AI - WORLDEF

Customers Want AI and Human Support to Work Together

According to a report by AI-native customer support platform Kim.cc, customer expectations clearly reveal where artificial intelligence is useful in customer service and where human support remains indispensable.

Kim.cc published its “AI Customer Support Sentiment Report,” based on a survey conducted with 1,000 customers in the United States. One of the most striking findings of the study was that 35 percent of respondents said they immediately feel frustrated when they realize customer support is powered by AI. Despite this, customers are more open to the use of artificial intelligence for simple tasks such as order tracking, delivery updates, and frequently asked questions.

According to the report, 45 percent of respondents welcome AI support for simple customer service tasks such as checking order status, receiving package delivery information, learning store hours, reviewing return policies, and getting answers to basic FAQs.

Expectations for Human Support Are Increasing in Sensitive Matters

Customer expectations shift toward human support in more complex and sensitive processes. According to the research, 45 percent of respondents believe human involvement is necessary when fixing a broken device or software bug, 50 percent when processing a refund, billing dispute, or plan upgrade, and 60 percent when filing a complaint about a poor experience. In addition, 50 percent of respondents hold company leadership responsible for deploying an unready tool to cut costs when AI-powered customer service answers a query incorrectly.

Gen Z and Millennials Are Less Loyal to AI Support

Although Gallup data shows that Gen Z is the generation most open to using AI in daily life, Kim.cc’s research shows that only 16 percent of Gen Z do not mind seeing AI in customer service. Gen Z and Millennials stand out as the groups most likely to switch brands after a poor automated support experience. These generations are more than twice as likely as other generations to change brands. Among Baby Boomers and Gen X, more than 50 percent combined say they feel highly frustrated when dealing with AI customer support.

“Customers Want Automation When It Saves Time”

Sachin Jaiswal, Founder and CEO of Kim.cc, said: “Customers are not rejecting AI customer support; they are rejecting poor customer service experiences. That is why it is crucial for brands to have AI and humans working together. Customers want automation when it saves time, but they still expect access to a real person when the situation calls for it.” The research shows that, for retail and e-commerce brands, a hybrid customer service model is no longer merely an option but a natural outcome of customer expectations.

Alibaba Makes New Move in Robotic Artificial Intelligence: Qwen-Robot Series Introduced

Chinese technology and e-commerce giant Alibaba has introduced its new robotic model family, the Qwen-Robot series, which carries artificial intelligence beyond chatbots. Developed on the company’s Qwen foundation model family, the new series aims to enable robots to move more intelligently in the physical world, understand their surroundings, and perform complex tasks.

Alibaba’s move shows that the new focus in global artificial intelligence competition is not limited to systems that generate text and images, but also includes embodied AI models capable of carrying out tasks in the physical world.

The Qwen-Robot Series Consists Of Three Foundation Models

The Qwen-Robot series consists of three main models: Qwen-RobotNav, Qwen-RobotManip, and Qwen-RobotWorld. Qwen-RobotNav focuses on enabling robots to navigate different environments, reach targets, and follow tasks. The model brings together five different navigation tasks under one framework, including instructio n following, going to a target point, object-oriented navigation, target tracking, and autonomous driving.

Qwen-RobotManip, on the other hand, was designed to improve robots’ capabilities to grasp, carry, place, and perform physical tasks involving objects. This model aims to offer robotic arms and different hardware structures the ability to move more flexibly.

The third model in the series, Qwen-RobotWorld, is based on a world modeling approach that enables robots to understand their environment and predict future physical scenarios. In this way, the goal is for robots not only to perceive what they see, but also to make more accurate decisions by anticipating possible outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence Gives Robots a “Brain”

According to Alibaba’s statement, the Qwen-Robot series was developed to enable robots to be used more reliably and for more general purposes in the real world. The models can be used separately, while they can also work together to give robots the capacity to navigate, interact with objects, and model the physical world.

The new series aims to bridge the gap between “seeing” and “taking action” in artificial intelligence. This approach aims to make it possible for robots not only to understand commands, but also to transform those commands into physical movements.

China’s Ambition in the Robotics Race Is Strengthening

Alibaba’s Qwen- Robot move is regarded as a new indicator of accelerating competition in artificial intelligence and robotics in China. Technology companies in the country are increasing their investments to use artificial intelligence more widely in industry, logistics, the service sector, and autonomous systems.

