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Amazon Is Acquiring Globalstar for $11.6 Billion

Globalstar

Amazon announced that it will acquire the US satellite communications company Globalstar for $11.6 billion. The move is said to be aimed at competing with Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Satellite-based internet and direct-to-device (D2D) technologies are creating a new field of competition in the telecommunications sector. Technology giants are also accelerating their investments to position themselves more strongly in this market. In this context, Amazon announced that it will acquire Globalstar for approximately $11.6 billion as part of its growth plans in the D2D field.

With this acquisition, Amazon will gain access to Globalstar’s network of more than 20 low-Earth orbit satellites. The e-commerce giant also plans to use it to prepare for the full-scale rollout of its own low-Earth orbit satellite internet initiative, Leo. Amazon aims to connect satellite internet directly to the mobile devices of its e-commerce customers. It also plans to offer voice, data, and messaging services starting in 2028.

Amazon Launched 200 Satellites in 1 Year

Amazon has launched approximately 200 satellites since April 2025. The company is preparing to officially launch its low-Earth orbit satellite internet service by the end of this year. It also plans to launch approximately 7,700 satellites this year. However, delays in satellite deployment have disrupted this plan.

Globalstar Has 800,000 Subscribers

Globalstar was founded in Louisiana in 1991. As of the end of last year, it has 800,000 subscribers to its mobile satellite communications service. Following the news of Amazon’s acquisition, Globalstar shares rose by approximately 10% on Nasdaq, approaching $80. Apple, one of Globalstar’s major shareholders, also welcomed Amazon’s decision. Apple had acquired a 20% stake in the company by investing $1.5 billion in Globalstar in 2024.

As part of the collaboration with Apple, Amazon Leo will continue to provide infrastructure for the satellite features used on iPhones and Apple Watches. These features include functions such as emergency messaging and location sharing. The agreement will go through the approval process of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is expected to be completed around 2027.

Starlink Leads the Satellite Internet Market

Starlink, which Amazon sees as a rival, is currently the dominant player in the satellite internet market. The company has approximately 10,000 low-Earth orbit communications satellites and 9 million users.

Andy Jassy Praised Amazon’s Chips; Criticized NVIDIA with a Rare Swipe

Vinted’s 47% GMV Surge Signals Positive Boom in Europe’s Resale Economy

Vinted’s 47% GMV Surge Signals Positive Boom in Europe’s Resale Economy

Europe’s second-hand fashion market is gaining serious momentum, and Vinted is at the center of this transformation. The Lithuania-based platform reported a 47% year-on-year increase in gross merchandise value (GMV), reaching €10.8 billion, marking a major milestone in the evolution of recommerce across the region.

The strong performance reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior. As inflation and rising living costs continue to pressure households, more consumers are turning to second-hand platforms to save money and generate extra income. This trend has positioned Vinted not just as an alternative shopping channel, but as a mainstream marketplace within Europe’s e-commerce ecosystem.

In parallel with GMV growth, Vinted’s revenue rose by 38% to €1.1 billion, underlining its ability to scale both transaction volume and monetization. The company has now firmly established itself as one of Europe’s leading digital marketplaces, with operations spanning more than 20 countries and a growing user base driven by affordability and sustainability.

Vinted Drives Resale Economy Growth Across Europe

A key driver behind Vinted’s growth is its continued expansion beyond traditional fashion categories. While women’s and children’s clothing remain core segments, the platform has increasingly diversified into areas such as sports equipment, collectibles, and electronics. This broader product offering is attracting new user segments and increasing transaction frequency.

At the same time, Vinted is investing heavily in infrastructure. Initiatives like Vinted Go (logistics) and Vinted Pay (payments) are designed to strengthen its ecosystem and reduce operational costs over time. The platform now provides access to hundreds of thousands of pick-up and drop-off points across Europe, improving convenience and delivery efficiency.

However, this aggressive growth strategy has come with trade-offs. Despite record GMV and revenue, profitability declined, with net profit falling to €62 million due to increased investments in expansion, logistics, and market development particularly in competitive regions like Germany.

Still, the long-term outlook remains strong. Vinted’s leadership emphasizes cost efficiency and ecosystem development as core pillars for making second-hand commerce the “first choice” for consumers. As resale continues to gain traction, the platform is well-positioned to capitalize on both economic and sustainability-driven demand.

Ultimately, the latest results highlight a fundamental shift in retail dynamics. Second-hand commerce is no longer niche – it is becoming a defining force in Europe’s digital economy, challenging traditional retail models and reshaping how consumers buy and sell goods online.

