Tapit raises $2.4m to globally expand its NFC ecosystem
31 December, 2012
category: NFC
Tapit has announced the completion of a $2.4 million Series A round led by MPC Ventures Pty Limited, a subsidiary of Sydney-based Monash Private Capital.
Tapit has developed an NFC ecosystem that simplifies the way people receive content and information when they are on the go. Users simply tap one of the Tapit symbols with their phone and they are allowed instant access to information.
Tapit’s NFC ecosystem does not require an application on the phone and the contactless mode of interaction reduces the need for search, QR and thumb typing.
Tapit encoded NFC chips are positioned in or on physical objects like outdoor advertising kiosks, retail shelves, product packaging, transport timetables, shop windows or tourist information points. With the introduction of an NFC enabled phone, the chips direct the phone to the Tapit cloud-based infrastructure and deliver content, coupons or information via mobile data networks.
The system also measures engagement giving clients detailed reports on the public’s physical interactions with the “tapified” objects.
Funds from the Series A round will be used to continue Tapit’s progress in the area of international NFC marketing. 2012 saw Tapit execute a number of NFC firsts in the outdoor advertising, retail, tourism, small business and events sectors.
Companies that have used the Tapit NFC Ecosystem including Microsoft, Samsung, Vodafone, Telstra, HTC, PHD, Universal McCann, Johnston & Johnston, Unilever, Prudential, Clear Channel, JCDecaux, Coca Cola and Virgin Mobile.
Tapit’s international focus— via Monash Private Capital’s network— will see the company gain a foothold in South Africa, Israel, India and Mexico by 2013. Additionally, Tapit will expand it’s sales and marketing operations giving it a local presence in the U.S., UK, Sweden, Japan, Vietnam, UAE, Singapore and China.