Ingka Group buys AI powered logistics software firm Locus to boost Ikea home delivery experience

Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group, the largest Ikea retailer, has announced the acquisition of Locus, a logistics technology company based in the USA. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Locus offers an AI powered logistics management platform, featuring route optimisation, real-time tracking, as well as the smart use of vehicles and resources. According to both parties, by integrating these capabilities, Locus will better enable Ingka Group to enhance efficiency across the supply chain - from capacity management and optimisation to last mile execution.

“This acquisition aligns perfectly with our commitment to improving the customer journey at every touchpoint. By bringing Locus’s technology in-house, we’re taking control of a crucial element in our fulfilment chain, allowing us to deliver with greater speed and flexibility to the many,” says Tolga Öncü, Head of Ikea Retail (Ingka Group).

Parag Parekh, Global CDO at Ikea Retail (Ingka Group), comments: “Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many, and that includes delivering products when and how customers want them. This acquisition strengthens the digital capabilities required to meet rising customer expectations, while ensuring the quality and reliability Ikea is known for.”

Nishith Rastogi, Founder and CEO at Locus, says: “Joining the Ikea family marks a historic milestone for Locus and the customers we serve. This partnership preserves our independence and ensures our perpetuity, while unlocking the scale and resources to serve our global enterprise customers with unmatched research and development.”

“To usher in this new phase, we will expand significantly across product, engineering, and revenue teams, to build a legacy of innovation and impact spanning decades, not years.”   

Following the acquisition, Locus will remain operationally independent while continuing to grow its services for partners beyond Ingka Group.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.