Tag: m-payments

Companies come together to promote mobile payments and offer new services

| August 11, 2014

Rocket Internet receives sizeable investment from the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company

Rocket Internet, an e-commerce incubator based in Germany, has announced that it has received an investment from the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company. The investment means that the telecommunications company has taken a 10% stake in Rocket Internet. Through this deal, both companies will be able to tap into the other’s expertise, especially when it comes to mobile payments and e-commerce.

Companies will work together to develop new technologies and mobile-centric services, focusing on mobile payments

Together, the two companies shave plans to develop new mobile and online payment technologies. These technologies are meant to be put to use in emerging markets, where mobile commerce is beginning to show promising activity. The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company has expertise in the mobile payments space and will be making use of technology from Rocket Internet to empower its position in the mobile commerce market.

Mobile commerce is growing quickly in emerging markets where smartphone and tablet penetration is on the rise

Companies focus on mobile paymentsMobile payments are becoming more important to consumers throughout the world. This has to do with the high penetration of mobile technology. More people are beginning to rely on smartphones and tablets in their daily lives and, as such, are beginning to demand access to comprehensive services that are mobile-centric in nature. Companies are beginning to understand this demand and take steps to accommodate the needs of consumers in many parts of the world.

Many of those in emerging markets do not have access to a bank account, but that may change as mobile commerce services become more available

Mobile commerce is becoming particularly popular among those without bank accounts. Many mobile platforms are able to digitize a person’s finances without having to be linked to a bank account. According to the World Bank, many of the world’s emerging markets are filled with people that do not have a bank account of any kind. Better mobile services may change this in the future, as people may see the value of the security that banks offer when it comes to their financial information.

Mobile payments firm acquires gourmet food delivery service

| August 7, 2014

Square has announced its acquisition of Caviar for an estimated $90 million

Mobile payments firm Square has announced its acquisition of San Francisco-based Caviar for a speculated sum of $90 million. Caviar is a food deliver serviced focused on servicing high-end restaurants. Those using the service can have gourmet meals delivered to their homes or office, and Square believes that such a service is ideal for its mobile payments platform. As mobile commerce grows more prominent, consumers are becoming especially interested in purchasing services from their smartphones and tablets.

Square has managed to find success in the mobile commerce field where many others have failed

Square was launched in 2009 and has since become one of the largest payment firms in North America. Over the past year, the company has been launching new services to better accommodate a growing mobile consumer base and has begun entering into new markets in Japan and elsewhere. As Square continues to grow, it is seeking ways it can diversify the value of its services and products. The company has found success in the food service industry, where its Square Order app has seen a great deal of use among consumers.

Caviar finds the majority of its revenue comes from group orders

Mobile payments acquisitionCaviar may be a company that caters to a relatively small niche, but it has become somewhat popular in large cities. The service charges a $9.99 deliver fee, the entirety of which goes to its delivery staff. Caviar also charges an 18% gratuity on every order. These fees make Caviar an expensive service, but the majority of its revenue comes from group orders and the service allows multiple people to add to an order using a shared link.

Caviar may soon make use of mobile payments technology from Square

Square may soon equipped Caviar with the ability to accept mobile payments more effectively. The company may begin using Square’s payment technology in the near future and delivery staff may be able to accept payments from physical mobile devices for those that do not want to spend money online. Time will tell if Square will find success with its latest venture.