Groupon has introduced Project Foundry, a company-wide initiative designed to embed artificial intelligence into the core of its marketplace operations during 2026. The program is intended to accelerate how Groupon connects consumers with local businesses offering experiences, services, and activities. Management said the initiative supports a refreshed mission focused on helping people discover and book quality local experiences at competitive prices. Project Foundry is being deployed across customer support, merchandising, marketing, and merchant services to streamline processes and improve operational speed. Groupon stated that the effort is part of a broader transformation aimed at adapting to new commerce technologies and strengthening the company’s position in local discovery. The announcement follows a period of organizational restructuring and renewed investment in digital tools.
Groupon Establishes AI Committee to Guide Project Foundry
Groupon has formed a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Committee at the board level to oversee the development and governance of Project Foundry. The committee is responsible for monitoring strategic investments, responsible AI policies, technical resilience, and workforce readiness. Groupon said the new governance structure reflects the increasing role of autonomous and agentic technologies in digital commerce. The committee will review how artificial intelligence is integrated into business operations and how these systems support merchants and customers. Groupon also appointed technology executive Amit Shah to its board of directors, where he will serve as chair of the new committee. The company noted that the move positions Groupon among public consumer marketplaces that are formalizing oversight of emerging technologies. Groupon expects the committee to provide guidance as the company expands its use of data-driven systems and continues to modernize its marketplace infrastructure for local services and experiences.
Groupon Project Foundry Supports Merchant Automation Tools
Groupon said Project Foundry will expand the range of tools available to local businesses that use the platform to market services and experiences. The initiative is expected to automate offer creation, campaign setup, and performance analysis, reducing the time merchants spend managing promotions. Groupon stated that these enhancements will help businesses respond more quickly to consumer demand and seasonal trends. Artificial intelligence models are being integrated to recommend pricing, suggest offer formats, and identify customer segments based on historical purchasing patterns. Groupon indicated that the system is designed to improve operational efficiency while maintaining merchant control over promotion terms and inventory. The company believes that providing easier access to automated insights can help small and medium-sized businesses participate more effectively in online commerce.
Groupon Project Foundry Enhances Consumer Discovery Features
Groupon is using Project Foundry to improve how consumers search for and discover local offers on its website and mobile applications. The company said artificial intelligence is being applied to personalize recommendations, organize listings, and surface relevant experiences based on user behavior and location. Groupon expects these changes to make it easier for customers to find activities such as wellness services, dining offers, and family entertainment. The updated system is also intended to support faster search responses and more accurate matching between customer interests and merchant inventory. Groupon reported that active customers increased during early 2026, reflecting growth in both North American and international markets. Management said the rollout of AI-driven discovery tools is part of its strategy to increase engagement and encourage repeat transactions.
Groupon Reports Project Foundry Progress Alongside Q1 2026 Results
Groupon highlighted Project Foundry while reporting first-quarter 2026 financial results. The company said revenue remained largely stable, while active customers rose to more than 16 million. Groupon described the quarter as an operational transition period as artificial intelligence systems were introduced across departments. International operations showed notable growth, supported by expansion in seasonal experiences and improvements to the consumer platform. Groupon acknowledged that the early financial impact of Project Foundry is not yet fully reflected in reported figures. However, management indicated that the adoption of AI technologies is accelerating throughout the organization. The company also maintained a substantial cash balance and continued repurchasing shares. Groupon stated that Project Foundry is expected to support long-term efficiency gains and improved marketplace performance as implementation progresses through the remainder of 2026.
Groupon Uses Project Foundry to Expand Local Experiences
Groupon said Project Foundry will support the expansion of its local experiences inventory, with particular attention to categories such as entertainment, wellness, and family activities. Artificial intelligence tools are being used to identify gaps in regional supply and recommend new merchant partnerships. Groupon believes this approach will help diversify available offers and increase relevance for customers seeking nearby activities. The company has emphasized the importance of the “Things to Do” category, which includes attractions, events, and recreational services. Project Foundry is intended to help Groupon scale this segment by improving merchant outreach and inventory planning. The company noted that local businesses remain central to its marketplace strategy and that AI tools can help match demand patterns with supply opportunities. Groupon continues to focus on strengthening its position as a destination for affordable local experiences.
Groupon Project Foundry Reinforces Technology-Led Transformation
Groupon has described Project Foundry as a key component of its multi-year technology transformation. The company said the initiative aligns with efforts to simplify workflows, reduce manual processes, and modernize internal systems. Artificial intelligence is being integrated into departments ranging from finance and operations to customer service and engineering. Groupon expects these changes to improve decision-making speed and enable teams to respond more quickly to market conditions. The project also reflects the company’s intention to build a more scalable operating model as consumer and merchant expectations evolve. Groupon noted that responsible deployment remains a priority, with governance measures and oversight mechanisms guiding implementation. By combining automation with marketplace expertise, Groupon aims to create a more agile platform capable of adapting to future developments in digital commerce.
Groupon Project Foundry Positions Marketplace for Agentic Commerce
Groupon said Project Foundry is designed to prepare the company for what it describes as the next stage of digital commerce, where autonomous systems can assist with discovery and transactions. The company believes its marketplace can serve as a bridge between advanced AI tools and millions of local businesses seeking online visibility. Project Foundry is intended to allow systems to analyze offers, recommend experiences, and streamline interactions between customers and merchants. Groupon stated that this strategy supports its objective of making local commerce more efficient and accessible. The company’s leadership has identified artificial intelligence as a significant platform shift and has committed resources to accelerating adoption. Groupon continues to implement Project Foundry throughout 2026 as part of its effort to redefine how consumers find and purchase services and experiences online.