Social shopping platform Claim has expanded its services to 10 major U.S. cities, offering consumers a unique way to earn cash back while supporting local businesses. The app, which originated at Harvard University and grew across more than 90 college campuses, now allows anyone in select metropolitan areas to participate.
The expansion includes key urban centers such as Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Unlike its previous model, which required users to have a college email address, the platform is now open to all residents and visitors in these cities.
CEO and co-founder Sam Obletz highlighted the app's innovative approach to customer acquisition. By redirecting marketing budgets directly to consumers, Claim offers an alternative to traditional and increasingly expensive digital advertising channels. The platform enables brands to connect with potential customers while providing users financial incentives to explore new restaurants and shops.
Claim's unique model allows users to earn cash back, called "Claims," when they visit partner businesses like Blank Street Coffee, Gong cha, and Chip City. The app's AI-powered algorithm aims to drive repeat customer engagement by rewarding users for trying new establishments.
The expansion strategy includes a referral program where users who invite friends receive $10 in Claims to brands of their choice. This approach seeks to organically grow the platform's user base while providing tangible benefits to both consumers and businesses.
Head of Marketing Luke deWilde emphasized that existing Claim users in the core cities will automatically remain enrolled, and future "drops" will be curated based on these urban markets. The platform represents a novel approach to connecting Gen Z and young professionals with local businesses through a rewards-based ecosystem.
