GiftRound and Mangopay strengthen partnership

GiftRound, the specialist platform for group gift collection, has announced an enhanced partnership with Mangopay, a platform-specific payment infrastructure provider, to handle all payment flows on the platform. This partnership was established in 2018, at the inception of GiftRound, which has thus far processed over £10.5 million through more than 75,000 money pots using Mangopay.

GiftRound offers a secure, dependable and user-friendly online service that facilitates group gift collection. The platform’s aim is to bring people together to celebrate and revive the pleasure of giving gifts in groups for the collector, the donor, and the recipient. Presently, there are over 800,000 users for 125 daily created GiftRounds.

The management of payment flows is central to GiftRound’s service. The company required a robust payment provider to process intricate payment flows. Mangopay’s expertise and capabilities were a perfect match for this purpose, with a long track record of working with platform-specific businesses, including crowdfunding companies. With Mangopay’s API, GiftRound can ensure secure money collection, fraud prevention and anti-money laundering measures, all of which are vital for the platform. Mangopay also offers KYC processes alongside secure and diverse payment methods.

Moreover, GiftRound will now incorporate Mangopay’s e-wallet modular technology, which will add an extra layer of protection and security before dispersing funds to the recipient. This functionality will provide flexible and scalable pay-in and pay-out capabilities, which are crucial for the platform and GiftRound’s commitment to delivering dependable and seamless payment experiences to customers.

Craig Forsythe, CEO & Founder, GiftRound highlights:

“Having started this journey with Mangopay in 2018, we’re delighted to continue working together. Payment flows are crucial for us as we work on maintaining our high levels of growth by listening to our customers to improve their payment experience on our platform. It is key for us to work with a trusted partner and we know that crowdfunding payment flows are part of Mangopay’s DNA. Mangopay will enable us to process multiple payment flows daily in the safest way possible and we look forward to continuing to grow a reliable, secure service with our trusted partner.”

Luke Trayfoot, Chief Revenue Officer, Mangopay declares:

“Our modular and flexible payment infrastructure is a necessary asset for platforms, especially as they look to further improve their payment operations, user experience and scalability. We are proud to support GiftRound on its payment journey and help their customers organise gift collections quickly and easily. The UK represents a key growth market for Mangopay and having national partners such as GiftRound is fundamental for our expansion in the market.”

New Scotcoin reward programme

Scotcoin, a decentralised digital currency created to provide a secure and stable alternative to traditional fiat currencies, has recently announced its new Rewards Programme. This exciting programme is designed exclusively for Scotcoin holders and is a unique opportunity for cryptocurrency enthusiasts to enjoy significant savings on various products and services.

The Rewards Programme, which is the first of its kind, is aimed at providing an innovative approach to incentivising Scotcoin holders to continue holding and using the cryptocurrency. The programme offers a wide range of discounts, including significant savings on shopping, groceries, entertainment, theme parks, audiobooks, and online classes. By utilising Scotcoin as a payment method, users can enjoy these savings and support the growth of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

One of the most remarkable features of the Rewards Programme is its affordability. For only 1,000 SCOT, users can access the programme and take advantage of the discounts on offer. The availability of such a low-cost programme is a testament to Scotcoin’s commitment to democratising access to its services and supporting its growing community.

The Scotcoin team’s dedication to social responsibility is evident in its recent partnership with Scotcoin Carbon Offset, which allows Scotcoin holders to use their cryptocurrency for carbon offsetting. By using Scotcoin for this purpose, holders can contribute to environmental conservation efforts while enjoying the benefits of the cryptocurrency.

The Rewards Programme is just one of the many exciting initiatives that Scotcoin is launching to promote the widespread adoption of cryptocurrency. With the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrencies worldwide, Scotcoin’s unique approach to incentivising users to hold and use their cryptocurrency could serve as a template for other digital currencies.

For cryptocurrency enthusiasts looking for an ethical and community-focused alternative to traditional fiat currencies, Scotcoin is the way to go. By participating in the Rewards Programme, users can not only enjoy significant savings but also contribute to the growth of a sustainable and socially responsible cryptocurrency ecosystem. To access the Rewards Programme, simply visit the Scotcoin website at scotcoinproject.com/rewards.

Dapio, live in BETA on Google Play in the UK

The Dapio app has arrived! With the launch of its groundbreaking smartphone app in beta, receiving payments just became a whole lot easier. For business owners looking for a smarter way to process transactions, they’re just one download away from a world of ease and convenience. The payments revolution has begun.

What is Dapio Tap to Pay?

In short, Dapio Tap to Pay is a simple, fast, contactless way to get paid. They make it easy to turn your smartphone into a direct card reader, so small businesses can get paid wherever they are, and whenever they need to.

To demonstrate just how easy it is to receive a payment, Dapio’s very own co-founder and CEO Kosta Du recently made the first ever Tap to Pay transaction in the UK. And he got it all on video!

Using the technology that already exists in an NFC-enabled Android smartphone, card transactions can be made in just a few seconds. A user simply opens the app, types in the required amount, and their device will transform into a dedicated card reader.

What are the main benefits of Dapio Tap to Pay?

Remember the old adage – time is money’? These days, commerce moves at lighting speed, which is why modern business owners require a simpler payment solution to help execute transactions, fast.

For Android users, that solution is only a few taps away, with the release of the Dapio  smartphone app. Using Dapio Tap to Pay, Sellers can enjoy a scalable payment tool that can keep pace with their thriving business.

Here are some additional benefits that Dapio Tap to Pay provides:

Simple user interface

A streamlined mobile app allows even those with minimal tech expertise to process payments in seconds.

