Social Shopping App ‘Claim’, that Lets Users Earn Rewards, Raises $4M

In a move that could supercharge social shopping, startup Claim announced a $4 million seed round to further develop its unique platform that allows users to earn and trade rewards with friends.

Powered by a mission to make shopping more engaging, rewarding and communal, Claim ties real-world value to users’ relationships by letting them share brand perks, exclusive “drops” and redeem rewards together.

Founded by Yale alumni Sam Obletz and Tap Stephenson out of a shared vision to bring ownership online, Claim has seen early success attracting Gen Z with a refreshing alternative to ads-heavy social platforms and expensive loyalty programs.

Rather than blasting consumers with solo promotions, Claim strengthens brand discovery through social currency built around shared experiences – like sending a friend a free acai bowl from your local coffee shop to try together. Users can also exchange or trade earned perks.

Marketers benefit too from Claim’s ability to tap new audiences through organic peer connections. By rewarding initial purchases, brands gain true first-time customers who value product trials over impersonal ads alone. Early partner results show the model delivers, with one hitting 97% of new user goals 50% faster.

Backed now by heavy hitters like Sequoia, Susa Ventures and PepsiCo, Claim is well-funded to intensify testing and learning from its growing Gen Z community in Boston before seeking national expansion. By infusing e-commerce with communal fun and value, this social shopping startup could deliver a winning formula for consumers and brands alike.