA2010PTC056026
GST Number 29AAHCA4636B1Z8
Authorized Share Capital ₹1.5 crore
Paid-up Capital ₹1.2 crore
Number of Employees 6,000 (as of 2024)
Registered Address 4th Floor, Torrey Pines, Embassy Golf Links Business Park, Challaghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India – 560071
Directors Bhavish Aggarwal, Ankit Bhati
Subsidiaries Ola Fleet Technologies, Ola Financial Services, Ola Foods

Acquisitions and Investments

Media & Public Recognition

Ola has been featured in over 82 media events in the past year, with 44 focused on company updates.[31] Bhavish Aggarwal was named in Fortune India's 40 Under 40 list in 2019.[32] The company received the "Startup of the Year" award at the Economic Times Startup Awards in 2016.[33] Ola's shift to Ola Maps from Google Maps in 2024 garnered significant attention.[34]

FAQs

What is Ola Consumer?
Ola Consumer, formerly Ola Cabs, is an Indian ride-hailing platform offering transportation services like cabs, auto-rickshaws, and bikes, alongside electric mobility, financial services, and food delivery.[35]
Who founded Ola?
Ola was founded by Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati in December 2010.[36]
What is Ola's primary revenue source?
Ola primarily earns revenue through commissions (15–20%) on rides booked via its platform.[37]
Does Ola operate internationally?
Ola exited international markets (Australia, New Zealand, UK) in April 2024 to focus on India.[38]

External Links

Related Startups

References

  1. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  2. ↑ "Bhavish Aggarwal: Education". startuptalky.com. 14 February 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025. {{cite web}}: Text "Personal Life" ignored (help); Text "Success Story" ignored (help)
  3. ↑ "Ola Success Story - Funding, Founders, Team, Revenue and More". startuptalky.com. 14 February 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  4. ↑ "Ola Business Model - How Ola Makes Money?". businessmodelanalyst.com. 7 August 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  5. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  6. ↑ "Ola Business Model". buildd.co. 7 August 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  7. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  8. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  9. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  10. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  11. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  12. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  13. ↑ "Ola Electric - 2025 Company Profile". tracxn.com. 30 April 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  14. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  15. ↑ "Ola - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors". Tracxn. Tracxn Technologies Limited. 15 March 2025. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
  16. ↑ "Ola Business Model - How Ola Makes Money?". businessmodelanalyst.com. 7 August 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  17. ↑ "Ola Business Model". whitelabelfox.com. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  18. ↑ "Ola Success Story". startuptalky.com. 14 February 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  19. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  20. ↑ "Ola Electric - 2025 Company Profile". tracxn.com. 30 April 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  21. ↑ "Ola Business Model". whitelabelfox.com. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  22. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  23. ↑ "Ola Success Story". startuptalky.com. 14 February 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  24. ↑ "Ola Success Story". startuptalky.com. 14 February 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  25. ↑ "Analyzing The Business Model Of Ola In Detailing 2024". iide.co. 14 January 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  26. ↑ "Ola - 2025 Company Profile". tracxn.com. 20 May 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  27. ↑ "Ola Success Story". toflr.in. 2 July 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  28. ↑ "Vanguard slashes Ola's valuation to $1.9 billion". CNBC-TV18. 9 May 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  29. ↑ "Ola - 2025 Company Profile". tracxn.com. 20 May 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  30. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  31. ↑ "Ola - 2025 Company Profile". tracxn.com. 20 May 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  32. ↑ "Fortune India 40 Under 40". Fortune India. 10 September 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  33. ↑ "Ola Wins Startup of the Year". The Economic Times. 20 August 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  34. ↑ "Ola Cabs Parts Ways with Google Maps". The Hindu. 13 July 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  35. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  36. ↑ "Ola Success Story". startuptalky.com. 14 February 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  37. ↑ "Ola Business Model - How Ola Makes Money?". businessmodelanalyst.com. 7 August 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  38. ↑ "Ola Consumer - Wikipedia". en.wikipedia.org. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
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