Cyber_Folks’ PrestaShop Acquisition: A Sign of Europe’s E-commerce Independence
The recent acquisition of PrestaShop by Cyber_Folks marks a pivotal moment in the European e-commerce landscape. This deal, finalized on February 19, 2026, isn’t just a change in ownership; it’s a strategic move to bolster Europe’s position as a key player in the global digital marketplace and challenge the dominance of US-based platforms.
The Rise of European E-commerce Alternatives
For years, the e-commerce sector has been heavily influenced by large American companies. However, a growing demand for data sovereignty, localized solutions, and greater control over online businesses is fueling the rise of European alternatives. PrestaShop, with its 230,000 active shops and a gross merchandise volume (GMV) of approximately €22 billion annually, is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this trend.
PrestaShop: A French Success Story
PrestaShop’s roots are firmly planted in France, and the acquisition by Cyber_Folks aims to strengthen, not alter, this identity. Jakub Dwernicki, President of the Cyber_Folks Management Board, emphasized the intention to make France a leading hub for e-commerce development within Europe. This commitment is crucial, as France currently represents PrestaShop’s largest market, both in terms of merchant numbers and sales volume.
Open-Source as a Competitive Advantage
The open-source nature of PrestaShop is a key differentiator. In a market increasingly dominated by closed SaaS platforms, open-source offers businesses flexibility, independence, and community-driven innovation. This model allows entrepreneurs greater control over their data, infrastructure, and business trajectory. Cyber_Folks recognizes this advantage and intends to preserve PrestaShop’s open-source ethos.
Cyber_Folks: Building an E-commerce Powerhouse
With the addition of PrestaShop, Cyber_Folks now oversees technologies processing around €35 billion in GMV annually. This positions the group among the largest e-commerce technology providers in Europe. The company’s broader ecosystem encompasses hosting, domains, sales platforms, ERP integrations, payments, and CPaaS solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of services for online businesses.
Investment in Innovation and the French Team
Cyber_Folks is committed to investing in PrestaShop’s continued development, particularly in areas like automation, integrations, and artificial intelligence (AI). Crucially, these investments will be focused on the existing French team, recognizing their expertise and central role in the platform’s success. The company aims to build upon the robust ecosystem of French merchants, agencies, and developers that have supported PrestaShop for over a decade.
The Future of European E-commerce: A Headless Approach?
Cyber_Folks also owns Sylius, a global e-commerce framework based on a headless architecture. While PrestaShop caters to the SMB and mid-market segments, Sylius targets more complex projects in the mid-market and enterprise sectors. The combination of these two platforms suggests a potential strategy of offering a range of solutions to meet diverse e-commerce needs, potentially leveraging the composable commerce approach offered by Sylius.
FAQ
What does this acquisition signify for PrestaShop users?
The acquisition is expected to bring increased investment in the platform, leading to further innovation and improved features, while maintaining the open-source nature of PrestaShop.
Will PrestaShop remain open-source?
Yes, Cyber_Folks has explicitly stated its commitment to preserving PrestaShop’s open-source model.
What is Cyber_Folks’ overall strategy?
Cyber_Folks aims to build a leading European e-commerce ecosystem, offering a comprehensive suite of services and empowering businesses with greater control over their online presence.
Where is Cyber_Folks based?
Cyber_Folks is a Polish technology group (WSE:CBF).
What is the current GMV of Cyber_Folks technologies?
Approximately €35 billion annually, combining PrestaShop and Sylius.
