Today in the Connected Economy: Will Google Join India’s ONDC?

Today in the connected economy, Google could become part of the ONDC, India’s eCommerce network designed to compete with Walmart and Amazon.

Also, Instacart launches new tools in hopes of increasing its ad revenue, and Plaid teams up with employee verification firm Truework.

Google Could Join Indian eCommerce Network ONDC

Google is in talks with the Indian government to integrate its shopping services with ONDC, the country’s new eCommerce network.

India debuted the Open Network for Digital Commerce in April in a bid to help local merchants compete with American eCommerce giants such as Amazon and Walmart in a market projected to balloon from $55 billion to $350 billion by the end of the decade.

In an interview with Reuters, ONDC Chief Executive T. Koshy said Google was one of many companies the government was in discussions with about the project.

Instacart Expands Ad Offerings as eGrocers Look to Boost Profitability

With grocery delivery platforms struggling to reach profitability, Instacart is trying to supplement revenue by expanding its advertising business.

To that end, the company has launched a pair of new offerings for advertisers: shoppable videos and an updated version of its shoppable display ads.

“Advertisers choose Instacart because we’ve built a platform with high-intent consumers, the unparalleled scale of retailers, and closed-looped measurement, all of which drives meaningful results for our brand partners,” said Ali Miller, Instacart’s vice president of Ads Product.

“We designed our new shoppable ad products to create more brand storytelling opportunities for CPGs, help them inspire and reach new and existing consumers, and ultimately drive sales in a singular unit.”

Truework, Plaid, Team to Expand Consumer Lending Tool

Employment and income verification solution Truework is collaborating with Plaid to expand its consumer lending offering, Plaid Payroll Income.

Truework says the project will integrate the Plaid tool into Truework Credentials, which will let applicants share info about income and employment directly within online loan applications.

“We built Plaid Income to provide a more inclusive credit system for all,” said Paul Williamson, the company’s head of revenue.

“Partners like Truework share our consumer-first vision to empower them with control of their own financial data. Combined with their digital approach to income verification, we’re excited that Plaid Payroll is now integrated into the Truework platforms.”