Israeli Startup Spiral Offers New Banking App for Charitable Donations
Spiral, a new Israeli fintech startup, will offer the offer a new form of banking app with a twist: the Spiral app will be for making charitable donations. The company has raised $14 million in a funding round led by Team8.
Founded in 2019 by CEO Shawn Melamed and President Dan Blumenfeld, Spiral describes itself as an “ethical banking app.” The company says that users can easily use its app to donate to causes and Spiral match it. Users can choose from over a million charities in the U.S. and donate as little as $5 to unlock Spiral’s donation matching. (The company will match up to $150 a year in individual donations.) Users can also track and manage their donations with the app and get an automatic end-of-year tax report.
This is a really inspirational idea. A startup which is not just about offering some new version of an already existing product or service. A Startup which is not just about getting to the exit through an IPO or a buyout. This company encourages its users to donate money to charity while making donations itself.
This all sounds sweet, but how will the company make any money. Well the users will only be making small donations while depositing their finds in banks. The banking institutions which hold people’s money will, of course, be charged fees.
Users can earn attractive rates and get monthly cash bonuses on their deposits. Nonprofits can use the app to share engaging content with supporters, increase donations and collect funds without fees. The app is live and will launch to the public next quarter.
Blumenfeld said: “People are increasingly supporting brands that fit their values, and expect a simple, hassle-free user experience. Spiral is a personalized banking experience and supporting charities. We provide our customers with both deeper connections. ”
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Creating new ways to give, is like teaching a puppy new tricks! Learn more about how easy it is to make donations to the causes you love, like your local animal shelter. Visit https://t.co/Y21Dhdb8LM to learn more! 🐶 #NationalPuppyDay #spiralgives pic.twitter.com/1HhbPgU7HQ
— Spiral (@Spiralgives) March 23, 2021
Melamed said, “The future belongs to socially-conscious brands that care as much about giving back to society as they do about generating profits and growth. Spiral plans to pioneer the ethical banking industry by creating a new ecosystem solution for more than 100 million charitable givers and 1.5 million non-profit businesses. Not only does Spiral make it easy and engaging for people to support causes they care about but we also financially reward them so they can personally thrive.”
Spiral founders Shawn Melamed and Dan Blumenfeld (PR pic)
Spiral also promises its users, no hidden fees, no monthly fees for active accounts, no ACH transfer fees and requires no minimum balance.
Team8 Capital managing partner Sarit Firon said, “We’re excited to back Spiral’s unique vision and incredible growth potential. Brands like Tesla, Whole Foods and Lemonade have galvanized specific demographics to become the front-runners of their industries. Spiral is on a mission to do the same in the world of banking.”
Spiral already works with the following charities: F4C Foundation for Climate Restoration, David Ortiz Children’s Foundation, CultureForOne, HERHealthEQ, Wayuu Taya, Cerebral Palsy Research Alliance Foundation, Annie Cannon, Campaign to Keep Guns off Campus, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore, The Forbes Funds, Games for Change, Opportunity Junction, Knock Knock Give a Sock, Backpacks for Life, and Foundation Tournesol.
