DoorDash Doubles Down on Retail Media With AI and Acquisition Push

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DoorDash is rapidly evolving from a food delivery platform into a full-fledged retail media powerhouse. As its advertising revenue continues to surge, the company is doubling down on off-platform reach and performance-driven ad tech.

The latest move: a $175 million acquisition of Symbiosys, an ad-tech company specializing in dynamic creative and predictive targeting. The deal is part of DoorDash’s broader strategy to expand advertising beyond its owned channels and into the open web and social platforms — positioning itself more like Amazon Ads than a delivery app.

“We want to make it as easy and effective as possible for brands to drive outcomes,” said Rob Edell, Head of DoorDash Ads. The company has also launched automated budget recommendations, new AI-based performance tools, and full-service media planning capabilities to attract CPG advertisers seeking measurable results.

The timing is strategic. As third-party cookie deprecation reshapes digital targeting, platforms with first-party data and direct consumer relationships are gaining ground. DoorDash now counts over 100 million monthly users and offers CPG brands insight into local purchase behavior in real time.

Retail media ad spend is projected to exceed $140 billion globally by 2026, according to GroupM. DoorDash is aiming to secure a meaningful slice of that market by building a platform that not only serves restaurant brands but also drives performance for packaged goods, grocery, and convenience products.

With new tools, a growing advertiser base, and ambitions beyond its own ecosystem, DoorDash is signaling it intends to play offense — not just in delivery, but in digital media at scale