VerizonGeodelic, the company that makes it easy for consumers to discover nearby businesses via their mobile phones. In addition, Geodelic is launching a beta test for a new GeoGuides service, which lets brands target consumers when they pass by certain areas.
Santa Monica, Calif.-based Geodelic closed the second round of financing in the second quarter. The money came from Verizon Communications' Verizon Ventures group. To date, Geodelic has raised $10 million.
Geodelic's mobile-media platform runs on the Android, iPhone, and, soon, BlackBerry mobile platforms. The Geodelic app can be a real lifesaver when you're looking around for something like a restaurant, coffee shop, or gas station in an unfamiliar area. You start the app, and it automatically finds businesses around you. If you tap on coffee shops, it will show what options are nearby and how far they are. You can tap on an icon to see more about a particular shop and get directions via Google Maps.
Now the Geodelic GeoGuides platform will let brands engage with consumers in a particular location. The platform lets brands create smartphone guides that engage consumers. A museum, hotel, tourist attraction or other special place can use those guides to target consumers with information that is relevant to them. The guides can help them discover nearby businesses and push branded content onto their social networks.
Rahul Sonnad, chief executive of Geodelic, is demonstrating the GeoGuides platform this week at the Verizon Developer Conference in Las Vegas. Participating brands include Clear Channel, which is operating FlySmart Airport Guides, and the Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“We feel GeoGuides are at the forefront of an inexorable trend,” Sonnad said. “Every business with retail locations will need an engaging mobile Internet presence at that physical site.”
Besides Verizon, Geodelic's investors include Clearstone Ventures, Shasta Ventures, and MK Capital. Geodelic has relationships with T-Mobile and Korea Telecom.
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