Jelli scores $7 million in funding for Crowdsourced Radio

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Jelli, the social music service which combines the power of the web with the reach of terrestrial radio, announced it has closed a $7 million Series A round of funding led by Battery Ventures, with participation from First Round Capital. The funding will be used for radio market expansion, new product development and team growth. Satya Patel, Battery Ventures partner and former Google executive, will take a seat on the company board.


“While the digital music and Internet radio industries have been booming, where’s the innovation in traditional radio?” said Satya Patel, Partner at Battery Ventures. “Finally, Jelli is introducing disruptive technology that helps terrestrial radio become a 21st century digital business.  Today’s consumers are accustomed to a customizable, interactive and social media experience, and Jelli delivers that for a business that has been limited to two-way communication by call-in or SMS. We think the Jelli team has developed an incredible business, the vision to revolutionize terrestrial radio, and the talent to make it all happen. We are thrilled to be partners in their growth.”

Jelli’s user-controlled radio format enables listeners to vote for songs up (“Rocks”) or down (“Sucks”) to create and alter the playlist in realtime, essentially taking over a radio station using their web browsers. This is enabled by Jelli’s web platform which integrates with radio station infrastructure to transform programming and advertising.

Jelli is live and on the air in 17 markets in the U.S. and Australia. Jelli was originally piloted on CBS Radio’s LIVE 105 in San Francisco where it was a runaway ratings success and has expanded to six nights during prime time.