Times of Israel
5 startups chosen for El Al-JetBlue tech program
The Problem
If you take a scroll through your email inbox, you’re bound to find an endless stream of marketing messages — from important information to useless brand updates.
As for the marketing emails that do make it across our screen, chances are it asks you to click a link, navigating you away from your inbox to a landing page, and then have you cycle through multiple steps. This process drives down user engagement, conversion rates and reduces revenue opportunities for businesses.
Unfortunately, the static email format we’ve been using for decades has burdened audiences with too many steps. Users get sidetracked, or simply never complete the transaction — leading to more emails and more frustration.
The Solution
SAM is offering a new kind of email.
We’ve been grinning and bearing the same 1990s email functionality for decades, with little other than superficial aesthetic updates.
But now, we can create emails with rich, interactive interfaces that keep customers interested and engaged.
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With the functionality of a website or app, and the accessibility of an email, SAM is redefining the way users interact with their inbox.
We give users a vibrant, app/web-like experience in their email, compelling them to perform meaningful actions. The interactive components we enable include drop-down menus, hover-over states, text input and image carousels, allowing users to make purchases, book appointments, take polls, participate in surveys and engage in a wide variety of ways.
By enabling mini-apps inside emails, we're turning every reader into a potential customer.
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Our Traction
JetBlue Technology Ventures and EL AL Israel Airlines both saw the massive potential for revenue optimization possible through our system and chose to invest in our company early on. We also managed to raise $650K in a previous crowdfunding campaign.
After LATAM Airlines, the largest airline in Latin America, launched our interactive emails in the Chile market in 2019, they saw great results and we are getting ready to launch in Brazil, Argentina, and Peru.
Airlines have the opportunity to allow their passengers to assign/upgrade their seats, book meals, check-in, generate boarding passes all without leaving their email.
Our launch with LATAM Airlines gave us a full throttle endorsement of our product’s value — recording 200% increase in engagement time, 500% click-through rate, and 40% increased sales rate.
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Michael Benborhoum, a former pricing and revenue management leader and pricing best practice executive at British Airways, shares more about our product potential for the airline industry.
* This testimonial may not be representative of the experience of other customers, and is no guarantee of future performance or success.
Many businesses have been greatly affected by COVID-19 and the way they operate will have to be adapted to fit the new norm. We believe our interactive email technology can be leveraged to serve certain use cases.
Contactless check-in and ancillary revenue protection have never been so important for airline operations. Decreasing the opportunity for physical touchpoints (person to person interactions) by having passengers conduct online check-in would decrease the opportunity for congregated crowds at the airport.
We conducted a POC (Proof of Concept) with Spain’s largest airline, with an interactive email check-in solution. By enabling passengers to seamlessly check-in via our email resulted in a significant improvement for online check-in, leaving a less crowded check-in desk at the airport. This initiative is what airlines are currently aiming towards and to increase the safety of their passengers.
The Market
This billion dollar industry is powered by brands looking to drive up their engagement and conversion rates. One of the main statistics that many in this field rely on is the click through rate — and with SAM, there’s no longer an obstacle to click through, as everything is condensed to a single email interface.
With one of our verticals, the airline industry, trends like the increased reliance on ancillary revenue bodes well for our product, which makes it much easier for airlines to notch revenue from transactions like seat upgrades, meal bookings, and extra baggage purchases.
We believe our total addressable market is large, sitting at the intersection of many large markets. Based on the dual revenue model of commission and number of emails sent, we anticipate our total addressable market in the following industry to be as follows: the Airline/Travel/Hospitality ($16B), Ecommerce ($30B), Sports/Entertainment ($1-2B), and Telehealth/Pharmaceutical ($1-5B).
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How We Are Different
Email marketing has been focused on capitalizing on the current email ecosystem for decades. The average campaign is focused on increasing all of the click-through, lead conversion, and open rate numbers, yet little innovation has happened within email functionality to achieve this.
SAM is not just helping enterprises raise those same metrics, but we’re actually changing the playing field completely. By delivering dynamic, interactive content directly into people’s inboxes, we are spurring customers to take action in ways like never before.