Source

Wildberries Enters Ethiopia in 2026 as Digital Trade Growth Surges

Wildberries Enters Ethiopia in 2026 as Digital Trade Growth Surges

Wildberries has officially launched operations in Ethiopia, opening its marketplace to local sellers and enabling them to reach international customers.

The move marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy, positioning Ethiopia as one of its first major entry points into the African e-commerce landscape.

Ethiopian products reach global audiences

Through the platform, Ethiopian businesses can now offer a wide range of goods to international buyers, including coffee, textiles, leather products, and handmade items.

The integration into the marketplace is expected to strengthen export potential for small and medium-sized enterprises while increasing global visibility for locally produced goods. It also provides sellers with access to a structured digital environment that simplifies cross-border trade.

Cross-border e-commerce gains traction

The launch reflects a broader trend of growing cross-border e-commerce activity, particularly in emerging markets.

By leveraging Wildberries’ logistics and marketplace infrastructure, Ethiopian sellers are able to access international markets more efficiently, reducing traditional barriers such as distribution complexity and limited reach.

Partnership supports digital economy development

The entry into Ethiopia follows cooperation with Ethiopian Investment Holdings, aimed at supporting the country’s digital economy and e-commerce ecosystem.

Through this initiative, Wildberries is contributing to improvements in logistics capabilities, technology transfer, and the creation of new opportunities for local businesses to scale beyond domestic markets.

Two-phase marketplace rollout

In its initial phase, Ethiopian products will be made available to international consumers through Wildberries.

A second phase is expected to introduce foreign sellers to the Ethiopian market, further expanding trade flows and strengthening the country’s position within global e-commerce networks.

Source

Otto’s GMV Reached 7.5 Billion Euros

Otto

Germany-based e-commerce giant Otto grew its gross merchandise value (GMV) by 6% in the 2025/26 fiscal year, reaching approximately 7.5 billion euros. With this performance, the company delivered growth above the online retail market in Germany. According to industry data, e-commerce spending in Germany increased by only 3.2% during the same period.

The marketplace model played the most critical role in Otto’s growth. While the total number of business partners on the platform reached 6,100, marketplace GMV recorded a 9% increase. In contrast, growth in Otto’s own retail operations remained at 3%. The number of products offered on the platform rose to 19 million, demonstrating the impact of its broad product variety strategy.

Otto’s Strongest Growth Came in the Fashion and Sports Segment

On a category basis, the strongest performance was seen in the fashion and sports segment with 9% growth, while the home and living category also drew attention with a 7% increase. This indicates that consumer demand is shifting toward lifestyle and personal-use products.

Growth also continued on the customer side. Ot to’s number of active customers increased by 4% to reach 12.6 million. The company attributes this increase to improvements in user experience and optimizations made in logistics processes. Given the competitive structure of e-commerce across Europe, this growth on the customer side carries strategic importance.

Advertising Revenue Increased by 49%

Another notable area was retail media revenues. Revenue generated through Otto’s own advertising platform, Otto Advertising, increased by 49%, making it one of the company’s fastest-growing business lines. This trend shows that the “retail media” model, also adopted by players such as Amazon and Zalando, is rapidly becoming widespread in Europe.

The company’s CEO, Dr. Boris Ewenstein, stated that the results achieved not only preserved Otto’s leading position in Germany, but also strengthened its potential to increase market share.

A Target of 10 Billion Euros in Revenue by 2028

Artificial intelligence and international expansion hold an important place in Otto’s growth strategy. The company is targeting 10 billion euros in revenue by the 2028 fiscal year. In line with this goal, hyper-personalization, AI-supported shopping assistants, and data-driven recommendation systems will be implemented.

In addition, the marketplace model is being opened to international sellers. Following the inclusion of sellers from the Netherlands on the platform, sellers from Poland, Austria, France, and Spain are also planned to join the system. As of 2027, Danish retailers are also expected to take part on the platform.

As competition in the European e-commerce market continues to intensify, Otto’s growth strategy focused on data, marketplace development, and artificial intelligence may position the company more strongly in the coming period.

Otto to Close 480 Customer Service Positions

Grab Expands Beyond Southeast Asia with $600 Million Foodpanda Deal in Taiwan

Grab Expands Beyond Southeast Asia with $600 Million Foodpanda Deal in Taiwan

Grab is making its most significant international move yet with the acquisition of Foodpanda’s Taiwan business from Delivery Hero for $600 million. The deal marks Grab’s first expansion outside Southeast Asia, signaling a new phase in its regional growth strategy.

Taiwan represents a highly attractive market, with strong demand for mobile-first services and a well-established food delivery ecosystem. Foodpanda’s operations already span 21 cities and generated around $1.8 billion in gross merchandise value in 2025, making it a valuable entry point for Grab.

