Introduction
In a move that could revolutionize the way consumers make purchasing decisions, OpenLabel, a startup focused on augmenting everyday products’ barcodes with crowd-sourced information, has secured $80,000 in seed funding. This initial investment is just a small part of a larger $300,000 round led by Peter Kirwan, an investor in IFTTT and several other notable backers.
The Concept Behind OpenLabel
OpenLabel aims to create a platform that allows users to share information about products they encounter in their daily lives. Unlike traditional barcode scanning applications like RedLaser or ShopSavvy, which focus on delivering pricing information or product reviews, OpenLabel seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the products we use and interact with.
How It Works
The app, set to launch in April, will function as a Twitter-like platform for sharing information about products. Users can scan a product’s barcode using their mobile device and access a wealth of user-generated content related to that item. This content may include notes on the manufacturer’s use of child labor, sweatshops, animal testing, toxic chemicals, or other socially relevant issues.
Features
Some notable features of OpenLabel include:
- Crowdsourced Information: Users can share information about products they encounter in their daily lives.
- User-Generated Content: Users can leave notes and reviews on the products they scan.
- Follow System: Users can follow other users to see their content and participate in discussions.
- Up/Down Vote Buttons: A Reddit-like system helps surface the best reasons to buy or avoid a product.
The Importance of Transparency
The idea behind OpenLabel is rooted in transparency, with co-founder Scott Kennedy emphasizing the importance of giving consumers access to accurate information about products. By leveraging crowdsourced data, the app aims to provide users with a more nuanced understanding of the products they use and interact with.
Partnerships and Advisory Board
OpenLabel has assembled an impressive team, including co-founders Scott Kennedy and David Ng, who brings expertise in mobile development from his previous role at TomTom. The startup also boasts an advisory board featuring experts from various industries, including NASA PhDs, retail CEOs, and tech entrepreneurs like Mike Lee (co-founder of Tapulous) and Matt Jensen (creator of MacBrain).
Launch Plans
Initially available on iOS, OpenLabel will soon be released for Android devices as well. As the app prepares to launch, it’s currently in a private beta phase, where only those interested in contributing to building the crowdsourced database are participating.
Join the Beta
TechCrunch readers who want to join the private beta can sign up here and enter ‘TC’ before their email address. This will give them access to the app before its public launch.
OpenLabel has the potential to significantly impact consumer behavior, making it easier for people to make informed purchasing decisions based on accurate information. As the app continues to develop and grow, it’s an exciting time for transparency enthusiasts and those interested in leveraging crowdsourced data to drive positive change.
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