Today in the Connected Economy: Marriott, Yahoo Launch Guest Media Network

Today in the connected economy, hotel chain Marriott joins forces with Yahoo to launch a media network that lets advertisers reach guests with targeted commercials. Plus, Uber unveils several new ridesharing features, and Plaid partners with VGS to provide tokenization services.

Marriott Launches Media Network That Lets Ads Reach Travelers

Marriott is working with Yahoo to launch a media network that lets advertisers target guests at the hotel chain using their consumer data. The Marriott Media Network will show guests ads on places like the hotel’s website and — at some point — on their in-room TVs. Marriott said the network will debut first in the U.S. and Canada before landing in other markets. Pilot advertisers will be able to access the company’s display and mobile channels starting this month.

Uber Unveils Autonomous Deliveries, Charter Bus Reservations, Other New Features

Uber has announced several innovations to its core ride hailing business, including autonomous deliveries and charter bus reservations. The company has also launched Uber Travel in the U.S., which lets customers book hotel, flight and restaurant reservations from one place after connecting a Gmail account, earning 10% back in Uber Cash for each Reserve ride reserved with Uber Travel. Meanwhile, Uber Charter — set to launch this summer — will let users to book a party bus, passenger van, coach bus and other transportation with upfront pricing from the Uber app.

Plaid Taps VGS for Tokenization Services

Data privacy provider Very Good Security (VGS) has expanded its partnership with data network Plaid to provide tokenization services. VGS said its Tokenization and Zero Data Platform lets companies derive value from sensitive data with format preservation and full portability, allowing customers to avoid vendor lock-in and get back time they would otherwise be spending on data security hygiene and compliance maintenance.

PayPal Vets Launch $158M Fund to Advance FinTech

Early-stage venture capital firm Infinity Ventures is rolling out its inaugural $158 million fund to help build FinTech infrastructure, commerce enablement and other startups that match up with its model and portfolio. Infinity Ventures’ model helps remove the risk from execution by applying the operation and investment experience it has culminated over several year.