Rodney Williams, co-founder and CEO of LISNR

Founders: Rodney Williams, Josh Glick, Chris Ostoich

Date launched: 2012

Funding: $4.4 million

Industry disrupted: N/A

 

Rodney Williams, co-founder and CEO of LISNR

What if you could listen to your favorite singer on the radio and then get a message on your phone about where they'll be in concert next? Or have content about that artist delivered right to your phone?

That scenario begins to describe LISNR, the free communication technology app that delivers proprietary "data over audio" to connected smart devices. The company's service—which uses ultrasonic signals—can turn any speaker or microphone, like those on a smartphone, into a trigger that then delivers relevant messages connected to the sounds around you, whether you're watching TV, listening to the radio or attending a concert.

Company founder and CEO Rodney Williams worked in brand management at Procter & Gamble and saw firsthand the constant struggle brands have connecting with consumers. By lowering the barrier for proximity-based marketing on mobile devices, LISNR is expanding the opportunity for marketers and brands to target messaging to consumers through relevant mobile connections. The Cincinnati-based company was started in 2012. It has raised $4.4 million of equity financing from Mercury Fund, Jump Capital and Sierra Capital. Current clients include AT&T, Budweiser and packaged-food company Mondelez.