E6: Jason Tried To Buy Kozmo.com / Reaction to Uber and GrubHub Deal

Inside Transportation

This is episode six of the Inside Transportation podcast. This podcast was made possible by Ford Motor Company (www.ford.com) and Fenwick (www.fenwick.com). Featuring Jason Calacanis (Angel investor, LAUNCH, Inside.com) and Johan Moreno (Inside.com). Subscribe to Inside Transportation newsletter: inside.com/transportation Subscribe to Inside Electric Vehicles newsletter: inside.com/evs Recorded on May 18, 2020. SHOW NOTES -- 1:45 — Johan gives an update on Tesla’s search for a new production facility. The company is reportedly deciding between Austin, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. CLEANTECHNICA: https://cleantechnica.com/2020/05/16/tulsa-or-austin-both-are-reportedly-finalists-for-next-tesla-factory/ 2:37 — Uber’s reported proposal to acquire GrubHub has drawn scrutiny from some members of Congress. Jason and Johan discuss whether the deal is going to get done and how it will impact the delivery market. BLOOMBERG: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-12/uber-grubhub-merger-talks-come-as-cities-crack-down-on-fees 12:35 — Johan (who is a ‘90s child) asks Jason about Kozmo.com, a delivery startup that launched in the late ‘90s. Kozmo promised one-hour delivery of goods, including packaged food, video rentals, DVDs and more. Jason said he tried to acquire the IP to relaunch Kozmo, but was denied. WSJ: https://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2012/12/03/in-kozmo-coms-failure-lessons-for-same-day-delivery/ 18:16 — The two discuss the potential drawbacks to having superfans, after Fred Lambert, the editor-in-chief of Electrek, accused prominent Tesla superfans of sharing misleading news and information about the company. ELECTREK: https://electrek.co/2020/05/12/tesla-super-fandom-becomes-toxic-negative-electric-revolution-op-ed/ 31:50 — James Dyson opened up about his failed electric vehicle project, which he spent $605 million developing before ultimately folding the project. Johan plays an early round of “Dope or Nope” with Jason, while also talking about the viability of the project. THE SUNDAY TIMES: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/james-dyson-interview-electric-car-tesla-tzls09t5m 38:00 — An analysis shows bike fatalities have grown nationwide, with Cape Coral, Florida being listed as the most dangerous U.S. city for cyclists. Jason and Johan strategize on what cities can do to minimize fatalities. MADISON.COM: https://madison.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/the-most-dangerous-u-s-cities-for-cyclists/article_345f2e61-f65d-5f14-a2a4-76afc592fcc0.html 49:00 — DOPE or NOPE Poimo inflatable electric bike: https://youtu.be/OQawHw9phj0 2021 Toyota Sienna: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2021-toyota-sienna-hybrid-minivan-details/