Things change: Marc Lore's food technology and delivery startup Wonder works towards 2026 IPO

Wonder has officially announced its is going public in 2027 or 2028. The Marc Lore fronted company recently hired a new CFO, Gabrielle Scheibe Rabinovitch, to help with this.

“We started Wonder with a simple goal: to make great food more accessible. Not just more convenient, but higher quality, more consistent, and available to more people at an affordable price,” Lore recently stated.

“Over the past year, we’ve taken meaningful steps toward that vision. Wonder has rapidly grown its reach, with over 120 locations and opening two per week. We've expanded the platform through acquisitions like Spyce and Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken, bringing more incredible meals to our customers. We’ve also advanced our technology, from launching drone delivery in New Jersey to building a food platform and superior delivery experience powered by advanced AI and robotics. And we’re just getting started.”

Another meaningful step is an IPO this year, instead of 2027 or 2028, according to Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive.

In a LinkedIn post, in which he cites multiple sources at Wonder, and individuals who’ve spoken with Lore, Ladd claims that the startup is now preparing to go public in 2026.

“I believe there are several reasons for going public in 2026 vs 2027 or 2028. Lore’s goal is to create an AI ecosystem focused on health. Valuations for AI companies have increased significantly. In 2027 or 2028, valuations for AI companies may be lower. Why wait?” Ladd commented.

“The company will operate 200 restaurants by the end of 2026. Marc is blitzscaling Wonder before unit economics can be verified. Blitzscaling is a proven methodology, and it’s perfect for Wonder to utilise to accelerate their IPO timeline.”

He added: “It is a company with a unique concept. Consumers continue to spend money on food and entertainment. It’s better to go public now. I also believe I know what Lore isn’t saying publicly. 30 million adults use GLP-1 drugs. When Retatrutide becomes available in late 2026 or early 2027, I estimate 60 million to 80 million Americans will use GLP-1 drugs on a consistent basis. Lore understands this.”

“I anticipate that he is going to severely minimise the number of Wonder locations that he’s going to open and instead, he is going to leverage his platform and network of commissaries to become the platform of choice for meals and health for GLP-1 users, and health conscious consumers. Why? Because that’s where the money is.”

Ladd concluded: “Gwyneth Paltrow is a member of Lore’s board. She wouldn’t be if the future of the company was selling pizzas and Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. Gwyneth is pushing for a health ecosystem too.”

Wonder did not respond to our request for comment.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

AI will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.