Shuffle, a start-up hospitality investment platform dedicated to investing an initial £2.5 million into Manchester’s hospitality sector, has launched its consumer-facing app for Manchester residents.

The innovative rewards app uses open banking data to offer users randomised cashback amounts, ranging from a minimum of 5% to a maximum of 100% on each transaction at its 16 (and growing) partner venues.

During its testing phase over the past six months, Shuffle onboarded 4,000 users, who spent a total of £60,370. Of this, £22,130 was paid out in rewards, with the average user receiving a 36.66% cashback, resulting in an average saving of £30.12.

Launching exclusively on Apple devices initially, users can download the Shuffle app and link their bank card. After making a transaction at one of the partner venues, the purchase is automatically registered, and a randomised reward is credited to the app. The cash reward can then be withdrawn directly into the user's bank account.

Shuffle partners with venues by disrupting the traditional crowdfunding model, offering upfront investment to support the growth of some of Manchester’s most successful establishments. The platform aims to invest in the top 5-10% of businesses in the city.

Testament to its approach, the platform has already teamed up with key industry players such as Diecast, Medlock Canteen, Trof, and Madre, and is contributing to the opening of eight new venues in central Manchester this year.

One such venue is The Trading Route, a new concept from the team behind Manchester Union Brewery, Trof, and Wandering Palate, set to open later this month in Goods Yard.

Commenting on the value of Shuffle’s investment, Jamie Scahill, Co-Founder of Manchester Union Brewery, said: “We’re incredibly excited to open The Trading Route later this month and bring another great spot for drinking and dining to the increasingly popular Manchester Goods Yard.

“It’s no secret that opening new concepts in our industry comes with challenges, and Shuffle’s innovative approach of providing upfront investment without taking equity has been truly refreshing. They’ve already partnered with some of the key players and our friends in Manchester’s hospitality scene, so the consumer-facing app’s ability to drive footfall to our venue is, of course, another massive win for us.”

Building on its initial success in Manchester and with plans for nationwide expansion, Shuffle aims to launch its innovative investment platform and consumer-facing application in Liverpool in Q1 of 2025.