Lootlock protects kids from overspending on gaming and will be presenting at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Nick Pompa, the brains behind Lootlock, is on a mission to alleviate the financial strain parents face from unexpected gaming charges. His app acts as a safeguard, preventing children from making unauthorized purchases on family credit cards. As an enthusiastic gamer and software developer in the fintech sector, Pompa is also a father of two young children, excitedly anticipating the day they can join him in gaming adventures. Selected for TechCrunch’s 2025 Startup Battlefield 200, Lootlock will showcase its innovative solution at TechCrunch Disrupt from October 27 to 29 in San Francisco. Pompa’s inspiration came from countless discussions with fellow parents who shared alarming stories about their kids inadvertently racking up hefty credit card bills due to in-game purchases. The gaming industry has faced scrutiny for employing manipulative design strategies aimed at enticing young players to spend money, a concern echoed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Pompa noted that he has personally witnessed the gaming landscape evolve dramatically over the past decade, particularly with the rise of microtransactions. While some parents may find limited recourse — such as the recent $126 million refund ordered by the FTC for Fortnite — many are left with no option but to cover these surprise bills. Traditional advice often suggests using parental control settings to block in-app purchases, yet many parents, like Pompa’s friend Joe, are more comfortable allowing a certain level of spending, provided it’s managed appropriately. Joe, who has three gaming-enthusiast children, faced a convoluted system where he would give them cash allowances, only for them to return it to cover their gaming expenses. This inspired Pompa to develop Lootlock, which offers a digital prepaid card linked to parents’ accounts. Parents can automate allowances, controlling how much money is available and when it can be unlocked based on completed chores or other criteria. Additionally, Lootlock gamifies the process of managing chores through a feature called “bounty boards.” Parents can set lists of tasks for their children, and as those tasks are completed, kids earn bounties that unlock more funds for gaming. The app also includes a financial education aspect, where children can choose avatars and earn points for practicing smart spending habits. With these features, parents gain detailed control over their children’s gaming expenditures, ensuring that funds are exclusively used for gaming purposes, thus alleviating concerns about other online purchases. As Lootlock continues to grow, the focus remains on fostering responsible gaming habits among children. Currently operating with a team of seven, the startup is entirely bootstrapped and ready to make a significant impact in the gaming world.