Today in the Connected Economy: Netflix’s ‘Next’ Move Is Gaming

Today in the connected economy, Netflix gets into gaming with its planned acquisition of Next Games, while delivery service Gopuff expands across France. Plus, a new acquisition lets Cars.com add a range of new services, and udaan — the largest B2B eCommerce platform in India — joins forces with Unicommerce.

Netflix to Acquire Finland’s Next Games

Netflix is set to acquire Finnish mobile gaming firm Next Games. Netflix is hoping Next will offer an entry point to the gaming world. The Helsinki-based company specializes in mobile games based on entertainment franchises, including “Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales,” which was inspired by one of Netflix’s most popular shows.

Gopuff Expands Across France With 24/7 Delivery Service

Delivery startup Gopuff is expanding across France, serving a host of major cities with plans to branch across the entire country. Yakir Gola, co-founder and co-CEO of Gopuff, said the company is “truly committed to being part of the French community” and is focused on being a great partner to the communities it serves. The move widens Gopuff’s European footprint, which started with the strategic acquisition of the British delivery platform Dija last summer.

Cars Adds Digital Vehicle Acquisition With Accu-Trade Group Addition

Online automotive marketplace Cars.com can now offer real-time, VIN-specific appraisal and valuation data, instant guaranteed offer capabilities and logistics technology following the closing of its acquisition of the Accu-Trade Group. The company paid $65 million to complete the transaction and might have to make additional payments of $63 million, an amount that will be adjusted depending on performance over the next three years.

Unicommerce Teams With B2B eCommerce Platform Udaan

Supply chain Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) firm Unicommerce and B2B eCommerce platform udaan have launched a strategic partnership. The collaboration is aimed at providing the latest technology for inventory and order management to merchants offering lifestyle goods on udaan’s marketplace, along with others using Unicommerce’s centralized platform. Lifestyle retailers working with Unicommerce can integrate udaan as a selling platform to grow their customer reach.

Priority Joins Mastercard Track Business Payment Service

Payments technology firm Priority Technology Holdings has joined the Mastercard Track Business Payment Service to boost its B2B payment solutions. The Mastercard Track Business Payment Service “automates payments-related data exchange between buyers and suppliers,” and “helps businesses increase simplicity, flexibility and efficiency” and find the best option to settle every invoice across multiple payment rails.

FIS Partners With Shyft Network for Improved Crypto Reg Compliance

FinTech platform FIS said its Worldpay division is working with blockchain-based digital identity company Shyft Network in an effort to help merchants comply with cryptocurrency-related regulations to create a secure transaction ecosystem. Worldpay’s work with Shyft Network “will enable Worldpay merchants to utilize Shyft’s Veriscope solution to meet multi-jurisdictional requirements set out by the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) Travel Rule,” the companies said.