Cargo Expands Commerce in Ride-Hails Through Venmo Partnership for Payments
*By Tracey Cheek*
According to Cargo's CEO and founder, his latest partnership with Venmo "was such a no-brainer."
Cargo is essentially an in-car vending machine ー a box containing snacks and personal items for purchase installed on the center console of some Uber and Lyft vehicles.
According to CEO Jeff Cripe, since so many riders were dividing their Uber and Lyft fares with Venmo, it made sense to make Venmo the payment option for their in-car purchases. Now, Venmo-happy millennials can purchase Cargo items through the app during their rides.
"Tons and tons of Venmo transactions were actually peer-to-peer to pay for Ubers, so it made sense for them to add that," Cripe told Cheddar Friday.
"Obviously that means adoption of our consumers who are primarily millennials in the back of those cars would prefer that as a form of payment to transact for goods in their rides."
Since its launch in 2017, Cargo has grown to $30 million in venture funding. The in-car commerce company plans on continuing to grow its presence in key ridesharing markets in the new year.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/cargo-meets-venmo-in-car-commerce-just-got-easier).
OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT will soon engage in "erotica for verified adults." CEO Sam Altman says the company aims to allow more user freedom for adults while setting limits for teens. OpenAI isn't the first to explore sexualized AI, but previous attempts have faced legal and societal challenges. Altman believes OpenAI isn't the "moral police" and wants to differentiate content similar to how Hollywood differentiates R-rated movies. This move could help OpenAI, which is losing money, turn a profit. However, experts express concerns about the impact on real-world relationships and the potential for misuse.
CNN is launching a new “All Access” streaming subscription in the U.S. on October 28th, priced at $6.99 a month, or just $69.99 if you sign up for a full year.
WSJ’s Alexander Gladstone reveals the story behind First Brands’ sudden bankruptcy: hidden deals, corporate chaos, and a mystery that shook the auto world.