Promise provides a modern payments platform built for government agencies to simplify residents' repayment of government debt. The platform is mobile-first, supports all payment methods and multiple languages, and offers adjustable payment dates, interest-free payment plans, custom reminders, and non-traditional payment options. Promise also operates a 24/7 team to assist residents, aiming to increase payment velocity and revenue for governments while reducing friction for underserved communities. The company positions itself as a financial services technology provider focused on public-sector payments. Promise plans to use the new funding to continue development and expansion of the Promise platform. Promise builds a mobile app and service for counties to replace pretrial jailing of low‑risk people who cannot afford bail. The platform conducts comprehensive intake, creates individualized care plans, reminds participants about court dates and obligations, and connects them with job training, housing, counseling and referrals. It provides monitoring and support, including progress reports and optional GPS monitoring devices for compliance tracking. Promise is onboarding one county and is in talks with three more; the company charges some counties about $17 per person per day—compared with roughly $190 per day to incarcerate someone—and sometimes less. The company says its system is built to reduce recidivism by helping participants secure employment and avoid further involvement in the criminal justice system. Promise is led by co‑founder and CEO Phaedra Ellis‑Lamkins and is part of Y Combinator’s current batch; it recently raised over $3 million.

Total raised

$23M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Feb 2021