Amazon to Acquire DuckLabs, Adding the Team Behind DuckDB

Amazon has announced its intention to acquire DuckLabs, the team responsible for the widely-used open-source DuckDB database. This move aligns with Amazon's strategy to convert its flagship cloud storage service, S3, into a platform for data analysis, as reported by GeekWire. The acquisition will enable Amazon to incorporate a team with expertise in developing efficient, lightweight analytics software that operates directly on data stored in the cloud.

DuckDB, which will continue to be open source under the MIT license and managed by the DuckDB Foundation, will join Amazon Web Services (AWS). Co-founders Hannes Muhleisen and Mark Raasveldt, along with the team based in Amsterdam, will continue their roles, focusing on the development of DuckDB and related projects. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

Amazon confirmed the signing of a definitive agreement, with the acquisition expected to be finalized shortly. DuckLabs anticipates becoming part of AWS in early September. Jordan Tigani, CEO of MotherDuck, which offers a cloud service built using DuckDB, views Amazon's acquisition as a logical step to leverage DuckDB's growing popularity by integrating it as an AWS service.

Tigani notes that while Amazon's acquisition isn't solely driven by a love for open source, the deal could benefit DuckDB by encouraging its widespread adoption and generating more computational work on Amazon's infrastructure, thereby increasing potential revenue.