Travis Kalanick is back: How Uber’s ousted founder went from pariah to Silicon Valley hero

In 2017, Travis Kalanick, co-founder of Uber, found himself at the center of a major controversy following multiple allegations of sexism, corporate espionage, and unethical practices within the company. As a result, Uber's investors ousted him from his position as CEO. This marked a significant shift in the tech industry, signaling a change in the once dominant "bro culture" prevalent in Silicon Valley.

Kalanick's departure was seen as a turning point, reflecting a broader societal shift towards holding powerful figures accountable for their actions.

Now, nearly a decade later, Kalanick has returned to the tech scene. Having established himself as a successful entrepreneur in the industrial robotics sector, he has received backing from influential figures in the industry. Kalanick's recent resurgence has been met with mixed reactions. While some view him as a victim of "corporate cancel culture" and a founder who was unjustly removed before he could complete his work, others see him as a visionary who built a company that became a verb in the tech lexicon.

His return has also garnered support from prominent venture capitalists, who view him as someone who can bring a unique perspective and dynamism to the industry. Kalanick himself remains unapologetic about his past decisions, attributing his ouster to "extreme wokeness." His return to Silicon Valley has sparked debate about the role of culture and power dynamics in shaping the future of the tech industry.