Contests and giveaways — what’s the difference?
Contests are categorized as sweepstakes, raffles and lotteries, for mainly tax purposes. Startups operating in this space fall into the following categories:
Sweepstakes affiliate network that allows professionals to run campaigns that creates a drawing (usually virtual) without being selective. This could be for a new iPad or Hyundai. Usually the prizes are pretty lame and they are just there to keep the users engaged.
This is where a company creates a drawing (usually virtual) without being selective. This could be for a new iPad or Hyundai. Usually the prizes are pretty lame and they are just there to keep the users engaged. Raffles. This is typically for a good cause, like raising money for breast cancer. Unlike traditional raffles, there’s no ticket selling. They just require users to interact with the company’s brand in some form.
This is typically for a good cause, like raising money for breast cancer. Unlike traditional raffles, there’s no ticket selling. They just require users to interact with the company’s brand in some form. Sweepstakes. This is simply for marketing purposes. Big prize such as a free vacation is offered as a giveaway to entice users to sign up for your service.
Contest is the right term for what is going on. Rather than giving gifts, users are actually earning them by following the outlined steps.
1. Heartbeat
The idea behind this startup: Heartbeat is a platform for millennial women to join, provide feedback to, and promote brands via their personal networks.
Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States
Industries: Contests, Marketing, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Women’s
Founders: Brian Freeman, Kate Edwards
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2. Potion Social
The idea behind this startup: Portion Social is a community platform for brands and stores to stay in touch with its customers through event, contest and polls.
Headquarters: Lille, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France
Industries: Contests, Events, Internet
Founders: Unknown
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3. Duelist
The idea behind this startup: Online video battles and contests
Headquarters: Petrozavodsk, Karelia, Russian Federation
Industries: Art, Contests, Internet, Media and Entertainment, Video
Founders: Aleksey Stepikin
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4. Fandoozy
The idea behind this startup: Scored Debate platform and arena for Competitive Conversation
Headquarters: Buffalo, New York, United States
Industries: Blogging Platforms, Contests, Events, Fantasy Sports, Mobile, Podcast, Social Media, Sports
Founders: Unknown
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5. Wit One
The idea behind this startup: Game management, customer support, etc.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Industries: Contests, MMO Games, Online Games
Founders: Unknown
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6. Fund Duel
The idea behind this startup: Fund Duel is a fundraising platform that promotes charities and raises funds through digital/viral and social media.
Headquarters: Prescott, Arizona, United States
Industries: Contests, Funding Platform, Gamification, Social Media, Video
Founders: Jasmine Toomalatai, Linda Hansen
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7. Data Science Game
The idea behind this startup: Data Science Game is an organization that builds bridges between students from all around the world by organizing data science competitions.
Headquarters: Paris, Ile-de-France, France
Industries: Contests, Education, Non Profit
Founders: Unknown
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8. OKUSYSTEM
The idea behind this startup: OKUSYSTEM is an improving development technology company.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Industries: Contests, Information Technology, Software
Founders: Unknown
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9. Garota do Site
The idea behind this startup: Garota do Site is a modeling agency that enables candidates over eighteen to enter into modeling contests online.
Headquarters: Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Industries: Beauty, Contests, Creative Agency, Professional Services
Founders: Silva Leandro
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