#StartupsVsCovid19: Paytm Forays Into Foodtech, Amazon Sorts Out Essentials Supply On Lockdown Day 34

On day 34 of the lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with the chief ministers of many state governments to discuss the possibilities of extensions, bringing things back to normal in some parts of the country in the post-Covid world.

Startups too are planning for the post-lockdown market and fintech major Paytm has decided to foray into the restaurant’s food ordering business space. After the lockdown ends, the company will launch ‘contactless in-store ordering’ for restaurants and eateries.

Paytm said it would install QR codes at restaurants, which can be scanned to get a digital menu on a smartphone and place orders. The contactless ordering is similar to what Zomato and Dineout have planned for restaurants once the lockdown ends.

Similarly, Mumbai-based peAR Technologies is offering restaurants free access to its contactless dine-in ordering feature. The deeptech startup, which leverages augmented reality technology, has also waived off the listing charges for new restaurants. The application helps consumers view 3D models of the prepared food, which can also be superimposed on tables and other displays.

Amazon, Paytm Mall Sort Out Essential Supply

Even after pivoting to essential deliveries only, many marketplaces are facing difficulties in keeping the supply chain running. Paytm Mall has partnered with around 10K retailers for hyperlocal deliveries. In the wake of the lockdown, Paytm Mall delivering groceries, staples, and other essential items in around 100 cities across the scale.

Moreover, Amazon has strengthened the partnership with the Indian Railways to transport consignments via rail across the country as flights are not operational the moment. As part of the partnership, Amazon is using ’Covid-19 Parcel Special Trains’ to ramp up its operations amid lockdown.

Amazon is also screening new sellers and merchants through video conferencing. With this move, the company wants to smoothen the screening process for merchants, who wish to sell on Amazon, without having the need for in-person meetings.

Innovations Battles Covid-19

In the wake of Covid-19, many startups have had to come up with unique propositions to solve challenges for customers as well as their own operations.

PayU-owned fintech platform LazyPay has launched LazyPay Credit Shield to help consumers get access to their financial health and credit score. LazyPay will provide credit report, financial health check, timely reminders on missed loans and payments, misreporting of loans, and credit card payments. The new feature will also provide an eligibility check for Reserve Bank Of India’s three-month EMI moratorium.

Noida-based job listing platform Naukri has launched a Step-Up initiative to spur hirings in organisations across the country. The initiative aims to facilitate hiring and career progression by offering hiring features to recruiters in industries like medical, healthcare, pharma, and telecom at no cost.

Founders of menstrual hygiene startup PeeBuddy have launched a fundraiser campaign to meet the demand for sanitary supplies. The proceeds will be used to donate two-months’ supply of sanitary products to underprivileged women.

Bengaluru-based Mobile Premier League (MPL), in partnership with the Karnataka youth empowerment and sports department, is hosting an online chess tournament to raise funds for Covid-19 relief. In association with the Karnataka government, the tournament will be held on May 3 and 4, 2020, on the MPL application. Funds raised from the tournament will be donated to chief minister’s relief fund for Karnataka.

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