Why This Deal Matters for Grab’s Growth Strategy

This acquisition is more than geographic expansion – it reflects Grab’s broader strategy of scaling through targeted, value-driven deals. Following profitability, the company has accelerated its M&A activity, committing over $1 billion across multiple deals in recent months.

By entering Taiwan, Grab adds a high-income, densely populated market that closely resembles the urban environments it already operates in. The company plans to leverage its AI-powered logistics, mapping systems, and data tools to improve delivery efficiency and merchant performance.

The deal also positions Grab to compete more directly with global players while diversifying its revenue streams beyond its core Southeast Asian markets.

A Turning Point for Asia’s Delivery Landscape

The transaction highlights a broader shift in Asia’s delivery and platform economy. As competition intensifies, companies are increasingly focusing on consolidation, profitability, and strategic market selection.

For Delivery Hero, the sale is part of a wider restructuring effort aimed at optimising capital allocation and reducing debt.

For Grab, however, it represents a long-term bet on expanding its ecosystem – from food delivery to fintech and mobility – across new markets.

What This Mean

Grab’s entry into Taiwan signals that the next phase of platform growth in Asia will be driven by selective expansion, AI-driven efficiency, and ecosystem integration.

As regional leaders move beyond their home markets, competition is shifting from local dominance to cross-border scale.

Source: Asia Tech Review

Amazon Acquires Humanoid Robotics Startup Fauna Robotics

Fauna Robotics

Amazon has acquired New York-based Fauna Robotics to strengthen its presence in the humanoid robot market. While the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, it was reported that the company’s founding team and employees will join Amazon. This move shows that Amazon is expanding the robotics infrastructure it has built over the years in warehouse automation toward a new generation of robots that interact directly with humans.

At the center of the acquisition is the humanoid robot called “Sprout,” which Fauna Robotics introduced recently. Standing at approximately 3.5 feet tall, the robot was designed to establish safe and friendly interaction in human-dense environments such as homes, schools, and social spaces. Its soft exterior and size, which allows it to communicate at eye level with children, are cited among the main features that distinguish Sprout from conventional industrial robots.

Fauna Robotics Is Used in Research, Education, and Social Robotics

Fauna Robotics had developed Sprout not for carrying heavy loads, but rather for research, education, and social robotics applications. The presence of brands such as Disney among its early users also points to the product’s potential for entertainment- and experience-focused use. It is stated that Sprout is positioned as an open platform for developers and offers a testing ground for consumer-facing robotics applications.

For Amazon, this acquisition means more than simply adding a new product. Until now, the company had stood out mainly with robot systems used in logistics centers and had announced that it had deployed more than 1 million robots in its warehouse operations.

Amazon Opens a New Chapter in Consumer Robotics

The Fauna Robotics move indicates that Amazon now wants to bring robotics into areas such as customer experience, in-home use, and human-robot interaction. In this sense, the acquisition can also be interpreted as Amazon’s effort to open a new chapter in consumer robotics after Alexa and the unsuccessful iRobot attempt. This final assessment is an inference drawn from the strategic connection between the company’s existing robotics background and the new acquisition.

At a time when Tesla, Figure AI, and other robotics startups are accelerating the humanoid robot race in global technology competition, this acquisition shows that e-commerce giants are also beginning to take more aggressive steps in the field of physical automation. It is not yet clear what kind of product roadmap Amazon will follow with Fauna Robotics; however, it is already evident that Sprout will play an important role in the company’s robotics vision.

Paris Court of Appeal Rules on Shein; Government’s Shutdown Request Rejected

Shein

The Paris Court of Appeal rejected the French state’s request to suspend Shein’s marketplace. The case was filed after child-like sex dolls and prohibited products were identified on the platform in November 2025. The French state initially sought a harsher intervention targeting the entire site, then revised its request to the suspension of the marketplace; however, the court also upheld on appeal the rejection decision issued in December 2025.

Although the court ruling represents a significant legal victory for Shein, it does not bring the pressure on the company to an end. The court emphasized that the platform cannot operate without adequate age-verification measures against the resale of similar products. In its statement following the ruling, Shein said that it had strengthened product and seller controls for third-party sellers, banned sex dolls across all markets, and had gradually started implementing age-verification measures.

The French Government Will Closely Monitor Shein

Immediately after the ruling, the French government did not step back either. Authorities stated that they would monitor “extremely carefully” whether Shein fully complies with the conditions set by the court. France’s Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Serge Papin, had previously said that 2026 would be a “year of resistance” against Shein and similar platforms, arguing that these companies create unfair competition against French retailers. According to the same report, France introduced a 2-euro tax on small parcels as of March 1; the European Union is also planning a similar 3-euro tax for the summer months.

