Raise
Category: AI in Fintech
A blockchain-backed gift card platform that enables secure, programmable, and fraud-resistant gift card transactions, integrating digital currency benefits with retail loyalty solutions. Raise was founded in 2013. The company is led by George Bousis. Based in Based in Miami, FL with significant operations in Chicago and global outreach. Team size: 100. Total funding raised: $201.6M (Seed $4.5M + Series A $18.1M + Series B $56M + Series C $60M + Series D $63M). Latest round: Series C ($63M, Feb 2025). Key investors include Haun Ventures, Amber Group, Anagram, Blackpine, Borderless Capital, GSR, Karatage, Paper Ventures, Pharsalus Capital, Sonic Boom Ventures, Web3 Foundation.
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- Based in Miami, FL with significant operations in Chicago and global outreach
- Team size
- 100
- Total funding
- $201.6M (Seed $4.5M + Series A $18.1M + Series B $56M + Series C $60M + Series D $63M)
Value proposition
Offers a secure, programmable retail currency that reduces fraud, enhances customer engagement, and unlocks the latent value in gift card ecosystems through advanced blockchain technology.
Products and solutions
Smart Cards, GCX Gift Card Exchange, Raise for Business (B2B operations)
Unique value
Utilizes blockchain technology to create secure and programmable gift cards, distinguishing itself from traditional gift card systems by integrating smart contract capabilities and enhanced fraud prevention.
Target customer
Consumers, retailers, and businesses seeking secure, efficient, and innovative gift card as well as loyalty solutions.
Industries served
Retail, Payments, Loyalty Programs, Financial Technology
Technology advantage
Blends deep blockchain expertise with established industry relationships and a strong track record in processing billions of dollars in transactions, giving it a competitive edge in security and scalability.
How they differentiate
Emphasizes blockchain-driven security and programmability, offering a technologically advanced solution that transcends the limitations of traditional gift card platforms.
Main competitors
Giftly, GiftCardMall, Cardpool
Key partnerships
Polkadot Community Foundation, WalletConnect, Major financial institutions including Citi Bank
Notable customers
Major retail brands through extensive partnerships (specific names not publicly disclosed)
Major milestones
Securing multiple successful funding rounds totaling over $220 million Development and deployment of the Smart Cards platform Establishment and growth of the Retail Alliance Foundation
Growth metrics
Over $5 billion in transactions processed, nearly 7 million users, and more than 1,000 retail partnerships established.
Market positioning
Positioned as a pioneer and leader in blockchain-powered gift card solutions, aiming to redefine consumer loyalty and digital retail engagement.
Geographic focus
Global, with a strategic emphasis on integrating with major retailers and financial institutions worldwide.
Patents and IP
No publicly disclosed patents at this time; intellectual property is primarily safeguarded through proprietary technology integrated into the Retail Alliance Foundation.
About George Bousis
George Bousis is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Raise, the world's largest gift card marketplace. He led the company to achieve over $5 billion in sales. He is also a co-founder and Managing Partner at Protagonist, a venture capital firm, and the Founder & CIO of 1/1 Capital, his private family office. An active angel investor, he has backed over 85 companies in sectors like fintech, AI, and crypto.
Official website: https://www.raise.com