FreeCause Generated Over 1 Billion Rewards for Consumers in 2011

BOSTON, Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FreeCause announced today that it helped its roster of loyalty program clients issue a record 1.15 billion reward points to consumers in 2011. The record distribution of points was due largely to the continued technical achievements of FreeCause's innovative rewards-earning solutions built by an award-winning team of engineers combined with the successful tactics FreeCause clients utilized to integrate those tools into engaging online loyalty campaigns.  

Consumers earned the 1.15 billion rewards for their online search and shopping activity through over 300 FreeCause clients' loyalty programs. These clients include top brands, airlines, loyalty companies, sports teams, and non-profits. The 1.15 billion rewards works out to an impressive 3 million rewards per day or 36 points issued every second.  

The record announcement highlights what was a record-breaking year for FreeCause and further supports its position as the leading technology provider for loyalty rewards programs and virtual currency providers. "The numbers supporting the value proposition we provide clients and consumers alike are indisputable. With FreeCause generating over 1 billion rewards for consumers worldwide in 2011, the era of digital collection of virtual currencies is growing at an accelerating pace year over year," said Michael Jaconi, CEO of FreeCause. "This achievement further validates what we endeavored to build at FreeCause – technology that enables consumers to be rewarded for their day-to-day online activities.   Simply, consumers love points and if you build it, they will earn. Our goal is to 'Inspire Loyalty Through Innovation', and last year's record numbers illustrate that the market is growing and we're positioned to continue leading the pack."

About FreeCause
FreeCause, one of the fastest growing technology companies in Boston, specializes in building innovative software that enables major brands, loyalty programs, sports teams, and nonprofits to monetize and reward consumers for their online behavior. The FreeCause team develops award winning, revolutionary new technology that allows consumers to connect with their favorite brands while simultaneously giving these consumers an enriched web experience. With more than 20 million subscribers, the FreeCause advanced loyalty and engagement solutions reward consumers as they search the Internet, or when they shop through the FreeCause network of over 3,500 online retailers. FreeCause is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rakuten, Inc. (JASDAQ: 4755).

About Rakuten
Rakuten, Inc. (JASDAQ: 4755), is one of the world's leading Internet service companies, providing a variety of consumer and business-focused services including e-commerce, travel, banking, securities, credit card, e-money, portal & media, online marketing and professional sports. Rakuten is expanding globally and currently has operations throughout Asia, Western Europe, and the Americas. Founded in 1997, Rakuten is headquartered in Tokyo, with over 10,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit http://global.rakuten.com/group.

SOURCE FreeCause