With the Qwen-Robot series, Alibaba aims to take on a stronger role in next-generation robotic solutions that move artificial intelligence out of digital screens and into the physical world. This development may pave the way for robots to be used across a wider range of areas in the coming period, from production and warehousing to transportation and daily life support systems.

Global Access to Anthropic’s Advanced AI Models Suspended Following Amazon’s Warning

The U.S. administration has taken a notable decision in the field of artificial intelligence by ordering restrictions on foreign nationals’ access to Anthropic’s most advanced AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5. Following the decision, Anthropic disabled global access to the models in question in order to comply.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy was also reported to be among the technology leaders who conveyed concerns to senior U.S. administration officials regarding the security risks of Anthropic’s models. San Francisco-based artificial intelligence company Anthropic had previously limited the broad release of its Mythos model due to its advanced cybersecurity capabilities.

Anthropic Argued That the Risk Was Limited

The company later released Fable, described as a publicly available version, with certain cybersecurity safeguards. However, the U.S. government assessed that some of the model’s security measures could be bypassed through “jailbreak” methods and that this could be misused to identify software vulnerabilities. Anthropic, for its part, argued that the risk in question was limited and that similar findings could also be obtained through other publicly available models.

The decision shows that artificial intelligence is no longer merely a matter of technological competition, but has also become a strategic field in terms of national security, export controls, and geopolitical power balances. The U.S. administration’s directive points to a framework that could cover not only users outside the United States but also foreign nationals located within the United States. This indicates that criteria such as citizenship and trusted country status may increasingly come to the forefront in access to advanced artificial intelligence models.

Following the restriction, the issue was also brought to the agenda at the G7 summit. According to diplomatic sources, G7 leaders evaluated a plan that could allow selected “trusted partners” to access advanced artificial intelligence models developed by U.S.-based companies. This approach reflects the demand for controlled access to advanced models, particularly to strengthen the cybersecurity defenses of allied countries.

Anthropic Crisis Signals a New Era in the Global Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem

According to experts, the Anthropic crisis signals the beginning of a new era in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem. While governments seek to bring advanced artificial intelligence models under control as strategic technologies, companies are trying to strike a balance between innovation, customer access, and regulatory pressure. The European Union’s ongoing discussions with Anthropic regarding possible access to the Mythos model also show that the issue is critical not only from a U.S.-centric perspective, but also in terms of the global digital security architecture.

This development is seen as an important turning point for artificial intelligence companies, cloud providers, governments, and global enterprises. The process shaped around Amazon, Anthropic, the U.S. administration, and G7 countries indicates that access to advanced artificial intelligence models may from now on be managed through stricter security, oversight, and international cooperation mechanisms.

When the Pope Meets Anthropic: AI’s New Ethical Line

WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 welcomed 22,000 visitors from 82 countries

WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026, which focused on the e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence ecosystems, concluded with strong participation and significant international representation. The event brought visitors from 82 countries together in Istanbul. Brands shaping digital commerce, technology companies, retail leaders, logistics players, entrepreneurs, investors and decision-makers came together under one roof. WORLDEF CEO Omar Nart said, “WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 was not merely a trade fair or a conference; it became a powerful platform that enabled the e-commerce, retail, artificial intelligence and digital commerce ecosystems to grow together.”

WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 hosted 22,000 visitors over three days between June 11 and 13, 2026. At the event, 187 brands from different sectors exhibited at booths, while 250 speakers took part in the stage programs. Foreign visitors accounted for 35 percent of participants. As a result, WORLDEF ISTANBUL became a strong meeting point for the regional and global e-commerce and retail ecosystem.

At the event, which featured companies operating in e-commerce, retail, artificial intelligence, technology, logistics, fintech, SaaS, digital marketing and cross-border e-commerce, new collaborations, strategic meetings, brand gatherings and networking opportunities stood out. WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 brought together not only brands in Türkiye but also companies seeking to expand into global markets with international stakeholders.

Omar Nart: It became a powerful platform that enabled digital commerce ecosystems to grow together

WORLDEF CEO Omar Nart stated that WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 achieved significant success for the e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence ecosystem, saying: “WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 was not merely a trade fair or a conference; it became a powerful platform that enabled the e-commerce, retail, artificial intelligence and digital commerce ecosystems to grow together. Welcoming 22,000 visitors from 82 countries in Istanbul once again demonstrated Türkiye’s potential to become a regional trade hub. The collaborations and connections established throughout the event generated highly valuable and productive results for brands seeking to expand into global markets.”

