Zave Networks

About Zave Networks

Zave Networks, founded in 2006 by Scott Relf, operated as a platform focused on digitizing coupons and loyalty reward programs. The company developed an incentive platform that connected online and mobile coupon delivery with in-store redemption, aiming to replace traditional paper coupons. Its primary product, Zavers, was an incentive network that created a digital link between consumers, manufacturers, and retailers, providing marketers with a data-rich environment to track their promotions and online advertising. The platform enabled consumers to access and redeem digital coupons, special offers, and discounts via their mobile devices, while offering merchants streamlined redemption solutions.

The company's business model revolved around providing a scalable system for the exchange of non-cash value across major retail verticals. Zave Networks established key partnerships to expand its reach, notably collaborating with IBM in January 2011 to integrate its Zavers digital incentive platform with IBM's SurePOS ACE retail point-of-sale (POS) application. This integration was designed to significantly reduce the complexity and IT resources required for retailers to launch digital coupon programs. Its services were utilized by grocery chains such as A&P, Harris Teeter, and Pathmark.

The firm secured a total of $11.1 million in funding over three rounds, including a significant Series A round of $10.6 million in August 2011. This funding was intended to support an aggressive growth strategy. Shortly after this funding announcement, in September 2011, Zave Networks was acquired by Google for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition was seen as a strategic move by Google to bolster its Commerce and Wallet products. Following the acquisition, the Zave Networks team was integrated into Google's Commerce team to apply their expertise to the tech giant's efforts in the digital incentives and mobile payments space.