Meta Platforms (META) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its data analytics capabilities with the acquisition of Sundial, an AI-powered data analytics startup. This deal, confirmed to Axios on October 23, 2026, marks a strategic move by Meta as it aims to leverage Sundial’s innovative technology to streamline data insights.
While details regarding the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, it has been announced that Sundial will cease its operations serving outside customers following the completion of the acquisition. This transition signifies a shift in focus towards integrating Sundial’s capabilities within Meta’s ecosystem.
Sundial, co-founded in 2021 by former Meta employees Julie Zhuo and Chandra Narayanan, is well-known for its self-service analytics tools that transform complex data into accessible insights through a user-friendly chatbot interface. This technology empowers teams to conduct their own data analyses, reducing dependency on centralized data units and expediting the decision-making process.
Both Zhuo and Narayanan bring valuable experience to Meta; Zhuo previously served as Meta’s vice president of product design, while Narayanan held prominent analytics roles at Sequoia Capital and Instagram. Their return to Meta signifies a reunion that holds promise for innovative developments in the tech giant’s data initiatives.
What Meta Stands to Gain
With Sundial’s integration into Meta’s new data analytics organization, led by chief data officer Alex Schultz, the company is positioning itself to harness the power of AI in ways that have not yet been fully explored. Schultz, appointed in July as the first chief data officer, is tasked with overseeing the DATA unit, which focuses on both descriptive analysis and identifying questions that have yet to be posed.
In his LinkedIn announcements, Schultz emphasized the growing demand for insights in the AI landscape, stating, “AI has created effectively unlimited demand for insights, and we want to define the future of AI analytics.” This aligns perfectly with Sundial’s mission to innovate how data is analyzed and utilized.
Notably, Sundial’s client list includes OpenAI, a competitor in the AI space, raising questions about the future of these partnerships. Sundial has successfully raised a total of $23 million, including a $16 million Series A funding round led by DJ Patil of GPV, with support from Sequoia Capital.
The acquisition reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, with other software companies like Salesforce and Microsoft also expanding their AI data capabilities. Meta’s move to acquire Sundial comes at a critical time as the company seeks to sharpen its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
As the deal progresses, all eyes will be on how Sundial’s technology will be leveraged within Meta and what it means for the future of AI-driven insights in the tech industry.
