Walmart Buys Big Data Start Up

In a recent blog post, @WalmartLabs announced its acquisition of Inkiru, which will join @WalmartLabs, the technology arm of Walmart Global eCommerce. Inkiru developed an active learning system that combines real-time predictive intelligence, big data analytics and a customizable decision engine to inform and streamline business decisions. 

“The similarities between Inkiru and @WalmartLabs are uncanny, with both having an innovative spirit and the ability to leverage big data to improve the customer experience,” read the blog post.

Wal-Mart’s acquisition of Inkiru follows similar acquisitions of OneOps, an e-commerce development company, and Tasty Labs, which specializes in developing ways for retailers to connect with consumers through social media. All together, the deals should further Walmart in its journey to reap about $10 billion of its projected $466 billion in 2013 revenue from global online shoppers.

Inkiru‘s predictive analytics platform is expected to further accelerate the big data capabilities that @WalmartLabs has propelled forward at scale, including site personalization, search, fraud prevention and marketing. Walmart’s data scientists will now be able to work with big data directly and create impact faster than ever before.

The company will welcome Inkiru’s "many talented data scientists and infrastructure engineers" to its staff. Among those joining the company are Vijay Raghavendra, a technology executive with expertise in building and scaling commerce, payments and risk management platforms and applications for virtual goods and traditional online retailers; Jaya Kolhatkar, a preeminent data scientist who has held many successful roles building and leading data science teams in commerce and payments; and Yitao Yao, a software architect and visionary with 20+ years of experience in architecting, designing, and implementing large scale software systems.  

In addition, Inkiru’s founder, Alok Bhanot, will join @WalmartLabs as a full time advisor to help the team deliver the next generation predictive analytics platform.

Related Articles:
Walmart to Revamp E-Commerce, Mobile Strategies
Walmart App Gives Suppliers Access to Data
Walmart to Boost Sourcing of U.S. Products