Ahold Delhaize invests in AI-powered start-ups through W23 Global to advance customer-focused innovation
The investments in start-ups Harmonya and Protex AI reinforce Ahold Delhaize’s commitment to support technologies that enhance customer experiences and workplace safety across the grocery value chain
August 12, 2025 – As part of Ahold Delhaize’s strategic focus on driving customer innovation, we are pleased to share new investments in AI-powered start-ups Harmonya and Protex AI through W23 Global. The developments reinforce our commitment to support technologies that enhance customer experiences, improve safety, and address sustainability challenges across the grocery value chain.
This update builds on last year’s establishment of W23 Global, a pioneering retail venture capital (VC) between five of the world’s leading grocery retailers: Ahold Delhaize, Tesco, Woolworths Group, Empire Company Limited/Sobeys Inc., and Shoprite Group. With a shared ambition to address several of the industry’s biggest challenges, from digital transformation to sustainability, W23 Global represents a unique collaborative innovation platform backed by US$125 million over five years.
Transformative technologies for a smarter and safer retail future
Harmonya, based in New York, leverages AI to transform outdated and fragmented product data into rich, contextual, and actionable insights. By enriching product information, its platform allows retailers to offer more personalized and relevant shopping experiences, improving product discovery and enhance shopper satisfaction both in-store and online.
Protex AI, based in Ireland, uses advanced computer vision to proactively identify and reduce safety risks across retail operations. Its privacy-conscious solution integrates with existing closed-circuit television (CCTV) infrastructure, helping retailers shift from reactive to preventive safety approaches. This creates safer, more efficient environments for employees and customers alike.
Scaling innovation through collaboration
“Innovation is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s essential to remain relevant in a fast-evolving sector,” said Ingrid Maes, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of W23 Global. “With W23 Global, we’ve created a global innovation platform that unlocks access to world-class start-ups, fosters shared learning between retailers, and delivers better and faster outcomes for all partners. Harmonya and Protex AI exemplify the kind of scalable solutions we want to champion. They provide solutions that solve real retail problems and contribute to more sustainable, customer-centric businesses. These investments are a testament to our commitment to driving meaningful change and shaping the future of retail through innovation.”
Looking ahead, W23 Global will continue to explore emerging innovations in areas such as personalization, AI, computer vision, digital commerce, retail media, supply chain resilience, circular commerce, and emissions reduction. This collaborative platform allows Ahold Delhaize and its partners to build a collective vision, and help start-ups scale innovations that benefit customers, employees, and communities across the industry.
For more information about W23 Global, visit www.w23.vc.