Ask Quote by Travis Kalanick
“There's been so much corruption and so much cronyism in the taxi industry and so much regulatory capture, that if you ask for permission upfront for something that's already legal, you'll never get it.”
About This Quote
Regulatory capture and entrenched cronyism in the taxi sector make it impossible to obtain permission for a legal activity, stifling innovation.
In simple terms: Corruption blocks legal new ideas.
Key Takeaway
Regulatory capture hinders competition.
Themes
regulation
corruption
industry disruption
innovation
Mood
frustrated
cautious
Type
political statement
industry critique
When to use this quote
- startup seeking ride‑share license
- policy advocacy for reform
- investor evaluating market risk
Key Concepts
political economy
market entry barriers
Practical Applications
- Engage in public‑policy lobbying
- Develop alternative business models outside existing regulations
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms can reduce regulatory capture?
- How can entrepreneurs navigate entrenched industries?
A Different Perspective
Not all jurisdictions exhibit such extreme capture; some reforms succeed.