Umami Co., a content companion platform founded by TV technology veterans Scott Rosenberg and Bryan Slavin, received $1.65 million in seed funding from Battery Ventures, NEA and industry angels. The NYC-based startup is in closed beta as it works with TV networks and related companies on a launch set for fall 2011.
Umami is a white-label, turnkey platform for creating enhanced content for the second-screen viewing experience. Television audiences already use smartphones and tablets while watching TV, and Umami wants to give content providers a simple way to have these audiences interacting with something relevant to the show they’re watching.
“Umami’s approach delivers on the age-old promise of interactive television, filling a gap with TV audiences who are armed with iPads and craving more content and a deeper relationship with their favorite programming,” said Alex Benik, Principal, Battery Ventures. “We are excited to back a team with a compelling consumer product and deep, first-hand experience serving TV networks and advertisers.”
CEO Scott Rosenberg most recently was vice president of Advanced Advertising at Rovi, the parent company of Gemstar-TV Guide. He previously held senior positions at Intel, ReplayTV and BlackArrow.
Chief technology officer Bryan Slavin most recently was president of IPTV and wireless consultancy Bryter Technology. He previously was vice president, Product Development at broadband video advertising solution pioneer Lightningcast, which was purchased by AOL.
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Photo by flickr user Antmoose, used under Creative Commons license
