Microsoft invests $200m in ride-hailing app Grab

Microsoft is investing $200m in Grab, as it seeks to encourage the use of its technology among  ride-hailing services around the world.

Singapore based Grab has attracted investors like Japan’s Softbank who will invest $500m apart from Microsoft.

Microsoft in the past invested in Uber in 2015 and partnered with India’s Ola two years later. Microsoft wants to build stronger ties with companies with which it might want to do business.

Ola adopted Microsoft’s cloud-computing service Azure and Grab has agreed to do the same. Garb will use Microsoft’s technology to improve and broaden its mobile application according to Ming Maa, president of Grab.

Microsoft and grab will also develop new authentication mechanisms like mobile facial recognition to help match passengers to the right drivers, at a time when user safety remains a big concern for the industry.