Uber Technologies has made a significant strategic move in the global food delivery by acquiring an 85% controlling stake in Trendyol Go, Turkey’s prominent food and grocery delivery platform, for $700 million in cash. This landmark acquisition marks Uber’s first direct entry into Turkey’s rapidly expanding food delivery market, positioning the company to capitalize on one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies.
The deal, announced in May 2025, represents a major consolidation play in the competitive food delivery sector and demonstrates Uber’s commitment to expanding its global footprint beyond its traditional markets. Turkey’s food delivery market has experienced explosive growth, driven by a young, tech-savvy urban population and increasing internet penetration rates that have reached 85% among urban consumers. This demographic shift has created an ideal environment for on-demand delivery services, making Turkey an attractive target for international expansion.
Trendyol Go, launched in 2020 as the delivery arm of Alibaba-backed e-commerce giant Trendyol Group, has established itself as a formidable player in the Turkish market. The platform delivered over 200 million orders in 2024, generating $2 billion in gross bookings—a remarkable 50% increase from the previous year. With more than 90,000 restaurants and markets served by 19,000 couriers nationwide, Trendyol Go has built substantial infrastructure and market presence that would have taken Uber years to develop organically.
Strategic Market Entry and Competitive Positioning
Uber’s acquisition strategy reflects a calculated approach to entering Turkey’s fiercely competitive food delivery. The Turkish market features established players including Getir, the Istanbul-based pioneer of ultra-fast grocery delivery, and Yemeksepeti, owned by Germany’s Delivery Hero. Rather than competing from scratch, Uber’s acquisition provides immediate market access and established relationships with restaurants, couriers, and consumers.
The transaction structure ensures operational continuity while leveraging Uber’s global expertise. Trendyol will retain a 15% minority stake, maintaining local market knowledge and operational insights crucial for success in the Turkish market. The Trendyol Go app will continue operating independently, with Uber planning to gradually integrate features from its Uber Eats platform over time.
Financial Impact and Growth Projections
The $700 million cash acquisition, conducted on a debt-free basis, is expected to be immediately accretive to Uber’s growth upon completion. The deal awaits regulatory approval and is anticipated to close in the second half of 2025. This timing aligns with Uber’s broader strategic initiatives and comes as the company seeks to diversify its revenue streams and expand into high-growth markets.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating that the partnership will “transform the delivery sector in Turkey for consumers, couriers, restaurants and retailers, especially small and family-owned businesses.” The deal represents Uber’s long-term commitment to the Turkish market and positions the company to benefit from Turkey’s continued digital transformation.
Market Implications and Future Outlook
This acquisition signals broader consolidation trends in the global food delivery industry as companies seek scale and market dominance. For Uber, the Turkish market represents significant untapped potential, with the country’s dense urban structure and growing demand for convenient delivery services creating favorable conditions for expansion.
The deal also demonstrates Uber’s strategic pivot toward high-growth, underserved markets where it can achieve meaningful scale quickly through acquisitions rather than organic growth. As Turkey continues its digital transformation, Uber is well-positioned to capture market share and drive long-term growth in this dynamic market.