This startup wants to bring back snail mail with an AI-powered app. Read the pitch that helped it raise $2.8 million.

In an era dominated by digital communication, cousins Andrew Gold and Aaron Albert are on a mission to bring back the charm of physical greeting cards. Their startup, Escargot, aims to capture the hearts of Gen Z and millennials by offering a way to send thoughtful cards for various occasions through a user-friendly mobile app and website. Launched in February, Escargot allows users to send personalized cards for birthdays, holidays, and more, with individual cards priced at approximately $8 and subscription plans starting at around $10 monthly for two card credits that can roll over. Recently, the startup successfully raised $2.75 million in seed funding from notable investors including Wischoff Ventures, Hannah Grey, and South Park Commons. Gold highlighted the expansive potential of the greeting card industry, citing estimates from Grand View Research, which projected the U.S. card market to reach about $7.1 billion by 2025. Notably, many users of their app have birthdays post-2000, a demographic that presents a significant growth opportunity. However, Gold and Albert are also keen to engage millennials and older audiences. Amidst the rise of social media and digital communication, there's been a noticeable resurgence of analog media, such as landlines and vinyl records. Albert views this cultural shift as an indicator that the time is ripe for introducing a product that embraces nostalgia while countering the fast-paced digital landscape of Silicon Valley. Escargot's founders are not dismissive of technology; rather, they intend to harness AI to enhance user experiences. Gold, who previously held positions at Apple and Coinbase, remarked that while they do not market themselves explicitly as an AI company, innovative tech will play a crucial role in their offerings. For instance, users can remix card art using Google's Gemini and upload personal photos, while the app can suggest optimal moments to send cards by accessing users' calendars and contacts. Escargot faces competition from established players like Hallmark, which offers a similar app for sending physical cards. However, in their pitch to investors, the founders emphasized their vision to expand beyond greeting cards, exploring unique features such as gift cards and enhanced connectivity options. As one of the many startups leveraging AI to cultivate real-world relationships, Escargot is poised to make a significant impact. With a small team of five dedicated employees, including Gold and Albert, the company plans to utilize its recent funding to further develop its product ecosystem and solidify its presence in the market.