South Korean grocery delivery company Kurly plans to buy AI startup 1Z Labs. The deal marks an important moment for the company as it looks for new ways to grow and improve its business. Kurly already uses technology in many parts of its work, but this move shows that the company now wants AI to play a much bigger role in the future.
Reports on June 2, 2026, said that Kurly will make 1Z Labs a fully owned unit through a stock swap deal. Kurly plans to issue around 453,518 new shares for this agreement. The process may finish in early August if all steps move ahead as planned.
The news quickly caught attention in the business and technology world because it shows how fast AI has become important in online shopping and grocery delivery services.
Kurly Wants Stronger Technology Power
Kurly became well known in South Korea through its grocery delivery service. The company built a strong customer base by offering fresh food and quick delivery. Over time, the company also added beauty products and other lifestyle items to its platform.
Now Kurly wants to improve how it works behind the scenes. The company believes AI can help reduce work pressure, save time, and improve customer support. By buying 1Z Labs, Kurly hopes to build smarter systems across the company.
Kurly and 1Z Labs already worked together before this deal. Their partnership helped Kurly test AI tools in several business areas. Since the early results looked positive, Kurly decided to bring the startup fully into the company.
This move may help Kurly build long-term strength in a highly competitive market.
AI Already Plays a Role at Kurly
Kurly already uses AI in daily operations. The company shared that AI helps create advertising banners and product images. These tasks once needed more human effort and longer work hours. AI now helps complete such jobs much faster.
The company also uses AI in customer support services. AI systems help answer customer questions and process requests related to returns, refunds, and order cancellations.
Kurly said around 40 percent of customer service requests now receive same-day handling through AI-supported systems. This number shows how deeply AI has entered the company’s work process.
Fast customer support matters a lot in grocery delivery because customers expect quick answers about fresh food, delayed orders, and payment issues. Better response speed can improve customer trust and satisfaction.
Why 1Z Labs Matters
1Z Labs may not have global fame yet, but the startup has strong AI skills that fit Kurly’s goals. The company focuses on artificial intelligence technology that can improve business systems and automate many tasks.
Kurly believes the startup can help build smarter tools for marketing, product planning, and customer communication. The company also hopes AI can support workers by reducing simple repetitive tasks.
Many businesses now search for ways to combine human work with AI support. Kurly appears ready to move in that direction quickly.
The deal also shows that large companies no longer want to depend only on outside AI providers. Many firms now prefer direct ownership of AI talent and technology. This gives them better control over future products and systems.
A New Growth Plan After IPO Delay
Kurly once stood among South Korea’s most talked-about startup companies. During the online shopping boom, the company reached a value close to 4 trillion won, or around 3 billion US dollars.
At that time, many people expected Kurly to enter the stock market through a public listing. However, the company delayed its IPO plans in 2023. Weak market conditions and lower technology company values made the timing less favorable.
Since then, Kurly has searched for fresh growth opportunities. The company wants to prove that it can continue expansion even in a difficult market environment.
The purchase of 1Z Labs may become part of that larger plan. Strong AI systems could help Kurly reduce costs, improve customer experience, and create new services in the future.
Investors often pay close attention to companies that show strong technology direction. Kurly may hope this move improves market confidence before any future IPO attempt.
AI Changes the Retail Industry
Kurly’s decision reflects a larger global trend. Retail and grocery companies around the world now race to add AI to their business models.
In the past, grocery delivery companies mainly focused on warehouses, delivery speed, and supply chains. Today, many firms believe AI can become just as important as trucks and delivery centers.
AI can help companies predict customer demand, improve stock management, and create more personal shopping experiences. Smart systems may also help businesses reduce waste and lower operating costs.
Many companies now use AI for chat support, product recommendations, and marketing campaigns. Some firms also use AI to study shopping habits and improve future planning.
Kurly’s move shows that even grocery businesses now see AI as a key business tool rather than just a side technology.
Competition in South Korea Grows Faster
South Korea has one of the world’s most advanced online shopping markets. Customers expect fast service, smooth apps, and quick delivery. Competition remains intense among delivery platforms and online retailers.
Companies constantly search for new ways to stand out. Better technology often becomes the main advantage in this battle.
Kurly likely understands that future competition may depend not only on delivery speed but also on smart digital systems. AI could help the company improve efficiency while keeping customers satisfied.
If Kurly succeeds with stronger AI systems, rival companies may feel pressure to increase their own technology investments.
This situation could push more AI partnerships and acquisitions across South Korea’s retail industry in the coming years.
What This Deal Could Mean for Customers
Customers may notice several changes if Kurly expands AI across its business. Faster customer support may become one of the biggest improvements. Shopping recommendations may also become more accurate based on customer habits and preferences.
Marketing content could become more personalized as AI studies shopping patterns. Product searches may also become easier and faster.
At the same time, Kurly will likely try to keep a balance between AI systems and human workers. Many customers still value human support during complex situations or service problems.
The company may focus on using AI mainly for routine tasks while human teams manage difficult cases.
If done carefully, this balance could improve both speed and service quality.
Kurly Looks Toward the Future
Kurly’s planned purchase of 1Z Labs shows that the company wants to build a future powered by AI. The move goes beyond simple automation. It reflects a broader strategy to improve efficiency, strengthen customer service, and prepare for long-term competition.
The company already uses AI in important parts of its business, but this acquisition could greatly expand those efforts. With customer expectations rising and market competition becoming tougher, Kurly appears ready to make technology a central part of its next chapter.
The deal also highlights how AI now shapes industries far beyond traditional technology companies. Grocery delivery firms, retailers, and online marketplaces increasingly view AI as a core business foundation.
As Kurly moves ahead with the acquisition, many people in the retail and technology world will watch closely to see how the company turns AI investment into future growth.
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