Company Profile: Hopster

by Katie Unger

Hopster, launched in January 2013, is an online marketing platform that brings exclusive coupons to customers through an interactive coupon site and a mobile application.

According to CEO and Founder Brian Wiegand, he and his team decided to start Hopster when they recognized the need for a more direct relationship between consumers and consumer packaged goods (CPGs). Their mobile tool, Coupon Connect, links Hopster to mobile messaging and allows for increased consumer engagement.

Wiegand’s experience in online shopping stems from co-founding shopping search engine Jellyfish.com, which was sold to Microsoft in October 2007, and serving as CEO of Alice.com for four years.

Unlike other retail coupon platforms, Hopster coupons are focused on groceries and can be used at any retailer or merchant, Wiegand said. Hopster users also can maximize savings by boosting the value of their coupons.

“By completing simple activities, like watching a video or liking a brand on Facebook, shoppers can dynamically increase the value of their coupons, something they can’t get anywhere else,” Wiegand said.

Shoppers create a free Hopster account and search through the coupons. To earn points and boost a coupon, users follow the directions under the chosen deal. Upon completion, coupons can be printed and used at any retailer.

According to a release, partner brands only pay for coupon redemptions or proven digital engagement, such as a post to Facebook.

In December, Hopster announced it had awarded more than 100 million points to its members.

The coupon company is growing fast, according to Wiegand. Funded by New Capital Fund as well as by its founders and local investors, Hopster is now focused on continuing growth with mobile application development.