Raise, a company that works with blockchain payments and gift cards, has raised $63 million in a new funding round. This brings its total funding to over $220 million. The round was led by Haun Ventures, along with several other investors. Raise plans to use this money to grow its blockchain-based gift card program, Smart Cards.
The company has also partnered with Polkadot and digital wallets like MetaMask and Coinbase. According to CEO George Bousis, the time is right to bring gift cards fully onto blockchain technology. Raise aims to change how people use and trust gift cards worldwide.
What is Haun Ventures?
Haun Ventures is a venture capital firm dedicated to shaping the future of Web3 and blockchain technology. Founded by Katie Haun, a former federal prosecutor with deep expertise in cryptocurrency, the firm focuses on supporting innovative startups in the crypto ecosystem.
With $1.5 billion in funding—split between a $500 million early-stage fund and a $1 billion acceleration fund—Haun Ventures invests in projects that push the boundaries of decentralized technology. Beyond funding, the firm provides strategic guidance, regulatory insights, and operational expertise to help blockchain startups scale and succeed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Why is This Funding Significant?
This funding highlights the growing confidence in blockchain-powered financial solutions, especially in the gift card and payments sector. With a $63 million boost, Raise can accelerate the adoption of blockchain-based gift cards, making them more secure, programmable, and widely accepted.
The investment also signals strong support from major venture firms like Haun Ventures, reinforcing the potential of Web3 in reshaping traditional industries. Additionally, by expanding partnerships with leading digital wallets and retailers, Raise is positioning itself as a key player in the future of blockchain-driven loyalty programs and digital transactions.
How Will the Funds Be Used?
Raise plans to use the $63 million funding to expand its blockchain-powered gift card program, Smart Cards, and enhance its payment solutions. The company will also invest in its Retail Alliance Foundation, a nonprofit initiative aimed at creating a more secure and fraud-resistant gift card network by uniting global retailers and brands.
Additionally, Raise is focused on strengthening its blockchain integrations by partnering with major digital wallets like MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, and DOT Wallet through the Polkadot Community Foundation. The funds will also support further innovations in loyalty programs and digital transactions, ensuring a seamless experience for users worldwide.
Founders’ Perspective
Raise’s founder and CEO, George Bousis, believes that blockchain technology is the key to transforming the gift card industry. He emphasizes that the company has been working on this vision for over a decade, waiting for the right moment to implement blockchain at scale.
He also highlighted how Raise is not just about gift-giving but about loyalty and share of wallet, showing the broader impact of their innovation in digital payments.
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Key Takeaways
- Major Investment in Blockchain-Powered Gift Cards – Raise secured $63 million in funding, bringing its total to over $220 million. The round was led by Haun Ventures, with participation from several major investors.
- Expansion of Smart Cards & Digital Payments – The funds will support the growth of Smart Cards, Raise’s blockchain-based gift card program. Raise is also expanding its Retail Alliance Foundation to create a more secure and fraud-resistant gift card network.
- Strengthening Blockchain & Wallet Integrations – Raise is integrating with DOT Wallet (Polkadot) and expanding support for MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, and Phantom through WalletConnect.
- Founder’s Vision on Blockchain Adoption – CEO George Bousis emphasized that blockchain is now mature enough to revolutionize gift cards and loyalty programs. He stated: “The barriers that once existed are no longer obstacles.”
- Industry-Wide Impact – Raise aims to redefine gift cards as a programmable retail currency, strengthening brand-customer relationships. The funding signals growing investor confidence in blockchain-based financial solutions.
Conclusion:
Raise’s new funding will help the company grow and bring more gift cards onto blockchain technology. With $63 million, Raise plans to improve its Smart Cards program and make gift cards safer and easier to use. The company is also working with big digital wallets like MetaMask and Coinbase to expand its services.
CEO George Bousis believes this is the right time to change the gift card industry using blockchain. In the future, Raise aims to build stronger partnerships, improve security, and make gift cards more valuable for users worldwide, shaping the future of digital payments and loyalty programs.
