• NewsUp

  Led · Seed · Jul 2015

  NewsUp operates a current-events quiz platform that tests users on topics ranging from international affairs to pop culture. The site recently unveiled a redesign and added a points system so players can track how they rank. The company is preparing iOS and Android apps and plans to expand its team in the coming months. NewsUp launched in 2012 and is based out of the Emerging Technology Centers' Highlandtown campus. CEO Andrew Schuster said the mobile apps will provide a 'world-class news experience.' Financially, the company has been raising seed capital: it closed a $500,000 equity round led by the McLane Group and had previously closed a separate $500,000 round in the fall. NewsUp is a mobile application that delivers articles tailored to users’ interests and learns which topics matter to readers. The app awards points for reading articles, sharing content, and answering news-related trivia; points are redeemable for real prizes such as an iPad or discounts at local restaurants. The team plans a public beta late this year or in early 2013 and has demoed the product at events (taking third place at Life 3.0). NewsUp was built by founder Andrew Schuster with cofounder Jason Schuster and director of marketing Coleman Anderson, and includes advisors from industry such as Chris Brandenburg and Dave Pessah. Financially, the company received $25,000 from the Baltimore accelerator AccelerateBaltimore and otherwise funds development out of pocket by the founder and four team members. The company has been housed within the Emerging Technology Center in Canton as part of AccelerateBaltimore’s first class.

No current team members are available.