Defiant Uber co-founder, Kalanick, for the first time on the stock market

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Travis Kalanick, co-founder of Uber Technologies Inc., who stepped down from his position as CEO in 2017 amidst a series of scandals, appeared on Friday at the start of the life-saving giant. even though Uber had not invited him to join the rulers on the balcony of the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell.

Kalanick, who still sits on Uber's board, went to the downtown Manhattan Stock Exchange with his father, Donald, and joined the front office staff. The two of them later found themselves on a balcony overlooking the floor.

Wearing a navy blue suit and blue shirt, Kalanick, 42, tried to avoid the cameras and declined to comment when he left the New York Stock Exchange building. He chuckled and tried to hide behind his team when a Reuters reporter attempted to take a picture of him.

Kalanick, which owns 8.6% of Uber, was forced to resign as chief executive two years ago, under pressure from investors and directors. His pugnacious style helped Uber to develop aggressively, but was also blamed for a series of setbacks that have since affected the company.

These include allegations of sexual harassment, a massive data breach concealed from regulators, the use of illicit software to evade authorities and allegations of bribery abroad.

Dara Khosrowshahi joined Uber in 2017 to replace Kalanick as CEO.

Uber Technologies on Thursday set its initial public offering at the bottom of its target range for a valuation of $ 82.4 billion, in the hope that its conservative approach will avoid the financial plunge of its rival Lyft Inc.