#cashstar

[allehsu]

I have the best and most supportive friends. But yes, extremely frustrated with #venmo at the moment for their lack of professionalism and for not fully investigating my situation, and for denying my case. A person, first name Andrew, hacked into my account, and gave himself 1000 dollars, also purchased/shopped for items through my venmo account for @kennethcole, @lululemon @hotelsdotcom by way of #cashstar #Repost @jamesthetang with @get_repost ・・・ Hi @venmo my friend's account got hacked into and someone sent $1000 to themselves but @venmosupport says there's insufficient evidence. What gives? #venmo

[techcocktail]

CashStar Acquired by Blackhawk Network for $175M

[hammond4713]

CashStar Launches New Version of Next-Generation Digital Gifting Platform for ...

CashStar Launches New Version of Next-Generation Digital Gifting Platform for …

CashStar Launches New Version of Subsequent-Generation Digital Gifting Platform for … “CashStar 5 extends our clear item leadership with new options and platform capabilities that transform digital gifting into powerful omnichannel commerce and advertising tools. Most importantly, our merchant partners are already reside and using … Read more on The Herald | HeraldOnline.com (press release)

Boise…

View On WordPress

[macdailynews]

Why Apple’s Passbook is growing on retailers

“We still have no leader in mobile payments, but when it comes to digital gift cards Apple’s Passbook is doing a decent job of making its case with big-name retailers — many of whom were somewhat skeptical of its utility when Passbook was first went live…

View Post

[virtualgoodies-blog]

Event Horizon: Where Virtual and Material Goods Collide

Have you heard of Cashstar, a company that allows people to send gift cards via email? It's a perfect innovation for those of us who hate presenting our gifts in person!  But now they've gone and taken the next leap in antisocial-social engagement.  They've created a promo that lets you buy the next round of beers for your buddies... via Facebook.

OK, there are a few catches.  The beer has to be bought at T.G.I. Friday's.  And you aren't actually buying beer, you are gifting a $5 redeemable coupon for beer after you "Like" the Friday's Facebook fan page.  But we won't let you complain. It's free beer!

The idea of marrying a physical gift to something virtual is not a new one. Webkinz, founded in 2005, gives a virtual avatar to each of its new (physical) stuffed animal owners.   Kiip, an advertising startup, "rewards" players in mobile games with promotional freebies, like bags of chips and beauty care samples.  There are other companies, certainly, doing stuff like this — or at least considering it.

Let's just hope this trend continues.  Virtual goods are fun times.  But everyone needs a real, drinkable beer once in a while.

[startwire-blog]

Boston Hiring & Funding Round-Up

The following organizations have raised cash in the last couple of weeks.  You may be thinking...okay....so what? The 'so what' for you, dear reader, is that for the most part cash = hiring.

Pixability: $1M to help grow their business marketing video platform

Sermo: $3.5M to expand their online physician community

Exagrid: $10.6M to continue it's growth in the data back-up business. 

CashStar: $5M to expand it's digital gift platform

And remember, working for a start-up (even if they have been around for a couple of years) is about the value you can bring on Day 1. Onboarding, orientation, and ramp-up all need to occur before your 1st game of ping-pong at lunch.  So if you are trying to break into one of these places, remember to have you have to be able to articulate how you can help them now.  A great place to start is