Stord Bolsters E-commerce Logistics Network with Strategic Shipwire Acquisition
Stord, a rapidly growing e-commerce logistics startup, has significantly expanded its operational footprint by acquiring Shipwire, a subsidiary of CEVA Logistics. The deal, finalized on January 1st for an undisclosed sum, integrates 12 new facilities into Stord’s existing network and brings approximately 60 new employees into the fold. Shipwire, an AI-powered fulfillment platform, serves a wide array of e-commerce businesses, enhancing Stord’s capabilities in a competitive market.
“This acquisition provides us with a robust network, a strong customer base, and a talented team that aligns perfectly with our technological vision and our ambitions for scale,” stated Sean Henry, CEO of Stord, in a recent interview. “This combined scale is instrumental in accelerating our growth trajectory.”
The integration of Shipwire not only adds a significant number of mid-market and large enterprise clients but also incorporates advanced AI-driven tools for execution, planning, and routing. These technologies are expected to optimize Stord’s operations and further differentiate its service offerings. Looking ahead, Stord aims to leverage this enhanced capacity to forge strategic partnerships with CEVA’s extensive global network, which spans 170 countries and encompasses 120 million square feet of warehousing space.
This marks Stord’s seventh acquisition to date, underscoring the Atlanta-based company’s aggressive strategy to challenge established e-commerce giants. By building a comprehensive infrastructure network, Stord is focused on reducing shipping costs and accelerating delivery times for smaller and mid-sized merchants. This approach positions Stord as a key player in the increasingly crowded logistics and fulfillment sector, competing with companies like ShipBob, Flexport’s Deliverr, Cart.com, and Shipmonk. The sustained growth in online shopping and the proliferation of multi-platform e-commerce storefronts continue to fuel demand for specialized logistics solutions. Industry behemoths like Amazon are also vying for market share with services such as their multi-channel fulfillment (MCF) offering, which allows businesses to utilize Amazon’s vast network for orders placed across various sales channels.
Stord’s expansion spree has been notable. In May, the company acquired Ware2Go, a third-party delivery firm and a UPS subsidiary. Prior to that, in 2024, Stord integrated Pitney Bowes’ e-commerce fulfillment business and the freight and logistics platform ProPack. Recent strategic moves also include a significant investment in Kentucky to expand its operational capacity and the acquisition of Penny Black, a tech platform focused on enhancing the consumer unboxing experience.
CEO Sean Henry indicated that further acquisitions are on the horizon, with plans to expand Stord’s international presence into Australia and Asia. Currently, Stord’s network includes facilities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
The company’s strong growth is backed by significant investment. Last year, Stord secured $200 million in funding, achieving a valuation of $1.5 billion. Key investors include prominent venture capital firms such as Kleiner Perkins, Founders Fund, and Salesforce Ventures.
Founded in 2015 by Sean Henry, who famously deferred his studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology to pursue the Thiel Fellowship, Stord has quickly established itself as an innovative force in the logistics industry. The Thiel Fellowship, known for fostering entrepreneurial talent, provides recipients with funding and support to develop their startups.
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