Beatrobo Closes $1.1M Funding

Beatrobo, a Tokyo, Japan-based mobile app development company, closed a $1.1m funding.

Backers included Lawson HMV Entertainment, the entertainment division of one of Japan’s retailer, Lawson Inc, and Genuine Startups, a Japanese venture capital firm that runs the seed accelerator Movida Japan.

The deal will grant Lawson the exclusive rights to manufacture PlugAir, a small device that connects to a mobile app to unlock cloud-stored content. The patent-pending technology functions by converting sound waves into electric power and data. This embedded microchip in the PlugAir device authenticates each mobile phone and unlocks the associated content from the cloud. Content creators will be able to remotely update their fans’ PlugAir, allowing for a constant stream of content.

Led by Hiroshi Asaeda, founder and CEO, Beatrobo launched PlugAir in US in December 2013 through a partnership with Los Angeles-based Machine Shop. The first launch of the product came via a custom edition device for Grammy award-winning rock band LINKIN PARK. The device unlocked exclusive videos, unreleased tracks, apps, and merchandise for the band’s member community, Linkin Park Underground (LPU).
PlugAir can also be embedded into existing products.

FinSMEs

30/05/2014

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