Hear what former McKinsey partner and angel investor Brad Berkson has to say about investing in SAM:
"What caught my attention first was the backing that the company had from industry players including JetBlue Technology Ventures and EL AL. It's quite impressive for a small startup to have already connected with enterprise players of that scale prior to even their seed funding round."
Check out the rest of his interview below!
* This testimonial may not be representative of the experience of other customers, and is no guarantee of future performance or success. Brad Berkson is an advisor to the company and an investor.
The Vision
We plan on making our software the industry standard for companies with perishable inventories — like sports or entertainment venues, travel companies and hospitality businesses.
In addition our use-cases as an instant shopping cart solution will allow us to rapidly expand into any e-commerce market like fashion, telemedicine, insurance/banking and CRM.
Our Team
We’ve spent decades creating, managing and innovating at the cutting edge of digital product design. Our team has worked on system integrations for airlines before, and brings much of those gleanings back to the table for this go-around, not only with our airline customers but also for the broader market.
Why Invest
The average professional spends 28% of the work day reading and answering email, which indicates email isn't going anywhere. But the static messages of the past and the outdated strategies of email marketing companies are ripe for change.
We plan on changing the landscape of email marketing and email functionality. SAM is saving users time and aggravation, while providing enterprises with an answer they have long been searching for.
5 startups chosen for El Al-JetBlue tech program
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SeatAssignMate is the Dynamic Email Solution Changing Airline E-Ticketing for the Better
Company | : | Airto, Inc. |
Corporate Address | : | 435 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001, Manhattan, NY 10001 |
Offering Minimum | : | $9,999.15 |
Offering Maximum | : | $1,069,999.83 |
Minimum Investment Amount(per investor) | : | $349.77 |
Offering Type | : | Equity |
Security Name | : | Class A Common Stock |
Minimum Number of Shares Offered | : | 11,235 |
Maximum Number of Shares Offered | : | 1,202,247 |
Price per Share | : | $0.89 |
Pre-Money Valuation | : | $19,775,185.01 |
COVID Relief
This offering is being conducted on an expedited basis due to circumstances relating to COVID-19 and pursuant to the SEC’s temporary COVID-19 regulatory relief set out in Regulation Crowdfunding §227.201(z).
Expedited closing sooner than 21 days.
Further, in reliance on Regulation Crowdfunding §227.303(g)(2) A funding portal that is an intermediary in a transaction involving the offer or sale of securities initiated between May 4, 2020, and February 28, 2021, in reliance on section 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act (15 U.S.C. 77d(a)(6)) by an issuer that is conducting an offering on an expedited basis due to circumstances relating to COVID-19 shall not be required to comply with the requirement in paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this section that a funding portal not direct a transmission of funds earlier than 21 days after the date on which the intermediary makes publicly available on its platform the information required to be provided by the issuer under §§227.201 and 227.203(a).
Voting Rights of Securities Sold in this Offering
Voting Proxy. Each Subscriber shall appoint the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”), or his or her successor, as the Subscriber’s true and lawful proxy and attorney, with the power to act alone and with full power of substitution, to, consistent with this instrument and on behalf of the Subscriber, (i) vote all Securities, (ii) give and receive notices and communications, (iii) execute any instrument or document that the CEO determines is necessary or appropriate in the exercise of its authority under this instrument, and (iv) take all actions necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the CEO for the accomplishment of the foregoing. The proxy and power granted by the Subscriber pursuant to this Section are coupled with an interest. Such proxy and power will be irrevocable. The proxy and power, so long as the Subscriber is an individual, will survive the death, incompetency and disability of the Subscriber and, so long as the Subscriber is an entity, will survive the merger or reorganization of the Subscriber or any other entity holding the Securities. However, the Proxy will terminate upon the closing of a firm-commitment underwritten public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 covering the offer and sale of Common Stock or the effectiveness of a registration statement under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 covering the Common Stock.
*Maximum Number of Shares Offered subject to adjustment for bonus shares. See Bonus info below.
