Location-aware mobile shopping is a promising space so it doesn’t surprises to see new companies entering the market all the time. The latest playa’ is called CheckPoints and it’s slated to launch this September. Co-founded by two brothers, Mark and Todd DiPaola, the company starts with a $1 million Founder Series A financing.
It’s worth noting that CheckPoints is not first company the two brothers have started. In 2002, they created performance marketing agency Vantage Media, only to sell it in 2007 for $150 million. In other words, these guys seem to know what they’re doing.
As for CheckPoints’ offering, it will release a mobile application (for Android and iPhone) to allow shoppers to use their smartphones to discover featured brands and deals in retail locations across the U.S. Consumers will be able to win points simply by checking in or scanning product barcodes, without actually having to buy a thing. After collecting a certain number of points, customers can cash in at the CheckPoints Rewards Store for offers like gift cards and airline miles. CheckPoints is envisioned to serve as a universal mobile currency, meaning that points accrued at specific business are not limited to redemption in that outlet.
We’re definitely looking forward to further expansion of the whole mobile shopping space and we’ll get back to you as soon as we hear something new and/or interesting. Stay tuned…