Introduction
In 2023, serial entrepreneur Sudarsan and former PayPal tech expert Srividya launched a bold venture to reshape the in-app reward landscape for consumer applications. Their aim was to boost user engagement while providing new monetization opportunities for app developers. This ambition gave birth to Pauket, an API-first in-app rewards interface that allows consumer applications to easily launch their own white-labeled reward systems—similar to Google Pay rewards—in just two weeks.
The Origin of Pauket
Pauket’s story is rooted in two distinct yet complementary experiences. Sudarsan, while working on Adfarm—a programmatic outdoor advertising technology startup—noticed a critical gap in effective calls to action within advertisements. He wanted to create a system that not only generated leads but also offered genuine value, motivating users to take immediate action.
Meanwhile, Srividya’s role at PayPal, particularly with Honey (a popular coupon Chrome extension), exposed her to the complexities of managing reward supply chains. She realized the need for a platform that could effectively organize and optimize the supply side of rewards. Together, they set out to build a universal coupon engine—a system designed to do for rewards what UPI (Unified Payments Interface) did for digital payments. And thus, Pauket was born.
What is Pauket?
At its core, Pauket is a platform that helps consumer applications boost user engagement by rewarding users for every action taken within the app. It provides a unified reward API called Coupon Connect, enabling B2C applications to create customized reward systems that seamlessly integrate into their platforms.
The magic of Pauket lies in its ability to offer attractive deals that inspire user actions, turning passive app experiences into interactive and engaging journeys. This innovative approach allows apps to move away from disruptive in-app ads, which are often a major source of user dissatisfaction.
Identified Problems and Market Opportunity
Currently, in-app advertisements are a key revenue stream for many applications, but they come with significant challenges:
- User Dissatisfaction: Intrusive ads disrupt user experiences, leading to frustration and even app uninstalls.
- Monetization Challenges: Many apps find it difficult to monetize premium screen space without compromising user engagement.
- Brand Expectations: Brands seek better ROI and conversion rates, which traditional ad models often fail to deliver.
These challenges have opened the door for rewards and cross-promotions to become a preferred method for driving user engagement and building brand loyalty across consumer applications.
Pauket’s Smart Solution
Pauket’s Coupon Connect allows B2C apps to design personalized reward systems that resonate with their users. It enables apps to reward every user action—whether it is completing a purchase, watching a video, or referring a friend—with exclusive deals and discounts.
For brands, Pauket provides a platform to digitize offers and distribute them across multiple B2C apps, targeting intent-based audiences with precision. Additionally, brands gain access to real-time performance metrics, ensuring transparency and effective ROI tracking.
Game-Changing Advantages for Brands and B2C Apps
- Direct Access to Inventory: Brands can easily access app inventory without the need for insider connections or lengthy negotiations.
- Transparent Tracking and Reporting: Automated reporting dashboards and efficient conversion tracking provide brands with clear insights into campaign performance.
- Greater Reach for B2C Apps: Even Tier 2 apps, traditionally limited in brand connections, can now host top-tier campaigns and expand their user base.
Real-World Impact and Future Potential
Since its launch, Coupon Connect is live with over ten applications and has reached more than five million users. Pauket has also rolled out an exclusive Shopify app named Pauket Promo, tailored for D2C brands hosted on Shopify. This platform allows them to efficiently run coupon campaigns across Tier 1 apps such as Google Pay, Cred, MyJio, and BookMyShow.
Today, over ten crore coupons have been distributed through Pauket, establishing its dominance in this rapidly growing niche.
With its pioneering approach, Pauket aims to become the Google Ads equivalent for rewards in B2C applications. As digital advertising evolves, Pauket is well-positioned to lead the shift towards non-intrusive, value-driven user engagement models.
Concluding Note
Pauket, more than just a rewards platform, is an ecosystem that bridges the gap between user engagement, app monetization, and brand loyalty. By offering a seamless, API-first solution, Pauket is offering consumer applications to reimagine rewards and redefine success.
As Sudarsan and Srividya continue their journey, Pauket is set to become a game-changer in the digital advertising and rewards landscape, paving the way for a more engaging, rewarding, and user-centric digital future.