France Is Shein’s Largest Market in Europe

Despite all regulatory pressure, Shein’s user base in Europe continues to grow. According to the company’s EU transparency report, its average monthly active users in the European Union reached 155.7 million in the period from August 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026; this means an increase of more than 10 million compared with the previous period and growth of 6.9%. France stands as Shein’s largest user market in Europe with 28.2 million average monthly users, while Germany follows with 22.2 million users. Shein also operates its marketplace model in 11 countries across Europe and says it works with more than 600 sales partners in Germany alone.

Shein Is Battling Regulations in Europe

The case in France is part of the broader regulatory challenges Shein is facing in Europe. Last month, the European Commission launched a formal investigation into Shein under the Digital Services Act over allegations related to illegal products and platform design. Therefore, although the rejection ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal has protected Shein’s operations in France, it does not mean that the company has emerged from regulatory pressure in Europe.

French Court Rejects Request to Suspend Shein Over Illicit Products

Amazon Becomes the Largest Carrier in the U.S., Delivering 6.7 Billion Packages in 2025

Amazon

Amazon became the largest carrier in the United States by parcel delivery volume in 2025. According to ShipMatrix data, the company narrowly surpassed the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), delivering 6.7 billion packages in 2025, compared with USPS’s 6.6 billion. During the same period, UPS handled 4.4 billion packages, while FedEx delivered 3.6 billion. This picture shows that Amazon is no longer only an e-commerce giant, but also one of the country’s most powerful last-mile logistics players.

Dependence on USPS Has Declined

Three main factors stand out behind Amazon’s rise: growth in online sales volume, the expansion of its rural delivery network, and reduced dependence on UPS. As Reuters previously reported, Amazon plans to invest more than $4 billion by the end of 2026 to expand its rural coverage. This is helping the company scale its own network while relying less on external carriers.

The U.S. Domestic Parcel Market Reached 23.9 Billion Shipments

Across the market as a whole, growth remained limited. According to ShipMatrix, the U.S. domestic parcel market reached a total of 23.9 billion shipments in 2025, with annual volume growth of only 0.4%. Revenues, however, rose by 4.1%. A major reason for this was that large carriers supported their revenues through price increases. The projected compound annual growth rate for the next three years stands at 3.9%.

The Balance of Power in the U.S. Logistics Market Has Shifted Permanently

Another notable development is that traditional carriers are moving away from low-margin e-commerce deliveries. UPS and FedEx are shifting toward healthcare, data centers, and higher-yield enterprise segments instead of low-value B2C shipments to homes. This is opening space not only for Amazon, but also for Walmart, Target, and smaller parcel carriers. According to ShipMatrix data, the volume of carriers outside the top four increased by 13% year over year in 2025.

Amazon’s overtaking of USPS signals that the balance of power in the U.S. logistics market has changed permanently. Pitney Bowes had previously projected that Amazon would not take the lead until 2028. The company has crossed that threshold earlier than expected.

Amazon to Reduce USPS Package Volume

Meanwhile, Amazon is reportedly planning to reduce the number of packages it ships through the U.S. Postal Service by at least two-thirds by this fall. This shift is expected to accelerate as the current contract expires in the September–October 2026 period. Amazon is not expected to sever ties with USPS completely; however, the company is said to be preparing for a smaller-scale partnership while shifting delivery volume to its own network and alternative carriers.

The most critical impact of this decision may be felt on the USPS side. USPS currently handles about 1.7 billion Amazon packages annually, and the agency has already warned Congress that it could face a cash squeeze in the fall of 2026. It is reported that the Postal Service’s accumulated net losses since 2007 have exceeded $118 billion, while new Postmaster General David Steiner has said the system is not sustainable in its current form.

Amazon to Invest More Than $4 Billion to Expand Rural Delivery Capacity

The picture looks different from Amazon’s side. The company has aggressively expanded its own logistics network in recent years. Amazon plans to invest more than $4 billion by the end of 2026 to increase its rural delivery capacity. In doing so, it aims to reduce its dependence on USPS, especially in rural areas.

For USPS, the issue is not only the loss of Amazon volume; if that volume declines, part of the delivery infrastructure expanded in recent years could also be left underutilized. For that reason, the agency has reportedly launched a competitive bidding process for its last-mile delivery network and has received offers from more than 20 companies. However, Amazon’s decision to reduce volume shows that the center of gravity in U.S. e-commerce logistics is now shifting more clearly toward in-house networks.