Omar Nart also underlined WORLDEF’s global vision, stating: “Digital commerce has now become an ecosystem that transcends borders, is strengthened by technology and grows through collaboration. As WORLDEF, our goal is to carry brands emerging from the MENA region and Türkiye to the world, bring global brands together with the region’s strong players, and build a sustainable business network that shapes the future of e-commerce and retail. The strong interest we witnessed at WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 shows that this vision has been strongly embraced by the industry.”

It offered new opportunities for the e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence sectors

Stage sessions, panels and special meetings held as part of the event addressed artificial intelligence, digital transformation, next-generation retail, cross-border e-commerce, logistics technologies, marketplace strategies, customer experience and global growth models. Leading speakers from the industry shared their experiences and future visions regarding the transformation of digital commerce with participants.

With its exhibition booths, stage programs, special networking events and global participant profile, WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 offered new opportunities for the e-commerce and retail sectors. The event stood out as an important platform where trends shaping the future of digital commerce were discussed, brands evaluated their strategies for entering new markets, and international collaborations were developed.

WORLDEF’s next event will be held in Antalya

WORLDEF will continue to support brands’ growth journeys through events that bring the e-commerce and retail ecosystems together on a global scale in the coming period. WORLDEF’s next event will be the “WORLDEF PRIME Matchmaking Summit,” which will be held in Antalya between December 8 and 10, 2026.

The summit, which will bring together e-commerce and retail professionals from around the world, is positioned as a special matchmaking platform designed to establish important connections among decision-makers, brand executives, investors, technology providers and industry leaders. The organization, to be held at Antalya Kremlin Palace, will bring together industry representatives from more than 50 countries. One-on-one meetings and strategic sessions held throughout the event will contribute to the expansion of global e-commerce networks.

“ECOM BRANDS 100” Honored the Most Successful E-Commerce Brands

“ECOM BRANDS 100” Honored the Most Successful E-Commerce Brands

The global e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence event WORLDEF ISTANBUL honored the most successful e-commerce brands. For the “ECOM BRANDS 100” awards, 365 e-commerce brands across 33 categories were evaluated and awards were presented to the 100 most successful e-commerce brands.

As part of WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026, the “ECOM BRANDS 100” awards ceremony was held at Yenikapı Event Area for the most successful e-commerce brands. Organized with Sürat Kargo as the main partner, the ceremony brought together leading representatives of the e-commerce ecosystem on WORLDEF ISTANBUL’s Future Commerce Stage.

Launched to highlight brands that demonstrate real performance in digital commerce, ECOM BRANDS 100 made Türkiye’s successful e-commerce brands visible as a category-based competition and voting platform. With a performance-oriented evaluation approach, the platform focused not on perception, but on real growth, scale, impact and the success achieved in digital commerce, and honored the sector’s leading brands.

Ömer Nart: This Was Our Responsibility Toward the Sector

Senior guests from e-commerce brands, sector representatives, business partners and important stakeholders of the digital commerce ecosystem attended the awards ceremony. While the music, dance and illusion performances held throughout the ceremony added color to the night, the award-winning brands received great applause on the Future Commerce Stage.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart pointed out that companies maintaining their presence in digital had not previously been honored in such an organization and said, “This was our responsibility toward the sector. Every year, we will honor those who make it onto this list.”

Within the scope of ECOM BRANDS 100, 365 brands across 33 categories participated in the voting. As a result of the voting, the 100 brands that ranked received their awards on the WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 stage. The organization, which featured brands shaping the future of digital commerce across Türkiye, became an important gathering that rewarded success, innovation and sustainable growth in the e-commerce ecosystem.

The Competition Categories Covered a Broad Ecosystem

At ECOM BRANDS 100, brands competed in different categories such as women’s clothing, men’s clothing, underwear & pajamas, baby & children’s clothing, women’s shoes, men’s shoes, bags, skin care, makeup, hair care, perfume & deodorant, auto accessories & in-car products, carpets & rugs, glassware & kitchen, home decoration, home furniture, home goods & organizers, garden & outdoor furniture, study room & office furniture, toys, sportswear, hobbies & music & art, home & cleaning, petshop, DIY store, gifts & party supplies, vitamins & supplements, healthy snacks & diet food, jewelry & accessories, food, snacks and beverages, and modest fashion & shawls.

With ECOM BRANDS 100, WORLDEF aims to reward excellence in the e-commerce ecosystem and increase the visibility of successful brands. The organization, held for the first time as part of WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026, is planned to be organized traditionally every year from now on and to become a strong index that rewards the achievements of e-commerce brands.