Investment Incentives and Bonuses*
Super Early Bird - First 48 hours | 15% bonus shares
Early Bird - next 96 hours | 10% bonus shares
Week 1 - Week 4
$1,000.00 1,000 jetBlue points
$5,000.00 5,000 jetBlue points
$10,000.00 5% Bonus Share
$80,000.00 10% Bonus Share
$100,000.00 15% Bonus Share
Week 5 - Week 8
$1,000.00 500 jetBlue points
$5,000.00 2,500 jetBlue points
$10,000.00 10,000 jetBlue points
$20,000.00 5% Bonus Share
$100,000.00 10% Bonus Share
Week 9 - Week 12
$1,000.00 AirAsia Lounge Pass
$5,000.00 5,000 AirAsia Points
$10,000.00 10,000 AirAsia points
$20,000.00 20,000 AirAsia points
$40,000.00 40,000 AirAsia points
$80,000.00 80,000 AirAsia points
$100,000.00 100,000 AirAsia points
*After the offering closes, we will be able to transfer these points to eligible investors associated with their Jetblue or Airasia account directly from the Sam Email team. To receive these points, an Investor will need to have an account with Jetblue or Airasia.
The 10% Bonus for StartEngine Shareholders
Airto, Inc. will offer 10% additional bonus shares for all investments that are committed by investors that are eligible for the StartEngine Crowdfunding Inc. OWNer's bonus.
This means eligible StartEngine shareholders will receive a 10% bonus for any shares they purchase in this offering. For example, if you buy 100 shares of Class A Common Stock at $0.89 / share, you will receive 110 shares of Class A Common Stock, meaning you'll own 110 shares for $89. Fractional shares will not be distributed and share bonuses will be determined by rounding down to the nearest whole share.
This 10% Bonus is only valid during the investors eligibility period. Investors eligible for this bonus will also have priority if they are on a waitlist to invest and the company surpasses its maximum funding goal. They will have the first opportunity to invest should room in the offering become available if prior investments are cancelled or fail.
Investors will only receive a single bonus, which will be the highest bonus rate they are eligible for.
*All perks occur when the offering is completed.
A crowdfunding investment involves risk. You should not invest any funds in this offering unless you can afford to lose your entire investment. In making an investment decision, investors must rely on their own examination of the issuer and the terms of the offering, including the merits and risks involved. These securities have not been recommended or approved by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority. Furthermore, these authorities have not passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this document. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not pass upon the merits of any securities offered or the terms of the offering, nor does it pass upon the accuracy or completeness of any offering document or literature. These securities are offered under an exemption from registration; however, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not made an independent determination that these securities are exempt from registration.
The SAM Email team is extremely appreciative of the support and investment so far, with over $217,000 raised. This is the last chance to invest in this offering as the campaign is about to expire. Hurry up and invest in the Next Generation Email solution that is going to change the way consumers engage with email.
We have been blown away by the positive response of our equity crowdfunding campaign! Due to the momentum, we have moved our end date up to Feb 25th so that we can put your hard earned investments into action as soon as possible.
This means that investors who have not been part of prior closings will have up until Feb 23rd, 48 hrs before to cancel their investment, and we will continue to accept investment commitments at this time.
[The following is an automated notice from the StartEngine team].
Hello!
As you might know, SAM Email by Airto, Inc. has exceeded its minimum funding goal. When a company reaches its minimum on StartEngine, it's about to begin withdrawing funds. If you invested in SAM Email by Airto, Inc. be on the lookout for an email that describes more about the disbursement process.
This campaign will continue to accept investments until its indicated closing date.
Thanks for funding the future.
-StartEngine
[The following is an automated notice from the StartEngine team].
Hello!
As you might know, SAM Email by Airto, Inc. has exceeded its minimum funding goal. When a company reaches its minimum on StartEngine, it's about to begin withdrawing funds. If you invested in SAM Email by Airto, Inc. be on the lookout for an email that describes more about the disbursement process.
This campaign will continue to accept investments until its indicated closing date.
Thanks for funding the future.
-StartEngine
Global Business Leader and Co-Founder of Priceline.com, Jeff Hoffman, Joins SAM Email's Advisory Board
Now Boarding: Visionary Jeff Hoffman, game-changer for travel by creating Priceline and the airport kiosk, has joined our community and will mentor the team. Founder and CEO of multiple companies, the entrepreneur’s Yoda has been a motivational speaker in 60 countries, sharing his proven skill set. He says with imagination and innovation we can solve problems and design our future. His definition of success is making other people’s lives better. This, he says, creates an “Epic Life.” We agree.
