STARTUP-STORIES
Ola's Rebranding to Ola Consumer Marks Major Service Expansion
SUMMARY
1. Ola Rebrands as Ola Consumer and Expands Services Ola has rebranded from Ola Cabs to Ola Consumer, signaling its shift from ride-hailing to a broader consumer services platform. The company will continue its ride-sharing services under the new brand while launching Ola Share in Bengaluru and expanding nationwide.
2. New Ventures and Innovations Ola Consumer is venturing into e-commerce with increased collaboration with ONDC, introducing financial products like Ola Coin, Ola Pay, and Ola Credit, and incorporating AI and automated fulfillment centers to enhance its service offerings and operational efficiency.
In a bold move marking a new chapter, Ola, India’s prominent mobility platform, has officially rebranded from Ola Cabs to Ola Consumer. The announcement, made by CEO Bhavish Aggarwal during the company’s annual event ‘Sankalp,’ highlights Ola's transition from a ride-hailing service to a comprehensive consumer services provider.
Expanding Mobility Services
Ola Consumer remains committed to its roots in ride-hailing, but with an enhanced focus on accessibility, affordability, and efficiency. The rebranded platform will relaunch its popular ride-sharing service, Ola Share, starting August 15 in Bengaluru. This service allows users to share rides at reduced costs while maintaining efficiency, with deviations from planned routes kept under 20 minutes and a maximum of two passengers per shared ride.
Venturing into E-commerce
In addition to mobility, Ola Consumer is deepening its involvement in e-commerce. The company is strengthening its partnership with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). With daily orders surpassing 40,000 for food and grocery deliveries, Ola is set to scale its operations nationwide. To support this expansion, Ola will offer free Krutrim Cloud services to ONDC suppliers, including startups and SMEs, as well as D2C brands for one year.
Introducing New Financial Services
Ola Consumer is broadening its financial services with the introduction of Ola Coin, a digital currency providing benefits across its mobility, e-commerce, and logistics platforms. New products like Ola Pay and Ola Credit will offer users streamlined payment options and low-cost loans through collaborations with Tata Capital and InCred. These financial innovations are part of Ola’s strategy to enhance last-mile logistics and cut costs by up to 50%, with a focus on electrifying delivery logistics and supporting ONDC operations.
Embracing AI and Automation
The rebranding also sees Ola Consumer incorporating artificial intelligence and automation into its services. The launch of an AI shopping copilot aims to personalize the shopping experience by connecting with social media and other apps. Additionally, Ola Consumer has unveiled fully automated dark stores and fulfillment centers designed to revolutionize warehousing and the commerce supply chain.
Ola Consumer’s rebranding signifies a significant shift in the company’s strategy, as it positions itself as a multi-faceted service provider addressing a range of consumer needs. With ongoing innovations and expansions, Ola is poised to set new standards in the Indian market.