ECOM BRANDS 100 was launched to discover brands demonstrating performance in digital commerce, identify the players that stand out across categories, and make the sector’s leaders visible through a community-oriented selection model. This new tradition, which began in WORLDEF’s 10th year, will continue to reward brands that contribute to the development of Türkiye’s e-commerce ecosystem every year.

WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 to Host MENA and Türkiye’s Largest E-Commerce, Retail and Artificial Intelligence Gathering

The Worlds of E-Commerce, Retail and Artificial Intelligence Came Together at WORLDEF ISTANBUL

WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 opened its doors at the Yenikapı Event Area. Hosting nearly 25 thousand participants from all around the world, WORLDEF ISTANBUL brought together the e-commerce, retail, technology, artificial intelligence and digital commerce ecosystems.

WORLDEF ISTANBUL began with a magnificent opening ceremony held at the Yenikapı Event Area. Held on June 11-13, 2026, the WORLDEF ISTANBUL is positioned as one of the most important gatherings of the e-commerce, retail, technology, artificial intelligence and digital commerce ecosystems. Taking place with the participation of nearly 25 thousand people from approximately 60 countries, the event brought together sector professionals, brands, entrepreneurs, technology companies, investors, marketplaces, logistics companies and digital commerce leaders under the same roof.

A magnificent opening ceremony was held for WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026. The WORLDEF ISTANBUL ceremony, hosted by WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart, was attended by Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan, Ministry of Trade Director General of Exports Mehmet Ali Yalçınkaya, Dubai Airport Free Zone and Dubai CommerCity Director General Amna Lootah, Dubai CommerCity Vice President Arjun Sarkar, and senior executives of e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence companies.

Ömer Nart: New investments will be discussed and new success stories will begin over three days

WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart, in his WORLDEF ISTANBUL opening speech, said, “At WORLDEF ISTANBUL, new collaborations will be established, new investments will be discussed, new ideas will emerge and new success stories will begin over three days. In recent years, Türkiye has gained very significant momentum in trade, exports, entrepreneurship, technology and digital transformation. Thanks to the vision set forth by our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the work of our Ministry of Trade and the entrepreneurial spirit of our private sector, our country is becoming stronger in global trade with each passing day.”

Saying, “As WORLDEF, we are very proud to be a part of this transformation,” Nart thanked Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan, who attended the event, and said, “We believe that Türkiye has the potential to become one of the most important centers of digital commerce.”

Amna Lootah: Growth happens when people, businesses and governments work together

Dubai Airport Free Zone and Dubai CommerCity Director General Amna Lootah said, “Just a short time ago, digital commerce was seen as an opportunity; today, it has become a necessity that transforms how businesses grow and how economies compete. In my role at Dubai CommerCity, I see that businesses are looking for three things: speed, access and certainty. We established Dubai CommerCity to create a seamless environment where companies can focus on innovation while we simplify the complexity of cross-border trade.”

Lootah continued as follows: “Technology, especially artificial intelligence, is changing operations; however, technology alone is not enough. Growth happens when people, businesses and governments work together. The developing relationship between the UAE and Türkiye, with a trade volume exceeding 45 billion dollars, is a strong example of this. I look forward to welcoming many of you in Dubai for WORLDEF Dubai 2027, where we can continue building the future of digital commerce together.”

Mahmut Gürcan: E-commerce has now become the main carrier of trade

Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan also stated, “E-commerce channels, digital marketplaces and next-generation logistics solutions are reshaping the structure of trade with each passing day. As Türkiye, in 2025, we realized goods exports of 273.5 billion dollars and services exports of 122 billion dollars; in total, we reached a level of 396 billion dollars. While the global retail e-commerce volume is expected to approach 7 trillion dollars in 2026, e-commerce has now become the main carrier of trade.”

Gürcan noted the following: “As the Ministry of Trade, we attach importance to our companies benefiting from e-export supports; we have increased the number of our target countries from 26 to 35. By establishing strategic collaborations with marketplaces such as eBay, Walmart, Amazon and TikTok Shop, we are increasing the global visibility of Turkish brands. In addition, we are training e-export specialists through the Export Academy and university collaborations. With our strong logistics network and production infrastructure, we will continue to work with all our strength toward becoming a regional hub in digital commerce.”

