A domestic startup to save local kiryanas from ecommerce battle

Pace Automation, a domestic IT firm, is trying to build a marketplace for around 1.5 lack local grocery stores to come online on it, and allow customers to order their groceries online from the nearest grocer. The company has already tied up with distributors in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and the National Capital Region. The solution will run on IBM’s public cloud platform.

SG Chanda, Chairman Pace Automation, said that “The customer can pick the slot it will be delivered in and the store they want the groceries from. We will provide the technology backend, the point-of-sale device and it will all be cloud-based”. Although there are other startups also which act as marketplace for local grocers, such as Goodbox, Pace Automation is diversifying itself by also adding financial services on its marketplace. It is expected to partner with a bank so the store can also act as a micro-ATM and customers could withdraw cash at the store. In addition, it is also in talks with an insurance firm so the store owner could also act as a sales channel for insurance.