Digital business cards are having a real moment. Australian startup Blinq just secured $25 million to grow its contactless sharing platform.
The funding comes as professionals seek better networking tools. Paper cards often end up forgotten in drawers or thrown away.
“Business cards haven’t evolved with our digital lives,” says Blinq CEO Jarrod Webb. “We’re fixing that disconnect.”
Blinq lets users share contact details through NFC technology or QR codes. Tap phones together or scan a code to instantly exchange information.
Unlike paper cards, Blinq profiles update automatically when you change jobs or numbers. The platform also tracks networking metrics and integrates with CRM systems.
The Series A round was led by Insight Partners with participation from earlier investors. Blinq plans to use the cash to expand globally and build new features.
Digital business cards gained traction during the pandemic when contactless became essential. The technology now appeals to sustainability-focused companies looking to reduce paper waste.
Market research shows nearly 70% of traditional business cards get tossed within a week. Digital alternatives save trees while providing better data.
Blinq isn’t alone in this space. Competitors like Popl and HiHello offer similar solutions. What sets Blinq apart is its focus on enterprise clients and seamless integration options.
The company already serves over 200,000 users across 70 countries. Major firms like Deloitte and Salesforce have adopted the platform for their teams.
“Physical cards feel increasingly outdated in our connected world,” says Sarah Thompson, principal at Insight Partners. “Blinq solves real problems for modern professionals.”
The platform offers both free and premium tiers. Basic sharing features cost nothing, while advanced analytics and customization require subscriptions.
One challenge facing digital business card companies is changing established habits. Many professionals still expect the ritual of exchanging physical cards.
Blinq addresses this by offering physical NFC cards that trigger digital sharing. This bridges old and new networking traditions.
Webb began developing Blinq after forgetting business cards at a conference. He realized digital identities needed better sharing systems.
The technology also helps with follow-ups. Users receive notifications when people view their profiles, creating natural reconnection points.
Environmental impact matters too. A company with 100 employees might print 10,000 cards annually. Digital alternatives eliminate this waste entirely.
Looking ahead, Blinq plans to expand beyond simple contact sharing. The company envisions becoming a complete professional identity platform.
Future features might include integrated scheduling, social media management, and AI-powered networking suggestions.
As remote and hybrid work reshape professional connections, tools like Blinq may become essential. The question remains whether digital cards will fully replace paper or simply complement them.
For now, that $25 million vote of confidence suggests investors believe the future of networking will be increasingly digital, contactless, and smart.
