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Raise Marketplace Inc.
Raise Marketplace Inc. is a Chicago-based online marketplace enabling consumers to buy and sell discounted gift cards, operating as a two-sided exchange.
Raise Marketplace Inc.
Raise Marketplace Inc. is a consumer-focused platform headquartered in Chicago that facilitates the buying and selling of discounted gift cards. The company was founded by George Bousis, who has served as CEO since its inception. While the firm does not disclose founding year details in public records, it has operated as a well-known player in the gift card secondary market. The company's core business involves a marketplace where users can list unused gift cards from major retailers, and buyers purchase them at a discount; Raise collects a fee from each transaction. Platform focuses on consumer retail sectors, including major brands. Geographic footprint is primarily North America, with a presence in the United States. Raise does not publicly report assets under management or employee headcount. The company operates as a single business entity without disclosed additional offices or philanthropic structures. No recent operational events are publicly documented in the last 24 months. The fundamental structural differentiator of Raise is its marketplace model, which differs from traditional gift card issuers by acting as a two-sided exchange. The company does not hold inventory; it relies on user-supplied listings, creating a liquidity pool of varying card balances and discounts.
General information
Firm type
other
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Chicago
Corporate office
Chicago, IL, United States
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
What is the basic business model of Raise Marketplace?
Raise Marketplace operates a two-sided platform where individuals can list unused gift cards for sale, and buyers purchase them at a discount. The company earns revenue by charging a transaction fee on each sale. Unlike traditional gift card issuers, Raise does not maintain inventory; the marketplace relies entirely on user-provided listings.
Who founded and runs Raise Marketplace?
Raise Marketplace was founded by George Bousis, who has served as the company's CEO since its founding. Bousis has been the face of the company in media and promotional contexts. No other principals are publicly listed in related records.
Does Raise Marketplace operate as a family office or investment firm?
No. Raise Marketplace is a standalone consumer technology company operating an online gift card marketplace. It does not manage third-party capital or operate as a family office, asset manager, or any investment vehicle. The firm is categorized as a business (C-corp), not an allocator.
What types of gift cards are available on Raise Marketplace?
Raise Marketplace lists gift cards from a wide range of major US retailers, including restaurants, apparel stores, grocery chains, electronics brands, and travel-related services. Discounts on cards vary, typically between 5% and 30% off face value, though extreme discounts can be higher for unpopular merchants.
How does Raise Marketplace ensure the validity of listed gift cards?
Raise employs verification mechanisms to check card balances before listing. However, the company's terms of service state that buyers assume some risk, and Raise offers a 'Buyer Guarantee' that covers cases of invalid or zero-balance cards. The exact procedures are not publicly detailed in operational records.
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