Claim, the social shopping platform that originated on college campuses, is expanding its innovative rewards model to 10 major U.S. cities, offering a novel approach to customer acquisition and engagement for brands and consumers alike.
The platform, which began as a Harvard University startup, will now be available to all consumers in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. This expansion marks a significant shift from its previous model, which exclusively served college students with .edu email addresses.
CEO and co-founder Sam Obletz highlighted the platform's unique value proposition, addressing the rising costs of digital advertising. By directly reapplying marketing budgets into consumer rewards, Claim creates a mutually beneficial ecosystem where brands can discover high-value customers and users can earn money while exploring local businesses.
The app's approach leverages AI-powered algorithms to connect Gen Z consumers with local food and beverage establishments, offering cash-back rewards for purchases. This model transforms traditional marketing strategies by replacing traditional advertising with direct consumer incentives.
Claim's expansion represents a significant evolution in marketing technology, providing brands with a risk-free customer acquisition channel. Users can now earn rewards by trying new restaurants and shops, while businesses gain access to a targeted, engagement-driven marketing approach.
The platform's growth strategy includes a referral program where users who invite friends receive $10 in Claims, further enhancing its viral potential. By curating experiences in these ten cities, Claim aims to create a scalable, community-driven marketing platform that benefits both consumers and brands.
This expansion reflects a broader trend of technology-driven marketing solutions that prioritize direct consumer engagement and value creation. As digital advertising becomes increasingly expensive and saturated, platforms like Claim offer an innovative alternative that aligns brand interests with consumer preferences.
