Vibenomics, the nation's premier Audio Experience Solution provider, announces their Series B investment round. The funding will support programmatic audio advertising expansion and an effort to triple locations in next 18 months.
INDIANAPOLIS, May 31, 2022 Fueled by rising momentum in programmatic technology, national premier retail audio advertising provider Vibenomics has raised $12.3 million in Series B funding to support the launch of additional national networks in grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores. The round is led by BIP Ventures, one of the largest and most active tech venture funds in the Southeast.
Vibenomics established itself as a formidable player in the Audio-Out-of-Home (AOOH) market after partnering with Kroger in May 2020. Last year, the company experienced its most significant growth, launching its first proprietary media player to deliver music, messaging and programmatic advertisements to each of its network partners' individual locations. By mid-2021, Vibenomics introduced multiple Demand Side Platforms (DSPs) to become the first — and only — programmatic digital AOOH solution for advertisers.
"This funding validates our investors' belief in the future of Vibenomics and what we're building," said Brent Oakley, CEO of Vibenomics. "AOOH's value, impact and ability to scale allows retailers to provide a positive, in-store customer experience. We're anticipating another record-breaking year in 2022 and these funds will enable us to continue innovating and accelerating product developments, building on our momentum."
Vibenomics continues to expand its national footprint in programmatic retail advertising. Earlier this year, the company partnered with Hy-Vee, adding an additional 400 locations across the Midwest. In the coming months, Vibenomics has a line of sight to expand to over 20,000 locations by the end of 2023.
"Vibenomics directs the majority of its efforts toward consumer packaged goods (CPGs), a massive and highly competitive advertising sector eager to invest in innovative marketing strategies, particularly within retail locations," said Paul Iaffaldano, General Partner for BIP Ventures. "We believe that Vibenomics's innovative approach to in-store audio advertisements in that industry gives us significant leverage to capitalize on a growing market."
Vibenomics has nearly 40 employees, about 90% of whom live in the Indianapolis area and 10% work remotely. The company expects to increase its workforce by 25%, specifically in its sales and marketing departments, by the end of 2022.
About Vibenomics
Vibenomics, Inc. is a location-based Audio Out-of-Home‚Ñ¢ advertising and experience company that powers audio channels for retailers, giving brands the ability to talk to shoppers directly at the point of sale. With its powerful cloud-based technology, licensed background music library, data integration capabilities, full-service team of audio experience experts, and network of on-demand professional voice talent, the company provides the right revenue-enhancing vibe for over 180 advertisers in more than 15,000 locations across 49 states, reaching more than 250 million unique monthly listeners. Vibenomics dynamically broadcasts hyper-targeted, on-demand audio advertisements within any combination of locations across its swiftly growing national footprint, unlocking a powerful new shopper marketing channel for reaching consumers during the critical final footsteps along the path to purchase. Through a first-of-its-kind partner program, retailers can receive a portion of revenue for advertisements sold by Vibenomics that play within their locations, giving them the ability to monetize their private airwaves and transform a legacy expense into a new profit center. To learn more about Vibenomics, visit https://www.vibenomics.com.
About BIP Ventures
BIP Ventures partners with extraordinary founders to drive exceptional outcomes. Since 2007, the firm has invested in the success of B2B software and tech-enabled service businesses at all stages of maturity. In addition to capital, we support entrepreneurs with access to infrastructure, acumen, and talent that results in category-leading companies. Our distinct multi-stage investment platform has driven consistent top-quartile returns over 15 years. For more information, visit bip-ventures.vc or follow BIP Ventures on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter @bipventures
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