CINCINNATI, Sept. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CincyTech has invested $250,000 in Lisnr, a Cincinnati-based startup with a unique interactive mobile app. The investment comes from the recently closed CincyTech Fund III.
The Lisnr app gives musical artists and record labels to a new way to connect with fans. It gives fans a way to unlock hidden rewards as they listen to music on a smartphone or mobile device. The app detects ultrasonic frequencies embedded on Lisnr-enabled tracks, then sends push notifications signaling new content that can be enjoyed at a fan's convenience. It transforms otherwise passive listening into an interactive, engaging experience. Lisnr also works at live events.
"This additional funding will allow us to focus on servicing clients in different cities and expand into new markets without having to leave Cincinnati," said Lisnr founder and CEO Rodney Williams.
"Our team has tripled this year to handle the increased business and we plan to keep growing. We've made quick inroads in the music industry, including a significant relationship with Roc Nation. That relationship has enabled us to work with artists, such as J. Cole, and participate in festivals, such as Budweiser Made In America."
This summer, Lisnr was used at the Bunbury Music Festival, and by the Grammy-nominated artist J.Cole to launch an album at nationwide listening parties. Lisnr has recently become involved with Atlantic Records and Island Def Jam Records.
Lisnr was founded in 2012 on the SXSW Startup Bus by CEO Rodney Williams and four team members. Williams, a former brand manager at Procter and Gamble, was named to Ad Age's "40 Under 40" list, and holds two social media marketing patents.
"People want content that is meaningful to them and they want to engage with the producers of that content. On the flip side, artists and creators want to engage directly with their fans in new and creative ways. Lisnr's team has the capacity to deliver against that big idea," said CincyTech principal Justin Thompson.
About Lisnr
Lisnr is a mobile application that allows artists/labels to create exclusive content, and fans to change otherwise passive listening into an interactive and engaging experience.
About CincyTech
CincyTech is a public-private venture development organization that invests in high-tech startups in Southwest Ohio. With support from the Ohio Third Frontier and corporations, foundations and individuals, it is stimulating the growth of venture-worthy companies in IT and bioscience.