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Sam Kim
Founder at Gifticon & Dog on Restaurant
Professional Background
Sam Kim is a dynamic entrepreneur and influential innovator making significant strides in the tech and pet food industries. As the founder of Gifticon, a platform that facilitates long-distance gifting through digital vouchers, Sam has established partnerships with over 200 global brands including household names like McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, and Krispy Kreme. The Gifticon app is making gifting easier for users in South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, showcasing Sam's dedication to enhancing user experience and convenience in the digital age.
Before venturing into the world of gifting technology, Sam served as the founder of Dog On Restaurant, a groundbreaking concept aiming to revolutionize the pet food industry. By creating high-quality dog-friendly versions of popular human foods, such as pizza, sushi, and fried chicken, Dog On Restaurant is set to open the world’s first dog restaurant, bringing joy and excitement to dog owners everywhere. This innovative approach not only enhances the dining experience for dogs but also addresses the growing trend of pet humanization.
With a career that demonstrates versatility and a keen understanding of market trends, Sam's role as a former marketer at Shopify has been pivotal. He achieved remarkable results, placing Shopify within the top 3% for web traffic and spearheading campaigns that amassed impressive engagement and revenue. His background includes a focus on Instagram and Facebook marketing, along with successfully completing the Shopify challenge that generated $100,000 in sales within ten months. This diverse experience underscores Sam’s expertise in marketing strategy and digital growth.
Education and Achievements
Sam Kim's educational journey has been as impressive as his professional accomplishments. He graduated from The University of Auckland with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture in 2017. Pursuing his passion for design and spatial planning, he continued his education at the same institution, earning a Master’s degree in Architecture in 2019. This solid foundation in architecture not only equips him with a unique perspective towards innovation but also fosters a strong attention to detail in his initiatives.
In recognition of his entrepreneurial success and contributions to the industry, Sam Kim has been featured in several prestigious publications including TVNZ, One News, The Breakfast Show, The New Zealand Herald, SpinOff, Stuff, The Hits, and NBR. Further solidifying his remarkable journey, he has earned a spot on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, an acknowledgment that celebrates the most impactful young leaders and visionaries across various sectors.
Achievements
- Founder of Gifticon: Established a platform that addresses the needs of long-distance gifting, with partnerships from over 200 global brands.
- Founder of Dog On Restaurant: Pioneered a unique pet dining experience, preparing to open the first dog-specific restaurant with an innovative menu.
- Shopify Initiatives: Achieved an impressive track record in marketing and e-commerce, including top-tier traffic performance and significant sales growth within tight timelines.
- Forbes 30 Under 30: Recognized for entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to tech and pet industries.
- Educational Excellence: Holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Architecture from The University of Auckland, providing a strong educational foundation for his ventures.