Portable payments

Say goodbye to clunky card readers, with a versatile payment solution, built for on the go’.

In-depth reporting

Access instant overviews of all transaction data, with performance insights and team management tools.

Is it safe?

With extensive safeguards to help protect customer and merchant data, the app maintains a safe transactional environment in which payments can be received. From data encryption to advanced fraud protection, Dapio’s PCI certified safety protocols help provide an extra layer of protection for all users. That means payments can be executed with confidence.

Who can use it?

Accessibility is one of Dapio’s main priorities. The Tap to Pay app is a one-size-fits-all solution to help businesses big and small improve the way they receive payments.

• Side hustlers/gig economy workers
• Cafes/restaurants
• Independent shops
• Gyms/fitness studios
• Delivery and transportation services

Dapio is currently available for all UK small businesses looking to level up their payments experience. Users can sign up on the Dapio website and will receive an invite to their Google Play BETA app.

Scotcoin launches carbon offsetting service

The Scotcoin Project  (CIC) just launched Scotcoin Carbon Offset which allows individuals and businesses to offset their carbon footprint and support the drive to net zero by providing a discount to those who pay with Scotcoin (SCOT), while also accepting payments in pounds sterling.

People can purchase a single tonne of carbon for £20 (10 tonnes would cover the average carbon consumption for a person each year). Businesses can get in touch with the Scotcoin Project to talk about their specific needs.

2022 saw the Scotcoin Project CIC achieved carbon neutral status by offsetting 100 tonnes of CO2 through investment in a project delivered by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Adaption Fund, which seeks to reduce the emissions of harmful greenhouse gases.

Scotcoin seeks to use crypto as a force for good, supporting a range of charitable and environmental projects that boost Scotland’s ambitions for a greener and fairer society.

Temple Melville, CEO of the Scotcoin Project CIC, said:

“We are using cryptocurrency in a unique way to help Scottish people and businesses make their contribution to the country achieving net zero. While offsetting is not the only answer, carbon emissions are an inevitable result of many of the things people do in day-to-day life and in the way businesses operate. It’s not possible to cut all of that out altogether, but it can at least be offset and we believe crypto can play an important role in making that happen.

“We have the flexibility to sell single tonne quantities, which means even individuals can offset what they produce in a year through activities like sending emails or drinking coffee if they want to proactively do more for the planet. The climate crisis remains the biggest challenge society faces and we hope that our carbon initiative, via Scotcoin Carbon Offset, will incentivise more people and businesses to do as much as they can to help us reach net zero.”

To find out more, please visit: www.scotcoincarbonoffset.com

Zumo joins World Economic Forum Crypto Sustainability Coalition

Scottish fintech Zumo, has become the latest member of the World Economic Forum’s Crypto Sustainability Coalition.

This coalition will explore how blockchain solutions can be use to contribute to meaningful progress toward positive climate action. Zumo’s contribution will be around developing the guiding principles and toolkits for companies, regulators and start-ups to leverage the potential of blockchain to reach energy goals.

Particular areas of focus include:

• assessment of crypto sector energy usage
• examination of the potential of web3 technology to facilitate positive climate action
• investigation of the usage of blockchain-based carbon credits.

Nick Jones, Zumo CEO, commented:

“It’s extremely encouraging to see the level of coordinated activity that has emerged in this area since we started our own crypto decarbonisation journey.” 

“As we all know, there’s a lot left to do and a long way to go; what we’re seeing, however, is the strands of this work in the crypto ESG space really coming together ”“ and, perhaps, the beginnings of a shift in the narrative and the ability to see this technology not just as a problem, but as a potential force multiplier for good.”

“Making sure crypto and blockchain more generally develops in a way that caters to the needs of people and the planet is critical to Zumo and what we’re doing. We’re delighted to be invited to participate in this worthy World Economic Forum initiative, and to continue to build and collaborate with our fellow actors in the space.”   

Find out more about the Crypto Sustainability Coalition at weforum.org

Learn more about Zumo’s own industry-leading work to date at zumo.tech

BR-DGE announces partnership with leading travel organisation, Travel Counsellors

Payment orchestration scale-up, BR-DGE, has announced a new merchant partnership with leading independent travel company, Travel Counsellors.

This partnership will provide the business with access to a multitude of payment providers and alternative payment methods, from Open Banking to eWallets, via BR-DGE’s market-leading orchestration platform, ensuring a streamlined booking experience for all global customers. This will enable Travel Counsellors to utilise BR-DGE’s dynamic rules engine to build a multi acquirer strategy across its global business operations.

Jacob Spencer, Head of Commercial at BR-DGE, said

“We are excited to be working with Travel Counsellors to revolutionise its payments infrastructure with considerable benefits for its customers and business.

We have seen that the sector is on track for a strong recovery;  Travel Counsellors was well placed to bounce back and has had a tremendous last six months with record bookings in FY22 as sales levels reach 140% of FY19.

Our research has shown that over 8% of online transactions in the travel sector fail. As demand returns, with consumers expecting a seamless booking experience and merchants aiming to lift margins, payment orchestration is vital to boosting the sector’s resilience and increasing conversion rates.”

Travel Counsellors is a global travel business, turning over £700m per annum and serving over 600,000 customers worldwide by booking over 300,000 itineraries each year.

Mat Hanson, Chief Financial Officer at Travel Counsellors added

“Our core strategic focus of continued growth and delivering a personalised service to all of our customers remains unchanged. Working with BR-DGE is another example of how we’re continuing to enhance our customers’ experience though the use of new technology. Continuing to provide a seamless booking experience remains pivotal and especially at a time when many of our Travel Counsellors are so very busy.”