Tippr.com Takes Lead in Affiliate Group Buying via Acquisition of Austin-based FanForce

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tippr.com, the innovative daily deals network behind the first ‘plug and play’ group buying platform, today announced the acquisition of Austin-based FanForce for an undisclosed sum. Tippr’s advanced group buying platform is now the leading solution for media publishers, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and anyone with an online audience wishing to add group buying functionality, generate new revenue, and extend their brand.

“Joining Tippr was an important strategic victory for both companies that positions our technology at the forefront of a rapidly evolving group buying industry”

Tippr has already assembled a broad portfolio of patents on group buying, and with this acquisition adds several key features that enable group buying, including: the ability for publishers to easily customize the look and feel of a branded group buying site, source deals into and out of the larger Tippr-powered network, leverage social networks for viral growth, deliver offers to mobile devices such as the iPhone, customize deal characteristics, and more. In addition to technology, Tippr offers a full service solution for publishers including everything from copywriting of the deal text to back office financial reconciliation.

“We’re leading the industry in providing customizable, networked, plug and play group buying technology to publishers,” said Martin Tobias, Tippr’s founder and CEO. “This is the easiest, most cost-effective way for media publishers to add group buying functionality, tap into a network of quality deals, and begin generating revenue within days.”

Tippr’s advanced group buying platform is now powering several well-known daily deal sites in Austin, including the female focused Tidbits Treats (http://www.tidbitstreats.com) and the popular Facebook blog, “365 Things To Do In Austin, Texas (http://365austin.fanforce.com),” which has attracted nearly 89,000 fans, and become one of Austin’s most successful deal sites in a matter of months. Last week Tippr announced the acquisition of Chicago-based Chitown Deals, which was transitioned to Tippr’s group buying platform with full functionality in less than 48 hours, while retaining the site’s branding and providing continuity for local consumers.

The founders of FanForce will join the Tippr management team, including Samy Aboel-Nil who joins Tippr as President/COO, Dane Knecht who joins Tippr as VP of Product Management, and John Whitmarsh, who joins Tippr as CFO. The FanForce team most recently worked together in executive positions at Austin-based MessageOne, which was acquired by Dell Computer in April 2008 for $155MM.

“Combining the FanForce white-label offer technology with the Tippr platform and patents made perfect sense,” said Samy Aboel-Nil, Tippr’s President and COO. “Publishers can now use Tippr to deliver turn-key group buying capabilities that utilize Tippr’s patented technology, services, and leverages Tippr’s existing network of publishers and merchants.”

Utilizing Tippr’s powerful daily deals technology, media publishers have converted or launched their own deal sites to Tippr’s group buying platform in less than two days, and taken advantage of new features and services. Tippr’s advanced group buying platform includes exclusive features such as “Accelerated Deals,” that increase the value of each deal for the entire group as more consumers opt in. Merchant partners also have access to Tippr’s branded and affiliate network of deal outlets, extending the reach of their offers.

“Joining Tippr was an important strategic victory for both companies that positions our technology at the forefront of a rapidly evolving group buying industry,” said Aboel-Nil. “Tippr has the winning combination of momentum, industry-leading IP, and venture backing necessary to dominate affiliate group buying and compete with Groupon and LivingSocial.”

About Tippr

Tippr.com’s industry-leading collective buying platform powers the best hyperlocal group buying experience for consumers and small businesses. All across the U.S., Tippr negotiates the guaranteed best deals (50 – 90% off) on local activities, restaurants and bars, salons, spas, memberships, merchandise, events, travel, and more. Tippr is the only group buying platform to combine patented technology, fully customizable deals, and exclusive features such as ‘Accelerated Deals’ and ‘Affiliate Group Buying’. In addition, Tippr offers its technology and expertise to enable group buying functionality for existing publishers creating new revenue streams.

Tippr is headquartered in Seattle, Washington and is funded by leading venture capital firm RRE Ventures.

If you love great deals AND supporting local businesses, join the movement at: Tippr.com.

To have your business featured on Tippr.com, contact us today at: merchants@tippr.com to create a fully customizable and scalable group buying plan that supports your business goals and ensures return customers.

Tippr patents include: United States Patent Nos. #7263498, #6631356, #6604089, #6101484, #7107230, #6934690, #7480627, #7194427, #7146330, and #7363246