uZoom is raising more cash as it builds out its 1-to-1 live video streaming platform and expands into e-commerce.
The Seattle startup has reeled in an additional $1.5 million from Broadmark Capital and angel investors.
uZoom, which raised a $560,000 seed round last year, launched this past June with its marketplace for live streaming video, connecting people who want to see something in the world with those on the ground that are actually there.
For example, during last year’s Summer Olympics, uZoom provided a way for people to use their smartphones to live-stream from a bevy of locations — swimming competitions, late night festivities, beaches, etc. — and give viewers from around the world an alternate method to see what was going on in Brazil.
The idea is that people will pay a nominal fee to see something streamed live by a “Zoomer,” with uZoom providing the platform to make it happen.
“Whether you’re curious about what it’s like to go out to dinner in Japan or you’d like a first-hand look at an elk hunt in Montana, uZoom is a platform full of new experiences and opportunities through live streaming,” the site reads.
Some of the top categories on uZoom include “street tours,” “neighborhood advice,” “current events,” “local sports,” and more.
Originally founded by digital media vet Martin Rincon, uZoom tapped Dean Graziano as its CEO last year. This past November, Graziano stepped down and was replaced by digital media veteran John Kueber, who was previously at Jrrny.com.
Kueber told GeekWire that uZoom continues to raise more money that will be used to fund its consumer platform as well as “another initiative related to shopping/e-commerce that will be announced in the coming weeks.”
Here’s a shopping-related video the company recently posted that may signal what’s in store:
uZoom employs eight people and has raised $2 million to date.
