ToneTag, a voice-based payment and commerce solutions company, has unveiled eKosha—a voice-first business assistant designed specifically for merchants. The solution is deployed directly by banks to their merchant partners, requiring no app installation, no digital literacy, and no change in merchant behaviour, according to the founder.
How eKosha Works
eKosha leverages ToneTag's proprietary voice technology to enable merchants to perform business tasks using simple voice commands in local languages. Merchants can check transaction history, receive payment alerts, manage inventory, and access other business insights without needing a smartphone or internet connectivity. The assistant works on any basic phone via a missed call or toll-free number.
Key Features and Benefits
The platform is designed to bridge the digital divide for small and micro-merchants who often lack digital literacy. By eliminating the need for an app, eKosha ensures accessibility for the vast majority of India's 63 million small merchants. The solution also integrates with banks' existing systems, allowing real-time data synchronization and analytics.
According to ToneTag founder Kumar Abhishek, “eKosha is built on the principle that technology should adapt to the user, not the other way around. With this, we aim to empower every merchant with the power of voice AI, irrespective of their educational background or access to smartphones.”
Impact on Merchant Ecosystem
Industry experts believe that voice-based assistants like eKosha can significantly boost financial inclusion and digital adoption in India's retail sector. The solution is expected to reduce dependency on physical POS machines and streamline operations for millions of kirana stores and roadside vendors. ToneTag plans to roll out eKosha through partner banks in the coming months, targeting over 10 million merchants by the end of the fiscal year.
