Delivery Hero founder and CEO Niklas Östberg has publicly attributed the company's current position as a takeover target to a series of strategic missteps, as reports confirm advanced acquisition discussions with Uber Technologies.
In a recent analysis by Handelsblatt, Östberg outlined six specific errors that he believes made the German quick-commerce operator vulnerable to external interest.
The founder, who announced in May that he would step down from his executive role, framed the potential sale as a necessary transition to a new chapter for the business.
The admission of past strategic failures comes as Uber Technologies is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Delivery Hero.
The deal would represent a major consolidation in the global food-delivery sector, allowing Uber to significantly expand its footprint in Europe and Asia.
Östberg’s comments provide insight into the internal challenges that have weighed on Delivery Hero’s valuation and strategic independence.