Who Owns raise.com?

Understanding the ownership structure of an online platform like raise.com can provide insights into its stability, funding, and broader business practices. Raise.com is operated by Raise Marketplace Inc., a company that has experienced significant growth and investment since its inception. Founded by George Bousis, the company has attracted venture capital funding and has positioned itself as a leading player in the secondary gift card market. Knowing who owns a platform helps in assessing its long-term viability, its commitment to security, and its overall corporate governance, all of which contribute to its perceived trustworthiness in the digital economy.

The Founder and Leadership

Raise.com was founded by George Bousis, who launched the platform in 2013.

• George Bousis (Founder & Executive Chairman): Bousis envisioned a marketplace where consumers could easily buy and sell gift cards, unlocking value from unused cards and saving money on everyday purchases. He has been the driving force behind the company’s strategic direction and growth.
• Leadership Team: Over the years, Raise Marketplace Inc. has built out a professional leadership team with experience in e-commerce, technology, and finance to manage its operations, marketing, and product development.

Corporate Structure and Headquarters

Raise Marketplace Inc. operates as a private company.

• Company Name: The legal entity behind raise.com is Raise Marketplace Inc.
• Headquarters: The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, a common location for many growing tech and e-commerce startups.
• Corporate Culture: Information about its internal corporate culture can sometimes be gleaned from employee review sites, though this is secondary to consumer-facing operations.

Funding and Investors

A significant indicator of a company’s legitimacy and potential for growth is the caliber of its investors. Raise Marketplace Inc.

has successfully secured substantial venture capital funding over the years.

• Venture Capital Funding: Raise.com has raised hundreds of millions of dollars from prominent venture capital firms. For example, by 2016, it had raised over $147 million in funding from investors like Accel, Bessemer Venture Partners, and New Enterprise Associates.
• Series Funding Rounds: The company has gone through multiple funding rounds (e.g., Series A, B, C), which demonstrates investor confidence in its business model and growth potential.
• Strategic Partnerships: While not direct ownership, these funding relationships often come with strategic advice and connections, enhancing the company’s market position.

Acquisitions and Industry Position

Raise Marketplace Inc. Gradcoach.com Review

has also been involved in strategic acquisitions, consolidating its position in the gift card market.

• Gift Card Granny Acquisition: In 2016, Raise acquired Gift Card Granny, another significant player in the gift card comparison and resale market. This acquisition expanded Raise’s reach and solidified its dominance in the niche.
• Market Share: Through organic growth and acquisitions, Raise.com has become one of the largest online marketplaces for discounted gift cards, holding a substantial market share.

Implications of Ownership for Users

The ownership and corporate background of raise.com have several implications for its users.

• Financial Stability: Significant venture capital funding suggests a financially stable company, which is reassuring for users concerned about the platform’s longevity and ability to process transactions and payouts.
• Professional Management: The involvement of experienced venture capitalists and a professional leadership team typically implies adherence to corporate governance standards, which should translate to more reliable operations.
• Accountability: As a well-funded, established entity, Raise Marketplace Inc. is subject to scrutiny from its investors, which can act as a pressure point for maintaining service quality and addressing user complaints. However, as noted in previous sections, this accountability doesn’t always translate into swift or satisfactory resolution of individual user issues.
• Brand Reputation: The investors and ownership stake their reputation on the company’s success. This often means a focus on maintaining a positive brand image, though user reviews indicate there’s still work to be done in this area for raise.com.
• Long-Term Vision: A well-funded company with a clear ownership structure typically has a long-term vision, investing in technology, customer service (ideally), and market expansion.