Starfish, Inc. announced today the launch of its all-in-one influencer marketing platform, offering a new way for small businesses and micro-influencers to connect without the traditional hurdles. The company’s newly released Starfish app allows businesses to find, hire, and pay influencers directly — removing the need for expensive agencies or complicated third-party negotiations.
Based in Miami, Starfish was founded with a clear goal: to change how influencer marketing operates. With over 33 million small businesses in the United States investing billions into advertising each year, the market is ripe for a solution that supports smaller brands looking for credible voices to promote their products and services.
At the same time, micro-influencers — who represent the largest segment of the influencer landscape today — often struggle to find genuine, sustainable brand partnerships. Starfish brings both sides together on one platform, leveling the playing field.
Thomas Rodberg, CEO and co-founder of Starfish, said, “The future of influencer marketing isn’t about celebrity endorsements; it’s about real people with real influence. Starfish V2 isn’t just an upgraded platform, it’s a movement to democratize influencer partnerships.”
How the Starfish Platform Works
The Starfish app offers a direct, streamlined experience. Businesses can browse verified influencers sorted by industry, topic, or niche. They can message influencers, negotiate rates, and finalize agreements — all within the app itself.
Influencers set their own rates, giving them control over their work and pricing. Payments are managed through Starfish’s secure escrow system, which protects both sides by releasing funds only after agreed milestones or campaigns are completed. Built-in tools for messaging and contract management eliminate the need for outside platforms or paper-heavy processes.
The app is currently available for free on Apple iOS devices, making it easy for both businesses and influencers to start using it immediately.
Why Starfish Matters in Today’s Advertising Landscape
Historically, influencer marketing has favored big brands and high-profile names. Smaller businesses often found the process expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable. Meanwhile, micro-influencers faced barriers trying to reach companies willing to take a chance on smaller audiences with higher engagement rates.
Starfish shifts the focus from follower counts to real engagement. By removing the need for intermediaries, the platform reduces costs and opens new opportunities for authentic brand storytelling. Every deal, every message, and every payment happens in one place, simplifying a process that many businesses previously found out of reach.
Rodberg emphasized, “We are proving that authentic engagement matters more than follower count or big budgets, and that every business, no matter its size, deserves a seat at the table.”
About Starfish
Starfish, Inc. is a next-generation marketing technology company focused on bridging the gap between brands and influencers. Privately funded and led by entrepreneurs and creators, the company has built tools that allow both sides of the marketplace to collaborate directly. Headquartered in Miami, Starfish offers secure, scalable solutions for influencer partnerships and can be found online at starfishapp.io and @starfish.app across major social media platforms.
Looking Ahead
Starfish is changing the expectations for influencer marketing. By making the process faster, simpler, and safer, the company opens new possibilities for businesses that want to grow through real connections — not just big names. As influencer marketing continues to grow and shift, platforms like Starfish are poised to become a major force in how brands and creators work together.