On Me Revolutionizes Digital Gifting with Mastercard Partnership and $1.7M Funding

On Me: Revolutionizing Digital Gifting

In a significant step towards transforming the digital gifting landscape, On Me, a personalized gift card platform, has just announced its partnership with Mastercard and secured $1.7 million in pre-seed funding from venture capital firms Lerer Hippeau and Focal. The co-founders, Darragh Meaney and Sitar Harel, both former Google Product Managers, have a vision to modernize the traditional gift card experience. The company emerges from stealth mode, signaling a new era in digital gifting.

The Future of Gift Cards

Historically, gift cards have relied on outdated magnetic swipe technology that dates back to the 1980s. On Me aims to leapfrog this legacy by offering a sophisticated platform that integrates seamlessly with mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. This allows users to purchase and redeem gift cards with just a few taps on their smartphones—a feature in high demand among today’s tech-savvy consumers.

The innovative platform currently offers more than 70 types of gift cards tailored to various hobbies and interests. For example, the "Running, On Me" gift card allows access to top brands like HOKA, Nike, Adidas, and more, highlighting the modern-day consumer’s preference for diverse options that suit their needs.

Personalization at Its Core

As consumer expectations evolve, so too does the gifting experience. On Me is focused on enhancing the experience with personalized elements, such as the incorporation of video notes, photos, and GIFs into gift cards. This not only creates a more dynamic interaction but also adds a personal touch that traditional cards often lack.

"Traditional gift cards have fallen behind in the digital age," says Meaney. "We’re reshaping this space with experiences that are not only highly personalized but also built for seamless integration with modern smartphones."

Addressing Security Concerns

With gift card-related fraud accounting for a staggering $217 million in 2023, as noted by the Federal Trade Commission, security is a significant concern for consumers. On Me addresses these issues head-on by utilizing modern payment infrastructure that includes Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) across all transactions. Their mobile payment system ensures that each transaction is quick yet secure, utilizing on-device encryption to enhance safety.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Another crucial aspect of On Me’s mission is its dedication to environmental sustainability. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies vinyl chloride, a component of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) commonly used in traditional gift cards, as hazardous. In 2021 alone, 3.4 billion plastic gift cards were sold in the U.S., contributing to millions of pounds of non-biodegradable waste. By offering an entirely digital platform, On Me aims to eliminate this waste and foster more sustainable gifting practices.

Empowering Gift Recipients

Research indicates that approximately $16 billion worth of gifts from Christmas alone end up in landfills. By letting recipients choose their own gifts, On Me not only ensures that gifts received are appreciated but fosters a more personal connection, making gifting a meaningful experience rather than a mere transaction.

Beyond Products: Create Experiences

In addition to traditional gifts, On Me plans to expand its offerings to include curated experiences. Users will soon have the chance to gift activities such as skydiving, cooking classes, and wine tastings, expanding the horizons of what gifting can entail.

With the digital gift card market projected to hit $1.2 trillion by 2032, On Me is strategically positioned to be a leader in this booming industry, backed by its partnership with Mastercard and the expertise of established venture capitalists.

For more details on On Me’s offerings, visit OnMe.com.

About On Me

On Me is a digital gifting platform redefining the gift card concept with a modern, personalized approach. By enabling users to explore and send thoughtful gifts through a user-friendly platform, On Me is committed to sustainability and enhancing personal connections through thoughtful gifting. For updates and further information, follow On Me on LinkedIn and Instagram.