Shopify reportedly in talks to buy tech startup Deliverr

Shopify is in talks to buy technology startup Deliverr, according to people familiar with the matter, a move that would help the Canadian e-commerce company expand in fulfillment services.

Shopify Inc. is in talks to buy technology startup Deliverr, according to people familiar with the matter, a move that would help the Canadian e-commerce company expand in fulfillment services. 

A deal could value San Francisco-based Deliverr at more than US$2 billion, said the people, who asked to not be identified because the matter isn’t public. No final decision has been made and discussions could fall apart, the people added. 

A representative for Shopify declined to comment while representatives for Deliverr didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. 

Closely held Deliverr helps merchants on Amazon.com Inc., EBay Inc. and other online marketplaces get products to consumers in two days or less, according to its website. Fast-shipping has become a must-have service for retailers, as the booming online shopping market became increasingly competitive during the pandemic. 

Deliverr uses analysts to predict where people might be interested in buying art supplies, makeup, shampoo and other goods. Then it uses that information to position items in its warehousing network to achieve swift delivery. 

The business would be Shopify’s largest-ever deal, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, and complement the company’s subscription-based software that allows anyone to set up an online store.