Today in the Connected Economy: ADT, State Farm Partner on Connected Homes

Today in the connected economy, State Farm makes a big investment in security firm ADT as the companies join forces to provide better home security.

Also, consumer finance company CreditCare Technology partners with MoneyGram to help unbanked people, and Bambuser and Perfect Corp join forces to offer an advanced user experience for virtual try-on sessions and shopping for Christian Dior customers.

ADT Locks up $1.5B in Investments From State Farm, Google

Security company ADT has received $1.5 billion in investments from insurance giant State Farm and Google.

Most of that funding comes from a $1.2 billion equity investment from State Farm, making the insurer a 15% owner of ADT.

“Additionally, ADT plans to partner with State Farm, and build upon its existing relationship with Google, with the aim to expand opportunities to combine next-generation security, innovative smart home technology and reimagined risk-mitigation capabilities to monitor, detect, prevent and optimize against homeownership risks,” the release said.

MoneyGram, CreditCare Team to Help Unbanked People in Philippines, Vietnam, Nigeria

Consumer finance company CreditCare Technology is working with MoneyGram to expand further into the emerging markets of Nigeria, the Philippines and Vietnam.

The San Francisco-based CreditCare provides financial products to unbanked people, such as personal loans and remittances.

“The partnership with MoneyGram is a significant milestone in our mission to bring inclusive financial services to users in emerging markets,” a spokesperson for CreditCare Technology said in a news release.

Bambuser Collabs With Perfect Corp to Advance Virtual Try-on With Christian Dior

Software-as-a-service (SaaS) firms Bambuser and Perfect Corp have joined forces to offer an advanced user experience for virtual try-on sessions and shopping, and are working with Parfums Christian Dior to give customers private consultations.

By integrating both solutions, the companies hope to provide a digital shopping experience where “hyper-realistic makeovers” are available in face-to-face interactive video sessions.

“By combining our respective expertise, we are delivering another powerful solution that will increase consumer satisfaction and confidence, providing brands with a sustainable option to showcase their makeup products conveniently and instantly for shoppers to try during online consultations,” said Perfect Corp Founder and CEO Alice Chang.

Bolt Helps Revolve Offer One-Click Checkout at Fashion Week

Checkout technology company Bolt has debuted Checkout Links, a solution for retailers to let shoppers check out with a single click across online and offline experiences.

Fashion retailer Revolve will be among the first Bolt clients to use this tool as New York holds its annual Fashion Week. Bolt’s technology will let consumers scan a QR code that sends them to a prepopulated, Revolve-branded checkout page for a one-click purchase.

“Retailers can convert high-intent shoppers by using Checkout Links in brand-owned digital channels — such as emails, blog posts, and chat — enabling consumers to seamlessly complete their purchases,” Bolt said in a news release.

Solera, DigniFi Team to Offer Customers Vehicle Repair Financing

Vehicle lifecycle management firm Solera has formed a partnership with DigniFi, a FinTech platform for the auto industry.

The companies say their collaboration will see Solera offer access to DigniFi financing options for customers who need car repairs.

“Adding this offering is a win for Solera’s customers and car owners because DigniFi provides access to a much-needed financing choice for the millions of people not able to pay for an unexpected repair, insurance deductible or bodywork without assistance,” said Alberto Cairo, Solera’s managing director of vehicle and fleet solutions.