USF Alumnus Launched Student Discount App 9Yaps
The platform now connects Tampa students with over 100 local businesses after receiving a $5,000 pre-seed award.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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University of South Florida graduate Nicholas Eisengrein launched the 9Yaps mobile application in early 2025 to help students access local discounts. The platform has since grown to include over 15,000 downloads and 100 business partners across the Tampa Bay area.
Why it matters
The app was created to bridge the gap between student life and local commerce, providing a centralized hub for discounts. By leveraging social media, the platform has successfully scaled its reach to generate millions of monthly views.
The 9Yaps platform currently features over 100 local business partners and has surpassed 15,000 downloads. Monthly traffic is bolstered by social media engagement that generates between 5 million and 10 million views.
The players
Nicholas Eisengrein
The creator of the 9Yaps platform and a 2026 business management graduate of the University of South Florida.
Hafer THRIVE
A pre-seed funding program that awarded 9Yaps $5,000 to assist with the platform's early business development.
The details
Users access the 9Yaps application to browse area deals, which they can then redeem in person at the point of sale. Growth is primarily sustained through campus-based visibility and viral social media content, with one video alone recording 3 million views.
Timeline
Late 2024: The business idea began as a newsletter.
Early 2025: The business transitioned into a mobile application.
2026: Nicholas Eisengrein graduated from USF.
Market Landscape
9Yaps illustrates the growing trend of student-led ventures that leverage hyper-local campus networks to gain rapid market entry. This model positions the platform as a competitor for the attention of college-age consumers who are increasingly moving away from traditional advertising.
Local students can use the application to identify active discounts at participating businesses throughout Tampa. Shoppers simply browse the app's listings and present the mobile deal at the checkout counter to receive savings.
The takeaway
The success of 9Yaps demonstrates how digital-first tools can effectively connect small businesses with younger customer bases. Students and residents can maximize their savings by frequently checking the app for updated local promotions.
Further reading
For more information on new local ventures, visit Tampa Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Oracle.
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