Popl: The Rising Star in Digital Business Cards

If you frequently use TikTok, you’ve likely encountered advertisements for Popl. This startup is effectively utilizing social media platforms to introduce its innovative alternative to traditional business cards to a broader audience. Available as a phone sticker, keychain, or wristband, Popl leverages NFC technology to simplify contact information sharing, mirroring the ease of using Apple Pay.

From Idea to Implementation

Popl has already sold over 700,000 units, generating $2.7 million in sales for its digital business card technology. Jason Alvarez-Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Popl, and a UCLA graduate with a computer science background, initially conceived the idea after observing an NFC-enabled device at a party.

This experience sparked the vision for using NFC technology for streamlined, person-to-person information exchange – a faster method than options like AirDrop or manual input. Consequently, Popl was established.

Differentiating Popl from Previous Attempts

Numerous startups have attempted to “kill” the business card in the past, but many failed. What sets Popl apart is its combination of a dedicated mobile application and a tangible physical product – the Popl accessory.

These accessories come in various designs, including the widely popular Popl phone sticker, which can be affixed to the back of a phone case or even a PopSocket, and can be personalized with a chosen photograph.

Alvarez-Cohen explains, “I recognized that phone-to-phone information sharing had been attempted before. However, I quickly realized that a purely software-based solution wasn’t feasible.” This led to the development of the back-of-phone product to replicate the ease of phone tapping.

How Popl Works: NFC Technology in Action

Each Popl accessory functions as an NFC tag, facilitating the transfer of the user’s contact details. When smartphones are brought into close proximity, the recipient receives a notification alerting them to the shared Popl data.

While other methods exist for quick contact exchange, such as direct entry into a phone’s contacts, Popl excels at sharing a comprehensive set of contact information with a single tap. This makes it particularly suitable for professional networking or situations where more than just a phone number needs to be exchanged.

The Popl Mobile App: Customization and Functionality

The Popl mobile app is central to the service’s utility, although it’s only required for the Popl owner. Recipients do not need to install the app to receive information. However, their phone must be NFC-enabled, which may exclude older models. Alternatively, a QR code provided by the app can be scanned as a backup.

Within the app, users can customize the data they share, including contact information, social media profiles, and website links, through a user-friendly interface. Like many business card apps, Popl allows users to switch between personal and business profiles for appropriate information sharing during networking events.

To exchange contact information, simply hold your phone near another person’s, and they will receive a notification directing them to your Popl profile webpage. Physical contact between the phones isn’t necessary; proximity, similar to Apple Pay, is sufficient.

Introducing “Direct”: A Unique Feature

Popl’s most innovative feature is “Direct.” This patented functionality bypasses the Popl website and directly opens the recipient’s preferred application.

For example, with LinkedIn Direct enabled, tapping the notification will take the recipient directly to your LinkedIn profile. Similarly, activating Contact Card Direct will instantly display your contact information for saving to their phone’s address book.

Additional Features and Subscription Options

Paid users can also track their Popl connections on a map, providing a record of who they met, where, and when, along with other analytical data.

Adapting to a Changing World

Popl was co-founded by Alvarez-Cohen and Nick Eischens, his UCLA roommate and current COO, in late 2019. The launch in February 2020 coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

Rather than hindering the business, Alvarez-Cohen strategically positioned Popl as a “contactless solution.” The technology allowed for safe business card exchange without physical contact, even with a simple hover of the device.

The Power of TikTok Marketing

A key driver of Popl’s success has been its viral TikTok videos. One particularly effective ad, featuring co-founder Arev sharing her TikTok profile, has garnered over 80 million views.

Today, Popl’s TikTok videos consistently achieve high view counts, ranging from tens of thousands to millions. The company maintains an active presence on other social media platforms, including Instagram, where it has over 100,000 followers. Currently, approximately 60% of Popl’s growth is attributed to Facebook and Instagram marketing, while 40% is organic.

Looking Ahead: New Products and Integrations

As in-person events resume, Popl is preparing new products, including a reusable “event bracelet” for easy networking at conferences and festivals. The NFC technology ensures that contact information is only exchanged when phones are in close proximity.

Popl is also expanding its business networking capabilities with integrations for Salesforce, Oracle, HubSpot, and CSV export, available through its Popl Pro subscription ($4.99 per month). This in-app subscription has already generated over $450,000 in annual recurring revenue and is growing at a rate of 10% per week.

Having participated in Y Combinator Winter 2021, Popl has secured backing from investors including Twitch co-founder Justin Kan (via Goat Capital), YC, Urban Innovation Fund, Cathexis Ventures, Wish.com CEO Peter Szulczewski, and PlanGrid co-founder Ralph Gootee.

The Popl app is available for both iOS and Android, and the accessories can be purchased on the company’s website and at Target.com.

Update, 4/19/21, 6:45 PM ET: Post updated with a more current revenue figure after publication.