Lyft taxi service has raised $ 530 million: a startup valued at $ 2.5 billion

As part of the seventh round of financing, the Lyft taxi service, available to users in the United States, raised $ 530 million, and the total investment in the company was $ 860 million. The cost of the business was estimated at $ 2.5 billion, reports RBC.

The investment round was led by Rakuten, a Japanese online retailer: it acquired 11.9% of the company for $ 300 million. The support of this investor makes Asia an attractive region for entering the international market, as noted by John Zimmer, founder of Lyft. Earlier, the Chinese giant Alibaba invested in the company. The experience of competitors who overcame the resistance of local regulators and were able to bring the business in accordance with the law will help to enter the international market.

Currently, Uber operates in 292 cities of the world, and Lyft operates in 65 US cities. Lyft plans to spend the funds received to fight its main competitor in the country. Uber is one of the most expensive high-tech startups and valued at $ 41.2 billion ,