Matt Pohlson, the creator of Omaze, has disclosed the substantial investment he has made in acquiring upscale residences in the UK, which are later gifted to the public through monthly draws. Omaze is recognized for its unique approach as a revenue-generating fundraising enterprise, offering lavish properties in regions like Devon and Cornwall to individuals who participate by purchasing prize draw tickets starting at just £10.
Initially known for marketing celebrity experiences, the American CEO of Omaze, Matt Pohlson, underwent a transformative experience in 2018, surviving a near-death incident where his heart and brain ceased functioning for over four minutes. This life-altering event inspired him to pivot the business model and expand its operations to the UK.
Pohlson articulated that the decision to shift focus stemmed from the realization that exclusively offering celebrity experiences was limiting, as it relied heavily on external sources for supply. He emphasized that the true essence of impact lay in providing homes, stating that while a car might enhance one’s lifestyle, a house fundamentally transforms one’s life.
The choice to establish operations in the UK was justified by Pohlson due to the country’s higher population density compared to the US and the relatively lower property costs. When questioned about the opulence of the homes awarded monthly, Pohlson confirmed that Omaze purchases or constructs all the properties, investing in extensive renovations or enhancements to ensure their quality. To sustain the monthly house giveaways, Omaze procures an average of eight properties upfront, typically ranging from three to six million pounds each.
Having already gifted over 40 homes in the UK, Pohlson estimated the total worth of these contributions at approximately £180 million in residences and £250 million in prizes. The sustainability of these initiatives is supported by robust subscription revenues generated by Omaze, eliminating any financial risk to the properties involved.
Participants subscribing to Omaze with monthly fees up to £50 automatically qualify for the prize draws. Despite acknowledging that the majority of entrants may not win a house, Pohlson highlighted the appeal of contributing to charitable causes through the platform, with a portion of the proceeds directed towards philanthropic endeavors.
Omaze’s impact on charity has been significant, with Pohlson revealing that the UK operations alone have raised £90 million, while the global contributions across various regions exceed £300 million. Pohlson emphasized the community’s dedication to tangible charitable projects, citing instances where funds raised have supported essential services like the London Air Ambulance, underscoring the direct impact of the Omaze community on local communities and vital services.