DoorDash in talks to acquire Instacart for $17B

Uber: Uber provides ride-sharing and delivery services across multiple categories. Its prior talks to acquire Instacart are no longer active according to sources close to the matter. The company has previously expanded its delivery footprint through acquisitions such as Postmates and Delivery Hero to build an everyday convenience platform. DoorDash: DoorDash operates a leading food delivery platform connecting customers with restaurants and other merchants. The company is currently in advanced talks to acquire Instacart, a move that would combine its delivery network with grocery-specific capabilities to expand beyond restaurant orders. Recent industry shifts toward grocery and retail delivery have positioned DoorDash to pursue such strategic growth opportunities. Instacart: Instacart runs a specialized grocery delivery marketplace with established retailer partnerships. It is the target of advanced acquisition talks with DoorDash that could value the platform at roughly $17 billion, while earlier discussions with Uber have ended. The company is also winding down its Caper Cart smart shopping cart business by the end of the second quarter of 2027. Complementary Fit: An acquisition of Instacart would give DoorDash access to the platform's established marketplace and retailer ties, which it could combine with its own vast delivery network and customer base. Industry Challenges: The food delivery industry has been grappling with rising labor costs, tighter regulation of delivery workers, and growing competition after the pandemic-driven boom in online ordering faded. Strategic Expansion: Delivery companies are expanding into grocery and retail to drive growth beyond restaurant delivery, with examples including DoorDash buying Deliveroo and Uber acquiring Postmates and Delivery Hero.