Billionaire Uber Co-Founder Travis Kalanick Reveals He Left California And Moved To Texas — 'Let's Just Say It's Prior To January'

March 22, 2026 - 23:29

Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick has officially confirmed his relocation from California to Texas, a move timed just before a significant tax deadline. The 49-year-old billionaire made the announcement during a live interview, stating his move occurred "prior to January."

This timing is crucial, as California's "millionaire's tax" imposes a 1.5% levy on wealth exceeding $50 million. By establishing Texas residency before the new year, Kalanick likely avoided this substantial annual charge. Texas, by contrast, has no state income tax.

Kalanick's departure is part of a broader exodus of tech executives and entrepreneurs from California, citing high taxes and regulatory burdens. While he stepped down as Uber's CEO in 2017, Kalanick remains a major shareholder and has since focused on his cloud kitchen startup, CloudKitchens. His move underscores the ongoing financial calculations influencing where the nation's wealthiest individuals choose to establish their permanent residence, with Texas continuing to be a prime destination for those seeking a lower-tax environment.