In order to boost its maps offerings, Uber has bought a mapping tech startup deCarta, according to a report by Mashable. This is the first acquisition by Uber.
As a result of the acquisition, deCarta will become a subsidiary of Uber, continuing to offer products including local search and turn-by-turn navigation. Also about 30 of deCarta’s 40 employees will join Uber. At present Uber uses Google Maps data to power its apps for drivers and riders. deCarta powers the mapping backend for consumer-facing apps. Uber explained that deCarta will help Uber fine-tune the way it calculates ETAs, benefiting products like UberPool.
Terms of the deCarta acquisition were not disclosed. Uber said it has acquired “a very small number” of other startups since its founding in 2009 but declined to name them. Last month it was reported that Uber is seeking $1 billion in funding that has taken its valuation to $41.2 billion.