A new study commissioned by Visa (and conducted by PYMNTS) finds that almost a quarter of American consumers own six or more connected devices, and 75 percent of them have at least one — in addition to their smartphones, computers, or tablets. But that’s just the warm-up act. More than 80 percent of consumers see using iOT devices as a way to eliminate the frictions that make today’s online and in-store shopping experience, they say, unproductive, and time-consuming. At the top of their new connected ways-to-pay wish list? Devices that enable auto-pay in-stores and at-the-pump. So, what might get in the way — and who do they trust to deliver it? Guess you’ll have to read — and download the study — to find out.  Read More...

Shopify's virtual employee Kit is now available to all Shopify merchants for free. Now entrepreneurs can invest the $10 to $25 they were spending on Kit each month back into their business — for instance, buying more ads to generate more sales. Kit's founder called the move a "game-changer" for family-run businesses and SMBs.  Read More...

People love their pets, but keeping them fed, walked and amused while their parents are working or out of town can be a chore. GoPetie's founder and CEO Diego R. Alves has a new take on how to solve it, having built the platform to do it. It’s part social, part meet-up, and part on-demand — with, well, one of the most unusual business models we’ve heard. Karen Webster got the scoop in this week's Matchmakers interview.  Read More...