Founded in March 2019, Zfluence matches brands with their most passionate and influential Gen Z fans to enable the most authentic and effective brand ambassador relationships. A direct pathway to impacting tens of millions of Gen Z consumers and a highly effective and much-needed alternative to the inauthentic “pay-to-say” influencer marketing practices that have defined the last decade, Zfluence addresses the Gen Z demographic’s emphasis on authenticity as a core value, enabling companies to leverage the authentic influence of their genuine Gen Z fans to win new Gen Z consumers. Using the Zfluence platform, brands connect with their genuine Gen Z fans and mobilize them in a variety of ways, from posting authentic content on Instagram and TikTok and participating in brainstorming sessions to wearing branded merchandise on campus and promoting brands at events. Unlike marketing networks that are filled with aspiring and professional “cash-for-content” influencers and creators, Zfluence only accepts onto its platform members of Gen Z who have earned their influence through campus and community engagement and leadership. Zfluence has a 35% acceptance rate, does not accept professional influencers or content creators, and has a product-as-reward model.