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CashStar
CashStar was founded in 2005 by Josh Silverman and David Stone, initially focused on corporate gift card programs before expanding into consumer-facing...
CashStar
CashStar was founded in 2005 by Josh Silverman and David Stone, initially focused on corporate gift card programs before expanding into consumer-facing digital gifting. The company's wealth origin is not publicly tied to a single family fortune; rather, it is a venture-backed enterprise that raised approximately $15 million from investors including G20 Ventures and Safeguard Scientifics before being acquired. Blackhawk Network, a subsidiary of the publicly traded Silver Lake-backed payments firm, completed the acquisition in 2023. CashStar's platform supports over 300 merchant clients across retail, hospitality, and luxury sectors. The technology enables real-time gift card issuance, customization with photo or video messages, and integration with point-of-sale and e-commerce systems. The company reports processing more than $1 billion in annual transaction volume (per public record, 2022). Its asset-class focus is purely on payment infrastructure and financial technology services, not direct investment in securities. Headquartered in New York City with a secondary office in Portland, Maine, CashStar employs approximately 100 professionals as of 2023. The firm does not operate any separate investment vehicles, philanthropic foundations, or real-asset arms. The acquisition by Blackhawk Network integrated CashStar into a larger payments ecosystem spanning 400,000 retail locations globally. CashStar's structural differentiator is its focus on the gift card as a software product — not a physical card. It operates as a pure-play B2B technology provider rather than a consumer-facing issuer. The company does not take principal risk on gift card balances; it earns fees on transaction volume and platform subscriptions.
General information
Firm type
other
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
—
Corporate office
—
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who owns CashStar?
CashStar is owned by Blackhawk Network, a subsidiary of Silver Lake-backed payments company. Blackhawk acquired CashStar in 2023, integrating the platform into its global network of 400,000 retail locations.
What types of clients does CashStar serve?
CashStar serves over 300 merchant clients across retail, hospitality, and luxury sectors. Notable clients include Starbucks, Sephora, and other major brands. The platform supports both consumer and corporate gifting programs.
Does CashStar manage any family office capital?
CashStar is not a family office. The company is a B2B payment infrastructure provider owned by Blackhawk Network. Its operations are focused on technology and transaction processing, not asset management.
What is CashStar's revenue model?
CashStar generates revenue primarily through transaction fees on gift card volume processed through its platform. The company also charges subscription fees for its enterprise software and customization services. It does not take principal risk on gift card balances.
How does CashStar differentiate from competitors like GiftCards.com or Tango Card?
CashStar's differentiation lies in its white-label API-first approach, enabling deep integration with client point-of-sale and e-commerce systems. Unlike competitors focused on consumer-facing marketplaces, CashStar emphasizes enterprise-grade customization and analytics for large retailers.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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