On Me, a digital gift card startup founded by former Google employees, is aiming to redefine the gift card industry. Its mobile-first gifting platform lets users purchase digital gift cards categorized by interests rather than being restricted to specific retailers.
The company recently raised six million dollars in a seed funding round. It will use this capital to expand its gift categories to include experiences like horseback riding lessons, wine tastings, and theme park trips.
On Me emphasizes its flexibility. For example, if you have a friend passionate about tennis, you can send them a digital card that lets them shop for outfits and gear from popular brands like Wilson, On, and Prince. The platform offers gift cards across seventy-two categories, ranging from running and reading to camping, gardening, gaming, and concerts.
You can also attach video messages, photos, and GIFs to gift cards, adding a layer of personalization. The platform is accessible via its website as well as iOS and Android apps.
The startup’s CEO and co-founder, Darragh Meaney, highlighted the environmental issues with the traditional gift card industry, which relies heavily on plastic. According to the International Card Manufacturers Association, approximately thirty billion plastic cards are manufactured globally each year. Over seventy percent of gift cards are discarded within six months, resulting in an estimated fifty-three million tons of plastic waste. Meaney stated this is an environmentally wasteful practice that feels disconnected from how we live today.
On Me’s digital cards also integrate with Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
The global gift card market is projected to reach two point three trillion dollars by 2030. On Me believes it is well-positioned for growth. Since its launch, the company says it has facilitated over two point five million dollars in gifts for more than twenty-six thousand users, growing fifty percent every month.
The seed funding round was led by NFX, with participation from Lerer Hippeau and Focal. This funding comes a year after the company launched its platform and raised one point seven million dollars in a pre-seed round.