Google buys Pointy, a startup that helps SMBs use inventory data in digital marketing

By MixDex Article may include affiliate links

Google has closed a deal to acquire Irish startup Pointy.

• Pointy offers a low cost device that attaches to point of sale barcode scanners at small and medium sized businesses.
• Whenever a store worker scans an item during checkout, the device gathers product information at the same time.
• This data is used in conjunction with digital marketing platforms to link real time inventory.
• There’s also a dose of machine learning to help measure product purchase frequency and other information.
• Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though Pointy has raised $20 million so far.
• Although not definite plans have been announced, Google could integrate local inventory data in search results.
• It would also be integrated with Google’s advertising products and compete with Amazon in product search.