E-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence were discussed

Within the scope of WORLDEF ISTANBUL, approximately 200 booths were opened, while a broad ecosystem was represented at the event area, from e-commerce infrastructures to payment systems, from logistics solutions to artificial intelligence technologies, and from retail innovations to marketplace solutions. Participants had the opportunity to establish direct contact with companies from different sectors, develop new collaborations and evaluate opportunities for global markets.

Throughout the WORLDEF ISTANBUL, more than 200 speakers will take the stage and make important assessments on topics such as the future of e-commerce, transformation in retail, the impact of artificial intelligence on commerce, cross-border sales strategies, digital payment systems, logistics technologies and next-generation customer experience. The event will bring together the leading names, decision-makers and brands of the sector over three days, hosting new business connections, strategic partnerships and inspiring sessions.

WORLDEF VIP Connect hosted e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence leaders

WORLDEF VIP Connect hosted e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence leaders

The special networking event VIP Connect, held ahead of WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026, hosted senior professionals from the e-commerce, retail, technology, artificial intelligence, logistics, payment systems and digital commerce ecosystems. Important cooperation meetings were held at the event, which saw strong participation.

VIP Connect was designed as a special networking event within the scope of the 10th anniversary of WORLDEF’s establishment. The event, held on June 9 at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, brought together leading brands, investors, entrepreneurs and decision-makers from the e-commerce, retail, technology, artificial intelligence, logistics, payment systems and digital commerce sectors. Planned meetings were held at the event, which offered participants a unique environment for developing a business network. In this way, participants had the opportunity to meet one-on-one and hold business meetings with company representatives from different sectors within the designated time periods.

Ömer Nart: We have been working for this for ten years

WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart said in his speech at the program, “Everyone, absolutely everyone, will leave here by establishing a new connection, finding a new opportunity and holding a valuable meeting, even valuable meetings. This evening is an evening where the right people meet at the right tables with the right opportunities. As WORLDEF, we have been working for this for 10 years and we bring people, brands and opportunities together.”

Abdulrahman Shahin: This is a celebration of cooperation

VIP Connect also saw senior-level participation from Dubai CommerCity, WORLDEF’s “Main Strategic Partner.” Dubai CommerCity is the first and leading free zone in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region dedicated exclusively to the digital commerce and e-commerce sector.

Abdulrahman Shahin, Senior Vice President of Operations at Dubai CommerCity, who attended the program, said in his speech, “It is a privilege to be in Istanbul, a long and historic bridge between culture and commerce. We are delighted to be part of such a dynamic global community of e-commerce and digital commerce leaders. This is a celebration of cooperation. It reflects the growing energy between Dubai and Istanbul.”

Emphasizing that Dubai Commerce City was established as an ecosystem dedicated to digital commerce, bringing together infrastructure, innovation and integrated services to empower global and regional digital commerce players, Shahin said, “WORLDEF has been a valuable partner on this journey. Together, we have been the power of this platform in encouraging dialogue, creating opportunities and accelerating industrial growth. We are delighted to hold the third WORLDEF event at Dubai CommerceCity in January 2027 and to continue this cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you in Dubai.”

Direct meetings were held on potential collaborations and commercial opportunities

Thanks to the specially designed networking format, participants established many new connections in a short time and held direct meetings on potential collaborations and commercial opportunities. The gathering of professionals from different sectors on the same platform created important opportunities in terms of new business models and strategic partnerships. VIP Connect not only strengthened existing business relations but also contributed to laying the foundations for new collaborations between companies from different sectors. Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to evaluate current developments in the e-commerce and digital commerce ecosystem and exchange views on the future of the sector.

Collaborations were reinforced ahead of WORLDEF ISTANBUL

VIP Connect, held before the opening of WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026, which will take place on June 11-13 at Yenikapı Event Area, became one of the most notable gatherings of the event with the high interaction and productive meeting environment it created. The organization, which attracted strong interest from participants, served as a powerful start for WORLDEF ISTANBUL, which will continue for three days. WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 will bring together e-commerce, retail and technology professionals from around the world.

WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 to Host MENA and Türkiye’s Largest E-Commerce, Retail and Artificial Intelligence Gathering

WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 brings together the e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence ecosystems under one roof. Positioned as MENA and Türkiye’s largest e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence event, the organization will be held at Yenikapı Event Area between June 11-13, 2026. The event will bring together industry professionals, brands, entrepreneurs, technology companies, marketplaces, investors and digital commerce leaders on a global scale. WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart said, “As WORLDEF, we aim to establish a strong trade and cooperation bridge between Türkiye and the MENA region. Within this framework, Istanbul is becoming one of the global meeting points of digital commerce.”

