Hurdl provides a SaaS analytics platform and a branded LED wearable called the PIXL that captures mobile phone numbers and collects attendee responses at live events to create real-time audience segments and direct marketing channels. Fans receive the PIXL on entry and engage via simple SMS conversations; Hurdl’s system groups fans based on answers and converts passive audiences into interactive light shows while producing actionable marketing leads. The company has completed activations at major events (including deadmau5 shows, the 50th CMA Awards, and Jack Daniel's Music City Midnight) and reports strong activation metrics: 66% of a deadmau5 audience generated up to 24% new click-throughs to links sent via SMS, nine out of 10 attendees answered five or more questions, and retargeting against Hurdl’s data produced a 364% increase in conversions versus traditional social targeting. Hurdl closed a $2.5 million seed round and completed the Techstars Music accelerator; proceeds are earmarked for further development of its SaaS tool. Co-founder and CEO Betsy McHugh leads the company alongside co-founder and CTO Zach Shunk, and Hurdl has added industry advisors including Baz Halpin and investor/advisor Ezra Kucharz. The company, which launched in November 2016, plans product and PIXL evolution to service more clients across professional sports, music festivals, cruise ships, casinos, and other live-event venues. HURDL Enterprises is a Nashville startup that makes the PIXL, an LED wristband wearable distributed to concertgoers to enable direct marketing and interactive show elements. Attendees activate the PIXL by texting a code, allowing artists to capture cell phone information and send pre-, during- and post-event messages, discounts and lighting prompts controlled via a DMX-linked 900MHz interface. The hardware contains two RGB LEDs and watch batteries; devices attach to wristbands and are recycled at venues to lower costs. HURDL monetizes through wearable sales, a 15% cut of merchandise transactions driven by its messaging, and by selling aggregated user data with subscriptions starting at $2,500. The company has tested PIXL at events from live Disney shows to a New Kids on the Block reunion and unveiled the device at the CMAs, reporting activation rates of 85–90%. So far HURDL has raised over $1 million from angel investors and is seeking an additional $750,000 to continue rolling out the product.

Total raised

$3M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Jun 2017