# MerchantCircle

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/merchantcircle

- Industry: Internet
- Headquarters: Mountain View, US
- Website: www.merchantcircle.com
- Total disclosed funding: $14M
- Latest round: Series B (Nov 7, 2007)
- Investors on record: 5

## About

MerchantCircle is a digital platform designed to connect local merchants with consumers, enhancing local commerce through marketing tools and community engagement.Founded in 2005 in Mountain View, US, MerchantCircle connects local businesses with consumers. The company, co-founded by Mark Neumann, Matthew Timothy, and Vincent Wiggins, underwent a significant change when it was acquired by Reply Inc. for USD 60.00 mn in May 2011, with the deal expected to finalize in Q3 2011. Frank Johnson and his team currently lead the company.MerchantCircle.com primarily offers a digital platform that connects local merchants with consumers, facilitating access to a wide array of products and services. The platform enables businesses to set up free listings, promoting their offerings while allowing potential customers to discover local services across various categories, including home and garden, professional services, legal and financial services, and travel and lodging. MerchantCircle serves both small to medium-sized enterprises and individual consumers, aiming to enhance local commerce by encouraging community engagement and providing essential marketing tools. The company operates primarily in the United States, focusing on urban and suburban markets where local businesses can benefit from increased visibility and customer interaction.MerchantCircle's revenue model is structured around service fees associated with merchant listings and promotional features offered on its platform. Transactions typically involve local merchants subscribing to enhanced listing services or advertising packages that allow them to reach a broader audience. The platform facilitates direct-to-consumer transactions, with businesses leveraging their listings to attract potential customers through targeted promotions and local search visibility. While specific pricing plans for these services are not disclosed, revenue generation is likely bolstered by a mix of subscription fees for enhanced visibility and transaction fees related to advertising campaigns. The platform's focus on local merchant engagement underscores its role in empowering businesses to grow their customer base effectively.With the acquisition by Reply Inc. set to complete in Q3 2011, MerchantCircle will likely leverage the USD 60.00 mn funding to enhance its platform and expand its service offerings. This includes potential new features designed to improve merchant visibility and consumer interaction. The company may also explore expanding its reach into additional urban and suburban markets across the United States, although specific markets and timelines have not yet been detailed.

## Funding rounds

- Series B, Nov 7, 2007, $10M — Rustic Canyon Partners, Scale Venture Partners, Steamboat Ventures, IAC Inc., Square 1 Bank
- Series A, Jun 5, 2006, $4.3M — Rustic Canyon Partners, Scale Venture Partners, Steamboat Ventures

## Investors

- Rustic Canyon Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/rustic-canyon-partners) — Series A, Series B
- Scale Venture Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/scale-venture-partners) — Series A, Series B
- Steamboat Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/steamboat-ventures) — Series A, Series B
- IAC Inc. — Series B
- Square 1 Bank — Series B