Meta Acquires Stilla.ai to Boost Commerce Chatbots

Meta has acquired Stilla.ai, a Stockholm-based AI startup, to strengthen its commerce capabilities across WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram, according to details first reported by Axios.

The acquisition will bring Stilla's team and technology to Meta to accelerate development of Meta Business Agent, the company's AI chatbot that handles customer interactions and facilitates transactions on its messaging platforms.

Why it matters

The deal reflects Meta's strategic priority to monetize its messaging ecosystem through AI-powered commerce tools. With more than 1 billion users on its messaging apps and over 1 million businesses already using Business Agent, Meta is positioning AI chatbots as critical infrastructure for converting customer conversations into sales at scale.

A small but strategic acquisition

Stilla.ai represents a modest addition to Meta's portfolio. Founded in 2024, the company raised just $5 million in pre-seed funding when it emerged from stealth mode in January. A source familiar with the transaction confirmed the team and technology will transfer to Meta pending the deal's close.

The startup did not respond to requests for comment on the acquisition.

Meta's decade-long commerce push

For the past ten years, Meta has worked to build a commerce engine connecting millions of small businesses to its massive messaging user base. The company's strategy has evolved from basic business profiles and product catalogs to sophisticated AI agents capable of handling complex customer service interactions.

Meta Business Agent now serves as a key tool for merchants who need to manage customer conversations and drive purchase conversions without dedicating extensive human resources to messaging support. The company reports that more than 1 million businesses currently use the chatbot to handle customer interactions across its platforms.

Expanding in Sweden

Meta plans to grow its presence in Sweden following the acquisition, though specific details about the expansion were not disclosed. The move suggests the company sees strategic value in the Nordic region's AI talent pool and startup ecosystem.

The acquisition comes as major technology companies compete to integrate AI capabilities into commerce workflows, with conversational interfaces emerging as a primary battleground for customer engagement and transaction completion.

Axios first reported the details of this acquisition.