Chirp hatches development drive as crowdfunding campaign begins
Chirp creates sonic links through its patent-pending technology. This enables devices to "sing" data to each other via a tiny audio clip called a chirp.
By removing the need for typing addresses, entering passwords or pairing devices, Chirp makes sharing data easier. The technology requires no mobile or wireless network to send audio links, which can then be downloaded from the cloud or opened from local storage.
The latest version of the app for iOS is free to download allowing users to share pictures, videos and text from anything that carries sound - including radios, TV's, ATM's, mobile devices and toys.
Also announced is the launch of Chirp's SDK for mobile developers. This provides technical access to Chirp's platform and opens up the potential for the technology to be used by any app for content sharing, media campaigns, payments, ticketing, gaming and more.
Chirp's crowdfunding campaign has now opened and runs until 30 June, with the company expecting to raise over £400,000 to support the commercial expansion of the company and further platform development.
The London mayor's London Co-Investment Fund (LCIF) proposes to invest £100,000 in the company, subject to contract and a minimum fund raise of £400,000. Existing investors, including UCL Business (the technology commercialisation company of University College London) and Red Gate Software, will also participate. Chirp was spun out of UCL around three years ago.
Chirp founder and creator Patrick Bergel said: "We're a small company with big ambitions - we're building an internet made of sound. We're delighted how people have embraced Chirp to share information. It's even more exciting to have a long waiting list of developers wanting to get their hands on our SDK, so their apps can sing too."
He added that the company has recently expanded the technical and commercial team, bringing in Richard Mann, the former COO of Mobile Interactive Group (MIG), to take over the firm as CEO.
Mann said: "With so many new products on the horizon, great progress with trial partners and a compelling commercial model, we have a lot of things to shout about. Crowdfunding is the perfect vehicle for us, because of the hugely positive response our apps have had so far.
"I am delighted that we are able to work with Crowdcube, especially with match-funding proposed by the LCIF, so that investors can share in the future success of Chirp."