CouponTrade.com Secures New Funding From Listen, LLC

CHICAGO, Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CouponTrade.com, the only online marketplace where consumers can buy and sell unused gift cards and daily deals as well as gain access to a list of money-saving coupons to popular retailers, today announced that it has secured generous funding support from Jeff Cantalupo's Chicago-based Listen, LLC, a brand and innovation consultant firm that invests time, expertise and capital in "ear-to-the-ground ideas," such as FanFueled, DigitalAisle, Angel's Envy, and Fango Software Systems. Including this funding round, CouponTrade has raised $2.4 million to date.

"We are thrilled to have received such a substantial investment from Mr. Jeff Cantalupo," said George Bousis, CEO and Co-Founder, CouponTrade. "With such a comprehensive background in technology and advertising, we look forward to working with Mr. Cantalupo in expanding our outreach and continuing to thrive as a testament to our prior success."

Similar to StubHub for bargain shoppers, CouponTrade allows consumers to buy and sell gift cards and daily deals, as well as find coupons for popular online retailers. For example, if a shopper has a Groupon or gift card he or she does not want anymore, it can posted for sale on CouponTrade at a discount. The ultimate advantage: the seller gets rid of a card that would have never been used, and the buyer gets an even bigger discount than he or she would have received on the original website.

The new funds will be used to continue CouponTrade's mission toward becoming the "premier leader in the gift card, daily deal and coupon industry," according to Bousis.

Cantalupo said he became intrigued with CouponTrade as he observed the splash the new website was quickly making at such an early stage in its existence. "I believe there has been a fundamental shift in the marketplace regarding deals and savings and the way people are approaching that space in general," he said. "The CouponTrade approach is fascinating, especially when looking at how this website can help empower consumers to take charge of all of these different avenues for ultimate savings."

Brad Wasz, COO and Co-Founder, CouponTrade's said his company has been fully committed to delivering unparalleled technological advancements to fuel intuitive user experiences and engagement since its inception last spring. "Mr. Cantalupo's prior involvement in brand strategy with Leo Burnett and his current portfolio of investments bring added value to the company to further expand our global outreach," Wasz said. 

The first round of CouponTrade's funding was secured by the Bousis' family, who owns and operates the major Chicago grocery chain: Cermak Fresh Market. Crain's Chicago recently named the chain as one of the largest privately owned companies in Illinois.

About CouponTrade.com

CouponTrade.com is a new, online marketplace where consumers can buy and sell unused gift cards and daily deals, as well as gain access to a list of money-saving coupons to popular retailers. Just 14 weeks after launching in the spring of 2011, CouponTrade earned $455,654 in revenue, has 14,275 active users and processed 5,622 orders with the average ticket price being $81.04. The Chicago-based company has 22 employees and has raised $2.4 million in seed capital. For more information, visit www.coupontrade.com.

About Listen, LLC

Founded in 2010, Listen LLC, is a brand and innovation consultancy that invests time, expertise and capital in ear-to-the-ground ideas. Chicago-based Listen, LLC is more than just another angel investor or advertising agency: it's a value added partner that takes a vested interest in  success, creating both brand and financial equity.  For more information, visit www.listenloft.com.

SOURCE CouponTrade.com