E-commerce logistics startup Stord is making waves in the industry, announcing its acquisition of UPS subsidiary Ware2Go on Monday. This strategic move signals Stord’s ambition to expand its reach and challenge the e-commerce giant, Amazon. While the purchase price remains undisclosed, the acquisition is expected to significantly bolster Stord’s capabilities.
Stord, founded by former Thiel Fellow Sean Henry, aims to level the playing field for smaller businesses struggling to compete with Amazon’s Prime service. Henry emphasizes the critical role of logistics in e-commerce, highlighting the need for scale and efficient delivery networks to match the speed and convenience of larger competitors. Ware2Go, a third-party delivery company focused on rapid delivery solutions for merchants, perfectly aligns with Stord’s goal of providing accessible and efficient shipping and fulfillment services.
This acquisition adds 2.5 million square feet to Stord’s existing network, which already includes 13 facilities across the US, Canada, UK, and Netherlands, along with over 70 partner sites globally. This expansion further underscores Stord’s aggressive growth strategy. The company has been actively acquiring companies in recent months, including Pitney Bowes E-commerce and ProPack, demonstrating a clear commitment to expanding its full-cycle fulfillment and shipping services.
Stord’s impressive growth is backed by substantial funding. The company recently secured $200 million in Series E and debt funding, achieving a $1.5 billion valuation. Its investor list boasts notable names such as Kleiner Perkins, Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, Franklin Templeton, and Strike Capital.
This acquisition is more than just a significant expansion; it’s a strategic play in a fiercely competitive market. Stord is positioning itself as a serious contender, offering a viable alternative to Amazon for businesses seeking robust and scalable logistics solutions. The future of e-commerce logistics is shaping up to be an exciting race, and Stord is clearly a company to watch.
