Payments company MobiKwik has announced a partnership with cab-hailing company Ola, which will allow users to book an Ola ride within the Mobikwik app. Mobikwik users will have access to all transport categories available on Ola app, like Auto, Micro, Mini Prime, SUV etc. Users can also directly pay via MobiKwik wallet for the rides. The feature is currently available only for the Android users. Cabs from other apps Ola had previously enabled users to book Ola cabs to restaurants directly via the map in the Zomato app. It also has a partnership with appointment booking app Practo, travel website Via.com, and entertainment ticketing platform BookMyShow. In September 2016, Ola opened up its API for developers to let developers integrate the platform’s services on their apps. Competitor Uber on the other hand, launched its API in August 2014, a few months after integration into Google Maps. Both APIs let developers integrate various cab services from the respective platforms into their apps. Note that Google maps allow users to book Uber and Ola app. In December 2017, Uber had tied up with Blackberry Messenger (BBM) to book cabs via its app, and the feature is apparently live in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East. MobiKwik's diversification The RBI’s new KYC norms have led to a dip in the usage of mobile wallets and have had an impact on the core product of most payment companies. It makes sense for Mobikwik’s to use multi-forked approach for staying relevant in the business. Mobikwik is also reportedly working on the launch of a lending product that will offer instant…