Organized under the leadership of WORLDEF, the global e-commerce and retail platform, “WORLDEF Istanbul 2026” brings together more than 30,000 visitors from over 50 countries and more than 240 companies. More than 200 speakers will take part across three different stages at the event. Offering a comprehensive platform where the trends, technologies and business opportunities shaping the future of the digital commerce and retail world will be discussed, the event will be one of the strongest gatherings in the region in terms of knowledge sharing, networking, new collaborations, brand visibility and international growth opportunities.

The future of digital commerce will be discussed in WORLDEF Istanbul 2026

WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 will address the transformation taking place in the world of e-commerce and retail with a focus on artificial intelligence, digital marketing, logistics, payment systems, marketplace strategies, cross-border trade, customer experience, data-driven growth and next-generation technologies. Throughout the event, leading names in the industry will share with participants the growth journeys of brands, changing consumer behaviors, global trade dynamics and the future of the digital economy. By combining conference and exhibition concepts, WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 stands out as a strategic event that enables brands to expand into new markets, technology providers to meet the right customers, investors to discover emerging ventures and industry professionals to build global connections.

Ömer Nart: Istanbul is becoming one of the global meeting points of digital commerce

WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart said that WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 is not only an event, but also a global meeting point that shapes the future of the e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence ecosystems. Nart said, “Today, digital commerce is transforming into a much more integrated structure in which brands, technology companies, marketplaces, logistics and payment systems providers grow together. As WORLDEF, we aim to establish a strong trade and cooperation bridge between Türkiye and the MENA region at the center of this transformation. Within this framework, Istanbul is becoming one of the global meeting points of digital commerce.”

Ömer Nart noted the following: “With the ECOM BRANDS 100 award ceremony to be held as part of the event, we will make visible the brands that demonstrate real success in the e-commerce and retail world, while with the ECOM TOP VOICES competition, we will bring the sector’s new thought leaders to the stage. When Istanbul’s strategic location, Türkiye’s production and trade power, the rapidly growing digital economy of the MENA region and the transformation created by artificial intelligence in the business world come together, we believe that WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 represents not only today, but also the trade vision of the future. We invite all industry stakeholders to be part of this major gathering.”

Success in e-commerce and retail will be rewarded with ECOM BRANDS 100

The ECOM BRANDS 100 award ceremony, to be held as part of the event, will reward brands that create real volume in the e-commerce and retail ecosystem. Designed with the motto “Celebrating Excellence in E-Commerce and Retail,” ECOM BRANDS 100 aims to make visible not only brands with high recognition, but also brands that are growing, scaling and demonstrating real performance in digital commerce.

With an evaluation approach based on data rather than perception, ECOM BRANDS 100 will highlight brands that generate strong sales volume in the e-commerce and retail world, show effective growth in digital channels and contribute to the development of the sector. The award ceremony will offer an important area of prestige in terms of representing brands’ success in digital commerce on an international stage.

The top 10 names of the ECOM TOP VOICES competition will take the WORLDEF stage

One of the notable program highlights of WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 will be the winners of the “ECOM TOP VOICES” competition. Among participants who stand out with their strong ideas, experiences and field-driven insights in the fields of e-commerce, retail, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, the top 10 ranking individuals will have the opportunity to speak on the WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 stage. ECOM TOP VOICES will contribute to the visibility of new voices, experts, entrepreneurs and thought leaders in the sector on a global platform. The competition aims to bring together with the sector not only experienced speakers, but also next-generation leaders who offer strong perspectives on the future of digital commerce.

A strategic platform for global networking and new collaborations

WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 will bring together e-commerce and retail professionals from different regions of the world in Istanbul, creating a strong foundation for global collaborations. Participants will have the opportunity to establish direct contact with brands, marketplaces, payment systems, logistics companies, technology providers, investors and service providers. While building digital commerce bridges between the MENA region and Türkiye, the event will position Istanbul as one of the important centers of the global e-commerce ecosystem. WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 will offer its participants not only the opportunity to follow trends, but also the opportunity to be directly involved in the transformation of the sector.

