Think local, act local? On-demand platforms are competing in smaller markets, and taking new, region-specific approaches to the space. Take Bite Squad, for one, which serves Minnesota among other markets, opting for W2 employee drivers over contractors. Co-Founder and CEO Kian Salehi chats with PYMNTS about the benefits of these moves — and why the platform is a good fit for certain climates.  Read More...

Blue Apron has struggled in recent months, and its stock hit a record low on Tuesday: The meal kit brand, facing a crowded market and the challenge of retaining customers, has turned to new sales channels, such as brick-and-mortar stores. Now, the brand is offering on-demand delivery of its meal kits in the Big Apple. Will customers bite at the chance to order meals through Seamless and Grubhub?  Read More...

Faster payments are becoming a new normal across verticals and around the world. The quicker, frictionless movement of money makes all kinds of digital age innovation possible, whether that’s in commerce, lending or in SMB development. All good things come with a cost, however. In this case, it’s the problem of protecting data and making sure faster payments isn’t a vehicle for faster fraud. Read More...