Uber partners with Zipline to launch drone deliveries on the Uber Eats platform by the end of 2029.
Uber is investing in and partnering with drone delivery company Zipline to achieve one million daily deliveries by 2029. The companies announced that Zipline drones will begin making the first deliveries on the Uber Eats platform by the end of this year, starting in existing markets before expanding into dozens of U.S. cities. Uber is adopting a strategy of bringing multiple partners onto its platform to drive growth for Uber Eats, similar to its approach with robotaxis. While the company sold off its own aerial ridesharing service, it continues to invest heavily in external technologies. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated that quick commerce is a significant market opportunity, noting that Zipline drones can fulfill orders within five to 10 minutes. Zipline, based in San Francisco, recently closed an $800 million funding round, bringing its valuation to $7.6 billion. Co-founder Keller Cliffton noted that the partnership aims to make obtaining goods as fast and effortless as sending a text.