A YouTube video raised an intriguing topic. It claims that around the time Amazon first surpassed Walmart in annual revenue in 2026, Walmart chose to sell its e-commerce delivery algorithm to outside parties. However, we recommend checking the original video directly for the underlying facts and context.
Why this story is interesting from an AX perspective
When a company builds up AI and algorithmic capabilities over a long period, the next step usually branches into two paths. One is to keep concealing that capability as a source of competitive advantageand the other is to expand a proven capability into a separate revenue modelIf Walmart's choice leans toward the latter, it can be read as a message that AX doesn't end with internal efficiency gains. It suggests that once an in-house logistics and delivery algorithm matures sufficiently, it can itself become the subject of licensing or platform businesses.
Takeaways for Korean companies
- It may be advantageous in the long run to consider both 'internal efficiency' and 'external asset monetization' possibilities from the very start of an AX project.
- Even when losing the top revenue position to a competitor, strategic flexibility to monetize accumulated technology assets through other means is necessary.
- That said, the background behind such decisions (financial pressure, business restructuring, partnership strategy, etc.) varies by company, so interpreting them in the context of your own organization matters more than simple benchmarking.
Please check the original video directly for the specific figures and claims in this content.
For more details, please refer to the original video.