Cello
Munich referral platform that embeds user and partner referral programmes into SaaS products, with plans priced by the referral ARR a programme generates
Quick Overview
| Company | PowerPlay GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | Referral Marketing Software |
| Headquarters | Munich, Germany |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | Not stated for customer data; the website is hosted by OVHcloud in Germany |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | User referrals, partner referrals, web and mobile SDK, in-product launcher, contextual sharing, integrations, payouts, Slack support |
| Pricing | User referrals: Start $65/month (up to $10K referral ARR), Grow $200/month (up to $50K), Scale $750/month (up to $100K), Enterprise custom; partner referrals: Free, Plus $80/month, Pro $280/month, Enterprise custom |
| Best For | B2B and prosumer SaaS teams that want referrals inside the product |
| Replaces | ReferralCandy, Rewardful, PartnerStack |
Detailed Review
ReferralCandy targets web shops that reward a friend's first order. Cello starts from the other end: the referral link lives inside a software product, where users are most likely to recommend it. The homepage names Hera and Typeform as customers.
The operator is PowerPlay GmbH in Munich, listed in the Munich commercial register as HRB 272709, with Stefan Bader and Robert Coletti as managing directors according to the imprint.
Embedded Rather Than Bolted On
The pages describe a web SDK, a mobile SDK for iOS, Android, Flutter and React Native, a launcher inside the product menu, a floating call-to-action button and prompts at moments of success. Users get personal links without a separate sign-up, which removes a step that stand-alone referral pages often add.
A shop selling physical goods has little use for this; the design assumes a logged-in product user.
User and Partner Programmes Priced Apart
The pricing page separates user referrals from partner referrals for affiliates and influencers. User plans scale with the referral ARR produced: Start $65 per month up to $10K, Grow $200 up to $50K, Scale $750 up to $100K. All plans list unlimited referrals and all integrations.
The partner side has a Free plan with five transacting partners and a 5% transaction cost, a Plus plan at $80 per month with 3.5%, and a Pro plan at $280 per month.
What the Vendor Says About Data
The privacy policy names PowerPlay GmbH as controller, a data protection officer via heyData, and OVH GmbH in Saarbruecken for the website. It also lists HubSpot, Intercom and Stripe entities, some outside the EU. The policy reviewed does not say where product data is stored.
Limitations to Consider
Prices are in US dollars and the pricing model depends on referral ARR, which suits subscription products and not retail baskets. The pages checked do not state a customer data location or a certification. This review rests on the vendor's pages, not a hands-on test.
Who Should Use Cello
SaaS companies with a logged-in user base that want referral and partner programmes under one contract. Web shops are better served by LoyaltyLion or Mention Me.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Referral widget sits inside the product
- Separate user and partner programmes
- Plans list unlimited referrals
- Free partner plan available
- Imprint with register number
Cons
- Prices quoted in US dollars
- Data location not stated
- Aimed at SaaS, not e-commerce
- Demo or sign-up needed to test
Alternatives to Cello
Other European referral marketing software worth comparing before you decide:
Mention Me
United Kingdom · London referral platform that prices by a brand's annual online revenue
LoyaltyLion
United Kingdom · Shopify-focused loyalty app with a built-in referral programme and free tier
Loyoly
France · Nantes tool that bundles referral, VIP tiers and wallet passes
Voucherify
Poland · API-first coupon and incentive engine with referral campaigns built in
See all European referral marketing software or compare them directly against ReferralCandy on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
PowerPlay GmbH, Sumpfmeisenweg 3A, Munich, registered at the Munich local court under HRB 272709 according to the imprint.
User referral plans start at $65 per month for up to $10K referral ARR, then $200 and $750. Partner plans run from a Free plan to $80 and $280 per month. Enterprise is custom.
Its pages target SaaS products, with SDKs that embed referrals in an app. A shop would more naturally pick a store-focused tool such as LoyaltyLion or Loyoly.