Empyr

Empyr operates as a card-linking and loyalty platform, providing a technological bridge between online and offline commerce. Founded in 2011, the company emerged from the efforts of Jon Carder, who previously founded MojoPages, a local search directory. The transition from MojoPages to Empyr was driven by the challenge of demonstrating ROI to local business advertisers. This led to the creation of a system that links online marketing efforts directly to in-store purchases, a concept now known as card-linked offers (CLO). The company's technology allows consumers to link their existing credit or debit cards to a publisher's website or app. When a consumer makes a purchase at a participating brick-and-mortar business using that linked card, they automatically receive cash back or other rewards. This process provides a clear and measurable return on investment for offline businesses, a significant pain point in digital advertising.

The business model primarily targets publishers, such as websites, apps, and ad-tech platforms, who want to offer rewards programs to their users. Empyr provides these publishers with a white-label solution, allowing them to integrate the cash-back offer network into their own platforms. This creates a new revenue stream for publishers, who earn a share of the transaction fees, while also increasing user engagement and retention. For brick-and-mortar businesses, including restaurants and retail stores, Empyr offers a performance-based marketing channel. These businesses pay a fee only when a customer makes a purchase, eliminating the risk associated with traditional advertising models. The platform tracks every transaction down to the SKU level, offering detailed analytics on customer spending habits. In 2017, Empyr acquired MOGL, another card-linked offer company, which expanded its network of participating restaurants and users. This strategic acquisition enhanced the company's market position by increasing the scale of its offer network and user base.

Keywords: card-linked offers, loyalty platform, offline commerce, performance marketing, cash back rewards, fintech, customer engagement, white-label solution, merchant analytics, digital advertising