Summary and Tips
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OKY allows users to send low-value remittances through a network of stores in the U.S.
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The platform focuses on assisting the unbanked, facilitating cash transfers.
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User experience is crucial; most transactions are for everyday products.
Highlights:
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Use the Platform: Sign up for OKY and discover how to send daily gifts to your loved ones.
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Explore the Options: From food to medicine, you can choose the type of shipment that best suits your needs.
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Connect: Use OKY not only to send money but also to maintain emotional contact with your loved ones.
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Santiago Rossi: A Journey from Immigrant to Entrepreneur
“I arrived in Miami in 2013, and while my arrival was work-related, I soon realized the difficulties immigrants face in their daily lives,” recalls Rossi. His experience as an immigrant allowed him to identify a pressing need: the lack of access to affordable financial services for those seeking to stay connected with their families abroad.
The Context of Migration
Rossi points out that “most migrants arrive in this country by crossing dangerous borders, and many face the reality of being separated from their families for years.” This separation not only affects the family economy but also the emotional health of those far from their loved ones.
OKY: The Innovative Solution
Aiming to bridge this gap, “we developed OKY in 2021, a platform that allows migrants to send gifts or money to their families in Latin America affordably and without complications,” explains Rossi. The idea is simple: instead of sending cash, prepaid purchases are sent that can be redeemed at local stores.
How OKY Works
“Users can visit any of our 6,000 stores in the U.S. and make a cash purchase to send to their family members,” details Rossi. This allows even those without bank accounts to participate in the system. “A text message with a code allows the recipient to pick up their purchase at the business of their choice in Latin America.”
Advantages Over Traditional Remittances
The OKY model (https://www.okyapp.com) is notably different from traditional remittance systems. “Sending $100 through Western Union can cost up to $15 in fees, and the recipient only receives $85,” comments Rossi. In contrast, OKY charges much lower fees and only to the sender. “If you decide to send $20, the cost is just $1, which is a much more economical option.”
Connecting Migrants with Their Culture
Beyond the financial aspect, “OKY enables migrants to maintain an emotional connection with their families,” asserts Rossi. Users can send anything from a pizza for a birthday to medication for a sick relative. “Most transactions are for everyday products. We learned that what we sell the most are hamburgers, pizzas, and other foods,” he adds.
Impact on the Migrant Community
“Every story from our clients is unique and touching,” states Rossi. Listening to the experiences of those using OKY, he realizes that “they are making enormous sacrifices to provide a better future for their families.” The platform not only meets an economic need but also fulfills a deep desire for belonging and connection.
The Future of OKY
With operations in 15 Latin American countries and over 200,000 transactions per month, “we are constantly growing and looking to expand even further,” reveals Rossi. His vision is clear: to become the primary tool for migration in the U.S. and around the world.
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