e-commerce
U.S. Polo Assn joins Zepto’s quick commerce
Mumbai: In a significant move advancing quick-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. (USPA), the official brand of the United States Polo Association, has partnered with Zepto to offer its exclusive collection, delivered in 10 minutes.
This collaboration broadens Zepto’s seller portfolio and marks a shift in how shoppers access fashion. Beyond groceries and personal care, customers can now purchase clothing from premium international brands within the same fast delivery window.
On the announcement, Zepto co-founder & CEO Aadit Palicha shared, “We’re thrilled about this partnership. USPA, a brand that is synonymous with premium quality and timeless style. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our quick-commerce journey as Zepto expands into the fashion and lifestyle space. With USPA on board, our sellers are delivering a new level of convenience to fashion shoppers across India.”
Arvind Fashions Ltd MD Shailesh Chaturvedi said, “With U.S. Polo Assn.’s sporty coolness and Zepto’s lightning-fast delivery, we are bringing a new level of accessibility and convenience to our customers. That’s such an exciting trend-setting solution for modern-day needs of our consumers .”
U.S. Polo Assn’s collection is now available on Zepto, offering users a curated range of timeless apparel. From classic polo shirts to casualwear, customers can receive iconic USPA pieces within minutes. This partnership marks a shift in quick commerce, with Zepto expanding from essentials to premium fashion. Whether it’s getting a polo shirt before an event or casualwear for a last-minute outing, Zepto delivers fast, quality fashion—providing a new level of convenience for those who value both speed and style.
e-commerce
American Express to acquire AI startup Hyper to boost automation
Deal targets expense management as AI reshapes corporate spending tools.
MUMBAI: From receipts to robots, the expense sheet is getting a brain upgrade as American Express moves to bring artificial intelligence into the heart of corporate spending. The company has announced plans to acquire Hyper, a relatively young but fast-rising startup founded in 2022 that builds AI-powered agents capable of organising expenses, generating reports, verifying compliance with budgets and policies, and nudging users with timely reminders. The deal, expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, underscores a growing shift among financial institutions to automate traditionally manual, time-heavy workflows.
Hyper counts Sam Altman among its backers, adding a layer of Silicon Valley credibility to the acquisition. While financial details remain undisclosed, the strategic intent is clear: deepen automation capabilities and sharpen American Express’s position in the competitive corporate spending ecosystem.
The two companies are not strangers. They previously collaborated in 2024 on a co-branded credit card product, suggesting that the acquisition is less a cold buy and more an extension of an existing relationship. With this move, American Express is effectively bringing that capability in-house, aiming to embed AI directly into its commercial services stack.
Chief executive Stephen Squeri had already signalled the direction of travel in a recent shareholder letter, describing AI as a “structural shift” in how businesses operate. The Hyper acquisition appears to be a direct response to that shift, particularly in expense management, where processes such as approvals, compliance checks and reporting remain ripe for automation.
Alongside the acquisition, the company is also expanding its product suite. A recently launched business credit card offers cashback and benefits at an annual fee of $295, with another card expected later this year moves that complement its broader push into commercial services.
Taken together, the strategy points to a future where managing expenses may require fewer spreadsheets and more algorithms. For American Express, the bet is simple, if businesses are rethinking how work gets done, the tools that power that work need to evolve just as quickly.