Amazon Accelerates Against Walmart; Launches 1- and 3-Hour Fast Delivery in the U.S.

Alibaba Introduced Its New AI Platform, Wukong

Alibaba

Alibaba announced Wukong, its new platform aimed at placing artificial intelligence directly at the center of corporate business processes and operations.

According to Alibaba’s statement, the platform, which is currently in an invitation-only testing phase, will be available as a standalone application and will later be integrated into Ali baba’s corporate communication and collaboration app, DingTalk. According to Reuters, DingTalk currently serves more than 20 million organizational users and a total of 800 million users.

Wukong Is Not Just an Assistant That Produces Content

The key distinction highlighted by Ali baba is that Wukong is not merely an assistant that generates content. The company states that DingTalk’s infrastructure has been rewritten from the ground up, allowing AI agents to perform tasks directly across thousands of enterprise functions within the system, rather than imitating users through an interface. This structure targets use cases such as document editing, meeting note generation, research, spreadsheet updates, and managing task flows through a single screen.

AI Teams Are Being Gathered Under Alibaba Token Hub

The new platform is also part of Ali baba’s broader AI restructuring, which has accelerated in recent days. The company has begun bringing together Qwen, Wukong, and other artificial intelligence teams under a new umbrella called “Alibaba Token Hub.” The fact that CEO Eddie Wu has directly taken charge of this unit indicates that Alibaba now sees artificial intelligence not only as a product area, but as one of the main axes of growth.

Wukong’s launch comes right in the middle of the accelerating “AI agent” race in China and the global market. Ali baba made this move at a time when rivals such as ByteDance, Tencent, Baidu, and Zhipu are also developing similar enterprise agent systems. Baidu’s announcement this week of a new agent package capable of performing multi-step tasks also shows how intense the competition has become.

Wukong Supports Alibaba’s Claim of Becoming an AI-Powered Business Platform

Alibaba says Wukong was designed for enterprise use with features such as security, access control, and cost tracking. The company’s approach is to transform artificial intelligence from a personal productivity tool for employees into a manageable business layer within company budgets and audit processes. In this respect, Wukong is seen not only as a new product in the enterprise software market, but also as the most concrete step in Alibaba’s ambition to become an AI-powered business platform.

Amazon Accelerates Against Walmart; Launches 1- and 3-Hour Fast Delivery in the U.S.

Fast Delivery

Amazon has taken a new step that redefines delivery speed in the United States. By introducing 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options across many markets, including major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles and Chicago, the company has taken its competition with Walmart in fast delivery to a new stage.

According to information shared by Amazon, the new model was built on top of its same-day delivery infrastructure. Under the new service, customers can order more than 90,000 products, ranging from daily essentials to electronics, in a much shorter time. Amazon states that 1-hour delivery is available in hundreds of cities and towns, while the 3-hour delivery option is accessible in more than 2,000 locations.

Fast Delivery Is Now a New Growth Tool

For Amazon, this move is not only about logistics, but also a commercial strategy aimed at increasing basket size and shopping frequency. The company had previously launched a model called “Amazon Now” in certain parts of Seattle and Philadelphia, offering grocery and everyday essentials delivery in 30 minutes or less.

A New Operational Order Has Been Established

In order to manage these short delivery windows, the company created dedicated workstations within its existing same-day delivery centers. Yellow labels began to be used for the rapid sorting of packages, and on-site signage was also updated to guide delivery partners. Amazon also launched a new “get it fast” page to help users find eligible products more easily.

Prime Has an Advantage, but It Is Not Free

The new fast delivery model is offered for an additional fee. Prime members pay $9.99 for 1-hour fast delivery and $4.99 for 3-hour delivery. For customers without a Prime membership, the fees stand at $19.99 and $14.99, respectively. This shows that while Amazon is strongly playing the speed card, it is also trying to preserve profitability.

Walmart Pressure Was the Decisive Factor

Amazon’s timing is not a coincidence. According to the AP, Walmart says it can provide same-day fast delivery in under 3 hours to approximately 95 percent of the U.S. population. The company is also expanding its drone delivery network. This picture shows that in U.S. retail, competition measured in minutes for delivery has now been added to price competition.

A New Era in Retail: The Cost of Speed

The latest development reveals that customer expectations in e-commerce have now reached the point of delivery not only “the next day,” but “the same day or even within a few hours.” However, the expansion of this model will also bring new debates, including logistics costs, the burden of urban operations, and pressure on small retailers. Amazon’s latest move clearly shows that in U.S. retail, speed is no longer a privilege, but has become an area of strategic competition.

Amazon Tests New Shopping Feature Showing Products From Brand Websites