Simplifying Gift-Giving with Goody: A New Mobile App

Finding the perfect gift can often be challenging, particularly if you lack a recipient’s address, size, or specific preferences. A recently funded startup, Goody, aims to resolve this issue with a new mobile application. Backed by $4 million in funding, Goody facilitates the sending of gifts – or soon, even simple acknowledgements – to friends and family.

How Goody Works

The process begins with downloading the Goody app for either iOS or Android devices. Users can then browse a selection of hundreds of brands and products.

Filtering options are available, allowing you to select gifts based on occasion, such as birthdays or holidays, or by specific needs like congratulations or get-well wishes.

Once a gift is chosen, only the recipient’s phone number is required. Goody then sends a text message notifying them of the pending gift.

The recipient clicks a link to accept, accessing a website where they can view the selected item and customize details like size, color, or flavor preferences.

Shipping information is provided at this stage, and the gift is then dispatched. A thank-you note can also be sent by the recipient.

A Streamlined Experience

A key differentiator for Goody is its ease of use. Unlike some gifting platforms, it doesn’t necessitate a recipient app download, and only a phone number is needed from the sender.

The Team Behind Goody

The concept for Goody originated with co-founder Edward Lando, a serial entrepreneur and investor. His previous venture, GovPredict, was acquired, and he also invested early in Misfits Market.

Lando is joined by Mark Bao, the former tech lead at Even.com, and Lee Linden, who previously sold his gifting startup, Karma Gifts, to Facebook in 2012.

Focus on Personal Connection

Lando emphasizes his desire to create a gifting experience that feels personal. He believes existing options, like gift cards, often lack a thoughtful touch.

“We want Goody to feel highly personal,” Lando explains. “The goal is for the recipient to feel that the sender genuinely considered their preferences, rather than simply sending a monetary value.”

Brand Partnerships and Revenue Model

The Goody app launched in mid-December and currently collaborates with around two dozen brand partners.

These partners are primarily direct-to-consumer or emerging companies, including Ghia, The Class, Fable, Moon Juice, and Raaka Chocolate.

Goody operates on a revenue-sharing model with its partners, with its commission increasing alongside sales volume.

Brands are attracted to Goody because it offers a means of customer acquisition with minimal effort on their part.

“Many direct-to-consumer brands rely on Facebook ads for discovery,” Lando states. “We provide an alternative channel, acting as a virtual shopping mall for these businesses.”

Beyond Gifts: Introducing “IOUs”

The app is expanding its functionality to include free “IOUs” for simply letting someone know you’re thinking of them, such as offering a future dinner or expressing support.

A calendar integration is also planned to help users track important dates and occasions.

Early Traction and Pandemic Impact

Founded in March 2020, Goody launched its app in mid-December of the same year. Approximately 10,000 gifts have been sent through the service to date.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the app’s initial success.

“The pandemic has had a significant psychological impact on people,” Lando observes. “Social interaction is vital, and its absence can be draining. Goody offers a small boost of warmth and positivity, and users consistently report feeling good after using it.”

Funding and Future Plans

The startup has secured over $4 million in seed funding from investors including Quiet Capital, Index Ventures, Pareto Holdings, and the founders of Coinbase and Quora.

Goody’s team of nine employees operates remotely from Miami and other locations.

In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, the company advertised its app on a Times Square billboard to attract new users.

The Goody app is available for free download on both the App Store and Google Play.