Flink vs Fluent

Cyberattack on Flink: Hackers Demand Ransom Directly from Customers

After a cyberattack on the German rapid delivery service Flink, hackers have stolen personal data of about one million customers and 13,000 employees. Because Flink refused to negotiate or pay a ransom, the attackers are now directly contacting individual customers via email, demanding 0.005 Ether (about €11.50) to prevent data sale. This 'triple extortion' tactic is unusual in German-speaking regions. The stolen data includes names, email addresses, postal addresses, and phone numbers, potentially also delivery-related details. Flink has stopped the breach, which occurred through a former employee's compromised account, and is cooperating with forensic experts and authorities. Legal experts note that customers may claim damages under GDPR, especially after a recent German Federal Court ruling that loss of control over personal data alone constitutes compensable damage.

• Hackers stole personal data of about 1 million customers and 13,000 employees from Flink.
• Flink refused to pay ransom, leading attackers to demand 0.005 Ether (approx. €11.50) directly from customers.
• The breach occurred via a former employee's compromised internal account.

Uber Eats, Wolt, Flink, Lieferando dominate German quick commerce

A YouGov study reveals that 37% of German consumers use quick commerce services for groceries and daily goods, with usage highest among younger demographics. Flink's brand awareness has doubled since 2021 to 36.5%, surpassing Wolt (33.7%) but trailing Uber Eats (50.4%). In terms of purchase consideration, Lieferando leads at around 20%, followed by Uber Eats (6.9%) and Flink (6.5%), while Wolt trails at 3%. The study highlights the growing importance of quick commerce as a regular part of digital shopping in Germany.

• 37% of German consumers use quick commerce services at least occasionally.
• Flink's brand awareness doubled from 18.1% in 2021 to 36.5% in 2026.
• Uber Eats has highest awareness at 50.4%, followed by Flink (36.5%) and Wolt (33.7%).

Flink Data Breach: Delivery Service Warns of Phishing and Extortion

German quick-commerce delivery service Flink has alerted customers to a data breach after an unauthorized person accessed one of its internal systems using compromised credentials. The incident was detected on Friday, and the affected access was promptly deactivated. An investigation with external IT forensics and cybersecurity experts is underway. Potentially exposed data includes names, email addresses, postal addresses, phone numbers, and, possibly, delivery-related information such as floor, entrance, and special delivery instructions. The company states that passwords and payment information are not affected. Flink warns customers about potential phishing and extortion attempts following the breach and advises them not to make any payments, as the company will never request money or cryptocurrency. Authorities have been notified, and criminal charges have been filed.

• Flink disclosed a data breach involving unauthorized access to an internal system via compromised credentials.
• Potentially exposed data includes names, email addresses, postal addresses, phone numbers, and possible delivery details.
• Passwords and payment information are stated as not affected.

10-Q Financial Filing Analysis for Fluent (2026-08-13)

Fluent, Inc. reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, generating revenue of $48.45 million, up 8% year-over-year from $44.71 million. Growth was driven by Commerce Media Solutions, which expanded 90% YoY to $30.55 million (representing ~63% of consolidated revenue), offsetting continued declines in Owned & Operated properties and the divestiture of its Call Solutions unit (Winopoly) in January 2026. Gross profit increased 36% to $14.01 million, while net loss narrowed to $6.18 million from $7.22 million in Q2 2025. Despite operational improvements, management reiterated a going concern qualification due to uncommitted credit line terms with Bay View Funding and tight liquidity reserves of $7.59 million in total cash and restricted cash.

• Q2 2026 revenue increased 8% YoY to $48.45M, with Commerce Media Solutions surging 90% to $30.55M, representing 63% of total revenue.
• Gross profit rose 36% YoY to $14.01M (29% margin), narrowing Q2 net loss to $6.18M ($0.20 per share) compared to a net loss of $7.22M in Q2 2025.
• Management maintained a substantial doubt going concern disclosure related to reliance on an uncommitted $30M accounts receivable financing facility with Bay View Funding.

Fluent Named to Crain’s New York Business 2026 Best Places to Work

Fluent, Inc. has been named to Crain’s New York Business 2026 Best Places to Work list, and has appointed Jeanniey Walden as Chief Marketing Officer.

Fluent Names Jeanniey Walden Chief Marketing Officer

Fluent, Inc. announced the appointment of Jeanniey Walden as Chief Marketing Officer, effective September 8, 2026.