On Me raises $6 million to revolutionize the gift card industry

On Me, a digital gift card startup founded by former Google employees, aims to redefine the gift card industry with a mobile-first gifting platform that allows users to purchase digital gift cards categorized by interests instead of being limited to specific retailers.

The company said Thursday it has raised $6 million in a seed funding round, which it will use to expand gift categories to include things like horseback riding lessons, wine tastings and theme park trips.

On Me touts its flexibility. So, if you have a friend who is passionate about tennis, you can send them a digital card that allows them to shop for clothing and equipment from popular brands like Wilson, On, Prince, and more.

The platform offers gift cards across 72 categories ranging from running and reading to camping, gardening, gaming and concerts.

You can also attach video messages, photos, and GIFs to gift cards, which is a nice touch because it allows you to add a layer of personalization. You can use On Me via its website as well as its iOS and Android apps.

The startup’s CEO and co-founder, Darragh Minni, pointed to the environmental issues related to the traditional gift card industry, which relies heavily on plastic.

The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) reports that nearly 30 billion plastic cards are manufactured globally each year, and that more than 70% of gift cards are discarded within six months, resulting in an estimated 53 million tons of plastic waste.

“It is an environmentally wasteful practice and feels completely disconnected from the way we live today,” Meaney said.

On Me digital cards also integrate with Apple Pay and Google Wallet.

With the global gift card market expected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2030, On Me believes it is well positioned for growth. Since its launch, the company says it has facilitated over $2.5 million in gifts for more than 26,000 users, growing 50% month over month.

NFX led the seed round with participation from Lerer Hippeau and Focal.

The funding comes a year after the company launched its platform and raised $1.7 million in a pre-seed round.