Richard Branson Invests in Sidecar
To help support its expansion nationwide, Sidecar — a San Francisco-based ride-sharing app company — has raised $15 million in funds from investors, including Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson.

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, is now one of the investors for Sidecar. Photo via Wikimedia.

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, is now one of the investors for Sidecar. Photo via Wikimedia.
To help support its expansion nationwide, Sidecar — a San Francisco-based ride-sharing company that uses a mobile app to match riders with drivers — has raised $15 million in funding from investors, including Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson.
Other investors include Avalon Ventures, Google Ventures and Union Square Ventures, according to the company website.
Sidecar recently introduced its Shared Rides program in San Francisco, which matches users with a nearby rider heading your way for 50% off, says the company website.
Currently, Sidecar operates in nine U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Chicago.
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