LinqApp

LinqApp presents a significant pivot from its initial concept as a language-learning social network to a robust business networking and mobile CRM platform. Originally founded in Taipei, Taiwan, by David Vega as One People Co. Ltd. in 2012, the company has undergone a complete transformation. The current iteration, known as Linq, is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and was established in 2019 by co-founders Elliott Potter (CEO), Patrick Sullivan (CTO), and Jared Mattsson (COO). This leadership team brings valuable experience from their time at the grocery delivery startup Shipt, where they were part of its rapid scaling and eventual $550 million acquisition by Target.

Linq has refocused its operations to provide a digital business card and mobile-first CRM solution designed for sales professionals, business owners, and large enterprise teams. The platform's core function is to facilitate the seamless exchange of contact and professional information, replacing traditional paper business cards. It leverages QR codes and NFC-enabled products, such as cards, bracelets, and taps, allowing users to share a customizable profile page with a simple tap or scan. This page can host a variety of content, including contact details, social media links, videos, booking calendars, and lead capture forms, without requiring the recipient to have the app installed.

The company's business model operates on a freemium and subscription basis. While basic profile creation and sharing are free, revenue is generated through the sale of its physical NFC products and subscriptions to premium tiers like Linq Pro and Linq for Teams. These paid plans unlock advanced features, including detailed analytics on profile views and clicks, the ability to embed richer media, CRM integrations with platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot, and team management dashboards. Linq for Teams is targeted at corporate clients, such as McDonald's and Abercrombie & Fitch, for uses ranging from recruitment to streamlining sales force networking. The company has successfully raised a total of $10.2M in funding to fuel its growth, including a notable $2.5 million seed round led by Mucker Capital in May 2021.

Keywords: digital business card, mobile CRM, NFC technology, lead generation, sales enablement, networking platform, contact management, QR code business card, business networking app, lead capture, sales tools, customer relationship management, enterprise networking, professional profiles, Shipt alumni