If you start seeing home plates scattered around metro stops and sidewalks far from Nationals Ballpark, don't be too surprised. D.C. digital identity software startup ID.me is hiding 30 pairs of free tickets inside the many hundreds of home plate replicas. And while anyone can redeem the voucher, ID.me founder Blake Hall is hoping people will offer to share them out to military and emergency first responders.
"It would be great if the responders found them," Hall said. "I'd hope people would see what we do and pass them on."
ID.me's software helps verify the identity of online users to make sure that sales targeted to specific groups, like first responders, military and veterans, go to the right people. The company has worked with the Nats before, providing discounts up to 40 percent off sometimes, but now is getting into a more permanent partnership, and the home plate hunt is a way to celebrate that.
"We wanted to take it to the next level," Hall said. "Before, they were more like flash sales, but now it can be really targeted."
The ID.me technology will be integrated into the regular ticket sales, Hall said. That's a big boost for the company, which has had a run of successes and fundings lately along with major partnerships with big names like Overstock.com and Uber. Next, Blake hopes he can parlay his success working with the Nats into possibilities with other sports teams too.
"Getting other teams to use our technology to verify identity is definitely on the horizon," Blake said. "Right now, we're really excited about the promotion with the Nats."