Dream it. Build it. Grow it. We’re reinventing what emails can do. Our mission is to provide businesses 'mini-apps in email' to spark immediate engagement. Customers can save time by shopping, completing a survey, scheduling an appointment, checking into a flight--even choosing a seat in real-time-- without ever leaving their email. Jeff’s experience and knowledge will be invaluable as we move ahead on this journey.
Passion and purpose, he says, lead the way. His stellar creativity and versatility shines as a published author, Hollywood film producer, Grammy and Emmy winner. He has produced concerts, tours, and charity events with Elton John, Britney Spears, NSYNC, Boyz II Men. He gives back by mentoring non-profit boards and, most recently, joined forces with Pitbull to help businesses hit by Covid. A company who cares, we welcome Jeff and new adventures in 2021.
[The following is an automated notice from the StartEngine team].
Hello! Recently, a change was made to the SAM Email by Airto, Inc. offering. Here's an excerpt describing the specifics of the change:
SAM Email by Airto, Inc. extended the length of their campaign.
When live offerings undergo changes like these on StartEngine, the SEC requires that certain investments be reconfirmed. If your investment requires reconfirmation, you will be contacted by StartEngine via email with further instructions.
[The following is an automated notice from the StartEngine team].
Hello!
As you might know, SAM Email by Airto, Inc. has exceeded its minimum funding goal. When a company reaches its minimum on StartEngine, it's about to begin withdrawing funds. If you invested in SAM Email by Airto, Inc. be on the lookout for an email that describes more about the disbursement process.
This campaign will continue to accept investments until its indicated closing date.
Thanks for funding the future.
-StartEngine
We’ve recently received a number of inquiries about the investment account setup. For anyone who is experiencing this issue please reach out to contact@startengine.com for support. As this has impacted a number of investments, we’ve extended the campaign closing date to honor these investors. This also allows us to prolong the investment opportunity to our StartEngine community who were hoping to participate. So, to the investors who haven’t invested yet, this is a great time to hurry up and take action now!
Due to popular demand, we have also increased the max raise limit to $1.07M.
[The following is an automated notice from the StartEngine team].
Hello! Recently, a change was made to the SAM Email by Airto, Inc. offering. Here's an excerpt describing the specifics of the change:
SAM Email by Airto, Inc has provided audited financial statements, updated their subscription agreement to require investment accounts for their shareholders, and extended their campaign 60 days.
When live offerings undergo changes like these on StartEngine, the SEC requires that certain investments be reconfirmed. If your investment requires reconfirmation, you will be contacted by StartEngine via email with further instructions.
Turn Every Email into a Ticket Booking Interface
From the moment you receive a promotional email with a flight discount, to the time it takes to book a flight, a lot of things can happen! For customers on a tight schedule, the process is even more exacerbated. Most branded travel booking sites have tried to streamline and simplify the process somewhat, but the entire experience could still be vastly improved. By delivering a cohesive app-like experience in an email, we’re able to seamlessly control and manage the ticket booking process directly in an email message. This makes it easier and more convenient for customers to not only engage with the email, but interact with it as well. By having the ability to input their trip details (their destination, time and date of their flight, and so on) directly in the email, as well as conducting searches and receiving real-time results all within the email itself, email suddenly catapults into the 21st century.
The search functionality further extends and improves the overall customer experience by allowing far greater customization to fit different use cases and demographics. For example, for price-conscious travelers, the Fare Finder tool allows them to easily search for the cheapest fares. Because the information is available in real-time, customers never have to spread themselves too thin trying to find discounted tickets or better deals across a handful of “ticket comparison” websites.
Finally, there’s the option of seamless payment. By integrating Google Pay and Apple Pay, the checkout process becomes faster, easier and more convenient for the user. In addition, e-commerce best practices like abandoned cart notifications and promo coupons in exchange for feedback or reviews have also been integrated.
And flight tickets are just the beginning. With our interactive email solution, the opportunities are wide open for various platforms to take advantage of this technology. From train tickets to concert tickets and other ticketing-based use cases. A centralized solution is now at your fingertips!
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