It is a three-year program that assists start-ups and entrepreneurs to realise their business development goals through the use of cutting-edge mapping and location technology.

Leveraging Online-to-Offline (O2O) Commerce, RainCheck enables retailers to capture customers’ interests in the digital space, connect with them via their smartphone, and convert this into a personalised in-store engagement.

The company’s unique offering utilises state-of-the-art location-based technology – designed for the global retail landscape – notably the need to connect online shopping with the physical environment and respond to a shopper’s location in real-time.

RainCheck, as the first mobile-only platform, notifies shoppers of items they like online when they enter stores.

The Esri Start-up Program provides more than 400 start-ups with direct access to ArcGIS Online services, software development tools, ready-to-use content, training, technical support and mentoring opportunities.

“We are thrilled to have joined this network of creative developers and entrepreneurs and look forward to aligning our technology to Esri, a global leader in GIS technology solutions,” said Cameron Wall, CEO and Co-Founder, RainCheck.

Gary Johnson, Esri Australia’s Chief Solutions Strategist said, “The Esri Start-up Program aims to resolve some of the world’s most common challenges by connecting bright minds with location-based technologies. From conception to market launch, emerging businesses – including RainCheck – are supported through the three-year program as geospatial technologies are incorporated into their products.

RainCheck is currently working with Esri Australia to create a virtual mall in RainCheck’s office to replicate the full Online-to-Offline experience using geo-location technology.

“This is an excellent opportunity for RainCheck to continue to drive innovation in location-based services for the benefit of our retailer partners and consumers,” Wall said.

RainCheck will be accompanying Esri to the National Retail Federation (NRF) BIG Show in New York next month.

“Naturally showcasing the value of location-based technology, RainCheck uniquely solves long-standing issues facing Australian and global retailers by combining the context and relevance of a consumer’s physical location with the digital world,” Wall said.