Uber operates as an on-demand transportation service, revolutionizing the taxi industry with its business model that allows users to request rides via smartphone. The company, founded by Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, has received $11.56 billion in funding and is valued over $70 billion, with a user base of more than 14 million. Uber offers various ride options and has expanded its services to include food and goods delivery, leveraging surge pricing technology to manage demand.