Visitor engagement platform Smartify has raised £1.5m to bring new technologies to the arts and culture sector.
The funding will also be used to continue expanding the firm’s international presence.
The London-based company’s app and digital platform partners with arts and cultural institutions worldwide in an attempt to enhance visitors’ experiences with audio and visual guides.
The round was led by Metavallon VC, with participation from Pembroke VCT and advice from Mountside Ventures.
Smartify says that the investment will facilitate new collaborations and ensure that everyone can engage with arts and culture in a meaningful way.
“This funding follows a truly remarkable year for Smartify, and is a significant vote of confidence in our work to make arts and culture more accessible and more enjoyable,” said Thanos Kokkiniotis, CEO of Smartify.
“We’re delighted to have the support of Metavallon VC, Pembroke VCT and Mountside Ventures, as we expand our reach and transform the visitor experience at even more venues worldwide.”
Founded in 2015, Smartify now partners with over 700 organisations worldwide, including the National Gallery, the Acropolis Museum and the Tower of London.
Usage of Smartify’s iOS, Android and web apps grew 68% year-on-year over the past 12 months.
More than 2m active users played more than 14.3m audio tour tracks and explored 1.7m objects.
George Karantonis, partner at Metavallon VC, added: “Smartify already boasts an impressive clientele that includes some of the world’s leading museums.
“We are confident they will continue their international expansion, but in addition to this, our vision is to see Smartify become the app of choice for travellers to search, select, and consume cultural content.
“We strongly believe the team has both the capability and the plan to achieve this ambitious goal.”