Travis Kalanick, the entrepreneur who founded ride-hailing company Uber, has confirmed that he has relocated from California to Texas. His move places him among a growing number of wealthy entrepreneurs and technology executives who have chosen to leave California in recent years.
Kalanick revealed the move during a recent appearance on the Technology Business Programming Network (TPBN), where he discussed his latest business venture and future expansion plans. The longtime Silicon Valley figure said he moved to Texas on December 18, marking a significant shift after spending most of his professional life building companies in California.
The relocation came up while Kalanick was talking about his newest startup, Atoms, and how he intends to grow the company’s operations and recruit talent. His comments offered a rare personal update from the tech entrepreneur, who has kept a relatively low public profile compared with his high-visibility years running Uber.
Timing Draws Attention Amid Debate Over Proposed Billionaire Tax
The timing of Kalanick’s move has sparked discussion because it occurred shortly before the start of the new year, when a proposed California law targeting ultra-wealthy residents could potentially take effect.
The legislation, referred to as the “2026 Billionaire Tax Act,” proposes a one-time tax of five percent on the assets of individuals with a net worth exceeding $1 billion who were California residents as of January 1 of the year the law is implemented. The proposal is still under consideration in the state legislature and has become a controversial topic among policymakers, business leaders, and economists.
Supporters of the tax argue that it could generate substantial revenue to help address budget shortfalls and fund public programs across the state. Critics, however, warn that imposing additional taxes on wealthy residents could push more entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners to relocate elsewhere.
Kalanick did not directly say that the proposed tax influenced his decision to leave California. However, the fact that he moved just weeks before the new year has led some observers to speculate about whether the policy debate may have played a role.
Part of a Larger Migration of Tech Leaders
Kalanick’s move reflects a broader trend within the technology industry. Over the past several years, several prominent tech executives and investors have relocated from California to states such as Texas and Florida.
These states have gained popularity partly because they do not charge a state income tax and often promote policies designed to attract businesses and entrepreneurs. Lower living costs, fewer regulations, and expanding tech ecosystems have also made them appealing alternatives to California.
Texas, in particular, has emerged as a significant destination for technology companies and startups. Cities such as Austin have experienced a surge in tech investment and talent migration, with major firms opening offices or relocating operations there.
Kalanick acknowledged the broader movement in the interview, noting that several people he knows have chosen to move to Florida. While that state has attracted many entrepreneurs, Kalanick ultimately chose Texas as his new base.
A Career Built in California’s Tech Ecosystem
The relocation is notable because Kalanick’s career has long been closely tied to California’s technology industry.
Raised in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, Kalanick became involved in the startup world in the early 2000s. After leaving the University of California, Los Angeles before finishing his degree, he began working on several internet startups during a time when the tech industry was rapidly evolving.
His most influential venture arrived in 2009 when he co-founded Uber. The company developed a smartphone app that allowed people to request rides from nearby drivers, fundamentally changing how urban transportation worked in cities around the world.
Under Kalanick’s leadership, Uber expanded aggressively, entering markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The company attracted billions of dollars in venture capital and became one of the most recognizable startups of the Silicon Valley era.
Uber’s success also helped popularize the gig-economy model, in which independent workers use digital platforms to provide services such as transportation and food delivery.
Departure From Uber After Internal Controversies
Despite the company’s rapid growth, Kalanick’s leadership of Uber ended in 2017 after a series of internal controversies.
At the time, reports emerged describing widespread workplace issues at the company, including allegations that management had failed to respond effectively to complaints about sexual harassment and toxic workplace culture. The situation led to intense scrutiny from investors and the public.
Facing mounting pressure from major shareholders, Kalanick stepped down as CEO. The leadership change marked a major turning point for Uber, which later implemented internal reforms and changes in governance under new management.
Although he left the company he founded, Kalanick remained active in the business world and continued investing in new ventures.
Building New Businesses After Uber
In the years following his departure from Uber, Kalanick focused on launching new projects and backing emerging startups.
One of his major initiatives involved taking a leadership role at City Storage Systems. The company focuses on developing infrastructure for the growing food-delivery market.
A key component of that effort is CloudKitchens, a network of facilities designed to support restaurants that operate exclusively through delivery platforms.
These so-called ghost kitchens allow food brands to prepare meals without maintaining traditional dining rooms, reducing overhead costs and enabling them to reach customers through delivery apps. The concept became especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, when restaurant dining rooms were closed and delivery demand surged.
CloudKitchens has since expanded into multiple regions and continues to provide infrastructure for delivery-focused restaurant businessesq.