WORLDEF’s next event will be in Antalya

WORLDEF’s next event will be the “WORLDEF PRIME Matchmaking Summit,” to be held in Antalya between December 8-10, 2026. Bringing together e-commerce and retail professionals from all around the world, the summit is positioned as a special matchmaking platform that aims to establish important connections among decision-makers, brand executives, investors, technology providers and industry leaders. The organization, which will be held at Kremlin Palace in Antalya, will host industry representatives from more than 50 countries. The one-to-one meetings and strategic sessions to be held throughout the event will contribute to the expansion of global e-commerce networks.

Detailed Information!

WORLDEF PRIME Matchmaking Summit Brings Together Global Leaders of E-Commerce in Antalya

AI Operations Platform for E-Commerce: Kopa.ai Raises €2 Million

AI operations startup Kopa.ai has secured €2 million in early-stage funding as e-commerce companies look for practical tools to automate marketing, workflow management, and day-to-day commercial tasks.

Kopa.ai has raised €2 million in pre-seed funding to develop its AI operations platform for e-commerce businesses. The round provides the startup with additional capital to build technology to help online retailers manage marketing and operational workflows more efficiently.

The funding round included support from XTX Ventures, Practica Capital, Inovia Capital, and Lost Astronaut. The investment comes at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly visible in e-commerce, particularly in areas such as advertising, content production, campaign management, customer acquisition, and operational decision-making.

Kopa.ai is developing tools that apply AI operations to the daily work of e-commerce teams. Rather than focusing on a single narrow function, the company is building a broader platform to support multiple tasks across marketing and operations. These may include creating advertising content, publishing product-related material, optimizing campaigns, and helping teams make faster decisions based on available data.

The company was founded by CEO and co-founder Donatas Benaitis and his team. Over the past year, Kopa.ai has been building its platform and shaping its product direction in a market where many online businesses are under pressure to do more with smaller teams and tighter marketing budgets. For smaller and mid-sized e-commerce companies, this pressure is often especially strong because they may not have the resources to maintain large in-house marketing, analytics, and operations departments.

Benaitis described the funding as an important milestone for the company, while also noting that it represents only the beginning of a longer development process. His statement suggests that Kopa.ai is still in an early phase, with the funding expected to support product development, team expansion, and further testing of its platform in real business environments.

The rise of AI operations in e-commerce

The rise of AI operations in e-commerce reflects a broader shift in how online retailers approach technology. For many years, e-commerce companies added separate tools for advertising, customer relationship management, content, analytics, inventory, and support. While these tools helped businesses grow, they also created complexity. Teams often need to move between multiple dashboards, manually transfer information, and coordinate decisions across disconnected systems.

AI operations platforms are emerging as a possible response to this problem. The basic idea is to use artificial intelligence not only to generate text or answer questions, but also to support execution. In e-commerce, this could mean helping teams prepare campaigns, identify performance gaps, automate repetitive tasks, or suggest actions based on customer and product data.

However, the sector is still developing, and the practical impact of these tools will depend on execution. Many AI startups promise efficiency, automation, and growth, but e-commerce companies will likely judge platforms such as Kopa.ai by measurable outcomes. These may include lower customer acquisition costs, faster content production, better campaign performance, reduced manual workload, or improved conversion rates.

The investment also highlights venture capital firms’ continued interest in AI applications with clear commercial use cases. After the first wave of generative AI adoption, investors are increasingly looking at startups that apply AI to specific industries and workflows. E-commerce is one of the more active areas because it combines large volumes of product data, marketing spend, customer behavior, and repetitive operational tasks.

For online retailers, the appeal of AI operations is understandable. Digital commerce has become more competitive, advertising costs remain a concern, and customer expectations continue to rise. Businesses need to test campaigns faster, personalize communication, manage content across channels, and respond to market changes with greater speed. AI tools may help with some of these pressures, although they are unlikely to replace the need for strategic judgment, brand understanding, and human oversight.

Kopa.ai’s next stage will be important in showing whether its platform can move beyond general AI productivity and deliver specific value for e-commerce teams. The company will need to prove that its technology can integrate into existing workflows, handle real operational complexity, and produce consistent results for different types of online businesses.

The €2 million funding gives Kopa.ai more room to develop its AI operations platform, but it also places the company in a competitive market. Many startups are now working on AI tools for marketing, sales, customer experience, and e-commerce automation. To stand out, Kopa.ai will need to demonstrate not only strong technology, but also a clear understanding of how e-commerce teams actually work.

For the wider market, the funding is another sign that AI operations are becoming a serious category within digital commerce. The next phase will likely be defined not by broad promises about artificial intelligence, but by whether these platforms can help retailers improve efficiency, reduce complexity, and make better commercial decisions.

