From ride-hailing to fintech – Grab’s journey in the fast lane By Singapore-based Grab Holdings said Tuesday it plans a US listing after merging with the investment fund Altimeter Capital Management in an operation that values the firm at $39.6 billion. Here are some facts about the company’s journey from humble beginnings as a taxi-booking and ride-hailing app in Malaysia, to a Southeast Asian tech giant. Grab launched in 2012. In just a few years, it has become the largest ride-hailing firm in Southeast Asia, operating across eight countries in the region as well as Japan. It is now a household name in the fast-growing region of 650 million people, where it provides not only transport but also food delivery and financial services. Japan’s SoftBank is a key investor.