Interview with Caitlin Knoepp & Chase Mattison
Feels CO-FOUNDERS
A Gift That Gives Back— With Help from Tulane’s Green Wave Innovation Network, a Newly Launched Startup Redefines Corporate Generosity
In the crowded world of corporate gifting, where logo-stamped water bottles and branded totes fill offices and cubicles worldwide, Caitlin Knoepp and Chase Mattison are proposing a new and more meaningful gesture. Their New Orleans-based startup, Feels, lets companies gift their clients something far more resonant: the power to give back.
Behind this modern rethink of gratitude is a network of seasoned entrepreneurs helping the couple fine-tune their vision and product launch. As participants in Tulane University’s Green Wave Innovation Network Startup Team Mentoring program, Knoepp and Mattison have tapped into the expertise of Andy Wetzler, a pioneer in digital marketing with MoreVisibility; Dave White, entrepreneur in residence at Vive; Ken Odom, co-founder of E4 Holdings; and Jesse McClure, CTO of Sublynk.com to shape Feels into a platform that merges philanthropy with business strategy.
We spoke to Caitlin and Chase about their socially conscious business and what helped them come up with their BIG IDEA.
Tell us about Feels?
Feels is a corporate gifting platform where giving back is the gift. Our users can send Feels (1 Feels=$1) to customers or employees via email or text, allowing the recipient to donate to over 1.5 million charities. It’s the ultimate multitasking gift—impacting local communities while strengthening connections.
With a Feels account, you can enhance your giving experiences in various ways. You can send and receive Feels, to connect with others through shared charitable moments, discover causes that resonate with you, and keep track of your charitable giving activity through an intuitive dashboard. Plus, you can proudly share your charitable impact on social media, inspiring others to join in your mission of giving.
Corporate gifting is a $250 billion industry, while charitable giving by companies totals $30 billion annually. Feels aims to flip the script—helping companies use their gifting budgets to create meaningful impact in their local communities while letting their customers and employees choose the causes that matter most to them.
What was your ah-ha moment when you came up with Feels?
Our "ah-ha" moment was also a bit of an "oh sh*t" moment. We initially launched Feels as a DTC (direct-to-consumer) physical greeting card solution. While we quickly saw interest in the product, it wasn’t coming from the market we expected. Our early customers were primarily B2B, asking for an all-digital product that was easier to send to recipients. Pivoting away from DTC was time-consuming and painful, but ultimately, it put us on a far more scalable and clear path to success.
Caitlin, how did you decide to pivot your career from the Fashion Industry to a philanthropy-driven technology platform?
Honestly, it was less of a pivot and more of a plot twist! I loved the excitement and creativity of the fashion industry, but after a while, I realized I wanted to design something more... meaningful. Trading runway shows for impact reports might sound like a 180, but it was the perfect fit.
When I saw the chance to create Feels—a platform where giving back is the ultimate gift—it just clicked. I thought, "Why not build something that’s not only fun but also helps people make the world a better place?" Plus, philanthropy never goes out of style, right? It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m thrilled to make a real difference with a tech twist!
Chase, this is the second company that you have founded. What lessons will you take from starting Tribe Cannabis to starting Feels?
How much time do you have? Just kidding! The biggest lesson I learned the hard way is that cash flow and runway are everything. While we often focus on the P&L and balance sheet, cash is king, and it’s surprisingly easy to burn through it quickly. Things tend to take longer and cost more than you anticipate, so it's essential to plan accordingly—by that, I mean plan conservatively and realistically.
Secondly, always be listening. As you reach out to potential customers early on, it is important to focus on what they see as the value of your product or service and not necessarily what you want it to be. If you aren’t having to make adjustments and iterations early on, you probably aren’t doing a good enough job of listening to your market.
And don’t forget to find a mentor (or four) as soon as possible! Having someone to reach out to when you hit a snag is truly invaluable during the startup journey.
When is Feels expected launch date?
We are now live—just in time for the holiday gifting rush! We're excited to ride that momentum straight into 2025. So, if you are a company or an individual looking for an impactful yet fun gift this holiday season for the humans in your world, Feels is the perfect gift for you.
Why did you want to participate in the Tulane Innovation Institute Green Wave Innovation Networking mentorship program?
Having mentors who’ve faced the challenges of startup life is a huge asset for any entrepreneur bringing a new idea to market. The mentor network in this program is incredible, and while it may sound cliché, startups truly need all the help they can get. That’s why joining TUII was an easy choice for us—it’s a no-brainer.
Are there any locally based non-profits that you all are personally passionate about?
As proud parents of three rescue dogs, we're naturally drawn to organizations like Zeus' Place and Take Paws Rescue. We're also passionate about supporting charities that empower local youth, like Son of a Saint and Covenant House, who do incredible work in our community. Who knows—maybe one of our rescue pups will become a therapy dog at one of these amazing organizations!
To learn more about Feels, visit www.givefeels.com.
Chase Mattison (right), Co-Founder Feels at a recent Green Wave Innovation Network Speed Mentoring Event (November 2024)