AI Commerce: Rep AI Raises $6.2 Million to Build Operating System

AI commerce platform Rep AI has secured $6.2 million in new funding to expand its unified operating system for e-commerce brands, online retailers, and customer experience teams.

Rep AI, an AI commerce platform built for e-commerce brands and online retailers, has raised $6.2 million in new funding as demand grows for unified AI systems across digital retail. The round was led by Silicon Road Ventures, with participation from Osage Venture Partners, Flashpoint Venture Capital, and Zendesk.

The new investment builds on Rep AI’s $8.2 million Series A round, which was announced in August 2024. With the latest funding, the company aims to accelerate product innovation, expand its market reach, and support enterprise growth as more online retailers look for scalable AI commerce infrastructure.

Rep AI is positioning itself as AI commerce

Rep AI is positioning itself as more than a chatbot provider. The company describes its platform as an AI operating system for e-commerce, designed to help brands manage customer journeys from first interaction to long-term loyalty. This includes shopper intent detection, product discovery, personalized recommendations, conversion support, customer service, and post-purchase engagement.

According to Rep AI, many e-commerce brands are struggling with disconnected technology stacks. These fragmented systems often separate marketing, customer support, analytics, product data, and sales engagement into different tools. As a result, brands may face operational silos, weaker customer insights, and missed revenue opportunities. Rep AI says its AI commerce platform is designed to bring these functions into a more connected system.

“E-commerce brands are increasingly overwhelmed by disconnected technology stacks that create operational silos and missed revenue opportunities,” said Yoav Oz, Co-founder and CEO at Rep AI. He added that the new funding validates the company’s vision of building a unified AI operating system for e-commerce that helps brands better understand shopper behavior, improve conversion, and deliver stronger customer experiences.

The funding round also reflects a wider shift in the AI commerce market. Retailers are moving beyond isolated AI tools and looking for systems that can influence the entire customer journey. Instead of deploying separate tools for chat, support, recommendations, and analytics, brands are increasingly seeking integrated platforms that can work across multiple touchpoints.

Shauli Mizrahi, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Rep AI, said the industry is moving toward integrated systems that can influence the full customer journey across e-commerce. He noted that the company’s focus is on building infrastructure that delivers measurable business outcomes while simplifying how brands deploy and scale AI.

This is particularly important as online retailers face higher customer expectations. Shoppers now expect fast answers, personalized product guidance, smooth returns, and consistent support across channels. In this environment, AI commerce is becoming a strategic priority for brands that want to improve both customer experience and revenue performance.

Silicon Road Ventures said the market is increasingly looking for agentic AI infrastructure rather than point solutions. Sid Mookerji, Managing Partner at Silicon Road Ventures, said brands are seeking scalable, revenue-driving AI systems that can replace fragmented tools with a more cohesive and intelligent platform.

Zendesk’s participation in the round is also notable for highlighting the growing connection between customer experience technology and commerce operations. Customer support is no longer viewed only as a cost center. For many online retailers, support interactions are now part of the sales journey, retention strategy, and brand experience.

Adrian McDermott, CTO at Zendesk, said a strong retail experience should feel like a knowledgeable sales concierge that understands customer needs, knows the products, and can help from discovery to returns. He added that true AI integration in retail requires more than a chatbot, as it depends on a deep understanding of shopper behavior and product data.

Rep AI’s approach reflects a broader trend in digital retail: the rise of behavioral AI. By analyzing customer signals and product information, AI commerce platforms can help brands identify intent, guide shoppers more effectively, and reduce friction before checkout. This can be especially valuable for retailers with large product catalogs, high customer service volumes, or complex customer journeys.

The company’s latest funding comes as e-commerce brands continue to invest in automation, personalization, and customer experience tools. However, the next phase of AI commerce may not be defined by single-purpose applications. Instead, the market appears to be shifting toward unified operating systems that combine sales, support, data, and personalization in one layer.

For e-commerce brands and retailers, Rep AI’s funding signals that investors are paying close attention to platforms that can turn AI into measurable commercial outcomes. As competition intensifies in online retail, AI commerce solutions that simplify operations and improve conversion could become a core part of the digital commerce stack.

The $6.2 million funding round provides Rep AI with additional resources to scale its platform at a time when retailers are actively seeking more intelligent, connected, and revenue-focused AI systems. If the company succeeds, its model could help shape the development of AI commerce across the global e-commerce industry.