Ola plans to go Down Under, eyes Australia and New Zealand for expansion

The two new markets are overwhelmingly dominated by Uber, which has been able to edge out local start-ups

Homegrown cab aggregator Ola is planning to set up operations in Australia and New Zealand as it looks to explore new avenues for growth and play a part in investor Didi Chuxing’s plans to dominate the global ride-hailing ecosystem.

The Indian firm has set up teams in Dhaka and Colombo, setting the stage for its first overseas expansion. As the company looks for new and larger markets to enter, Australia and New Zealand have firmly shown up on its radar, according to people familiar with the development.

The two new markets are overwhelmingly dominated by US ride-hailing giant Uber, which has been