Dec 16, 2015 -- RainCheck, the world’s leading Online-to-Offline Commerce platform, has joined the global Esri Startup Program, a three-year program which assists start-ups and entrepreneurs to realise their business development goals through the use of cutting-edge mapping and location technology. 

Right now, omni-channel solutions aim to provide the seamless shopping experience that technology savvy customers expect and RainCheck, as the first mobile-only platform that notifies shoppers of items they like online when they enter stores, is the leader in its field.

Leveraging Online-to-Offline (O2O) Commerce, RainCheck enables retailers to capture customers’ interests in the digital space, connect with them via their smartphone and convert this into a personalised in-store engagement.

The company’s unique offering utilises state-of-the-art location-based technology – designed for the global retail landscape – notably the need to connect online shopping with the physical environment and respond to a shopper’s location in real-time.

The Esri Startup Program provides more than 400 startups with direct access to ArcGIS Online services, software development tools, ready-to-use content, training, technical support and mentoring opportunities.

Esri Australia’s Chief Solutions Strategist Gary Johnson said, “The Esri Startup Program aims to resolve some of the world’s most common challenges by connecting bright minds with location-based technologies.

“From conception to market launch, emerging businesses – including RainCheck – are supported through the three-year program as geospatial technologies are incorporated into their products. 

“Naturally showcasing the value of location-based technology, RainCheck uniquely solves long-standing issues facing Australian and global retailers by combining the context and relevance of a consumer’s physical location with the digital world.

“As RainCheck transitions into an established business, we anticipate Esri’s location-based technologies will form a core component of the RainCheck offering and provide a platform to be showcased to the wider start-up community.”

RainCheck is currently working with Esri Australia to create a virtual mall in RainCheck’s office at Stone & Chalk in Sydney to replicate the full Online-to-Offline experience using geo-location technology.

RainCheck will be accompanying Esri to the National Retail Federation (NRF) BIG Show in New York next month.

“This is an excellent opportunity for RainCheck to continue to drive innovation in location-based services for the benefit of our retailer partners and consumers.

“We are thrilled to have joined this network of creative developers and entrepreneurs and look forward to aligning our technology to Esri, a global leader in GIS technology solutions,” said Cameron Wall, CEO and Co-Founder, RainCheck.