Naina Khedekar

Connect, share and earn says Delhi-based startup Sagoon. With most people spending good amount of time on social networks and e-commerce sites, Sagoon is a social e-commerce platform that helps them connect with like-minded people, share ideas and get cashback.

“Users share, exchange information, chat, browse/shop online, gift their friends and also receive cashback at some e-commerce sites. But they don’t have a common platform to indulge in all that is mentioned above. Going to one site from another site to talk to friends online, redeem coupons, share information and shop and gift online is cumbersome. That’s where Sagoon comes into picture. It perfectly combines all we know and love about social media with online shopping,” co-founder Swati Dayal tells us.

Currently a team of 30 members, the startup already has 2.5 lakh members and majority in the age group between 25 and 34. It has one million users in the waiting list. The company uses online and offline marketing and has registered users from India, Nepal and the US. The company has a strong user base in Kathmandu, and now the focus is Delhi,” Dayal adds. The company also plans a mini-IPO.

Sagoon is founded by Dayal who comes with over eight years work experience in web and mobile development; Co-founder and CEO Govinda Giri, based in Washinton DC with more than 15 years experience in IT Enterprise solutions and Kabin Sitoula with over 20 years of experience in finance and marketing. The trio has managed to raise funding of around $500,000 from friends and family so far.

Sagoon offers features like My Day to create and share schedules and to-do-lists, and set reminders; Secret Sharing tool to secretly share a learning, finding, experience or a thought and Mood Talk emoticons, stickers for a group or private chat.

Dayal tells us that it’s the Social Smart Card to be launched later this year, will set them apart from competition. “It is going to be the real game changer because nowhere on the host of other social media platforms do users automatically receive an online shopping card that allows them to earn money, spend money, redeem coupons and gift others. The Social Smart Card can be used to purchase goods online, send gifts or shop in a retail location,” she explains.

“Every Sagoon user receives a Sagoon Social Smart card free when they create a Sagoon profile. They earn 5 percent of every transaction they make as well as a portion of company revenue for their time spent socialising with Sagoon,” Dayal said.