A Startup That Gives Thanks

Here’s a nice way to share a little holiday spirit: Mobile payments startup HouseTab will donate five meals to Food Bank for New York City each time a new user downloads and registers HouseTab’s iOS or Android app until Jan. 3, 2015 — and the New York-based company will make an additional donation every time someone uses the app to pay their tab or send drinks or food to a friend.

And just to remind new users that they’re doing well by doing good, HouseTab is also buying every new user a free drink through the application as part of the promotion, the company announced this week.

The 2011 startup operates as a combination social network and mobile payments system that’s focused on letting members send gifts of food and drink to friends through their smartphones as well as paying tabs in bars and restaurants.

“Since the holidays are a time when people are generous and want to pay it forward, we are thrilled to partner with Food Bank For New York City to help raise funds and provide meals to those in need,” said HouseTab CEO Andrew Tauber. “And better yet, the more users transact in HouseTab, the more we will donate to Foodbank. We are encouraging New Yorkers to share this program with their friends on social media as an easy and fun way to support the work of Food Bank during this holiday season.”