Jukebox App Roqbot Raises $1.2 Million From Google, Detroit Ventures [CEO INTERVIEW]

Roqbot, a startup creating social jukebox apps for bars, restaurants and retail has closed a seed round of $1.2 million led by Google Ventures and Detroit Venture Partners. There was also participation from Accelerator Ventures, T5 Capital and Penny Black. Detroit based Roqbot had been named Best Music Tech Company at SXSW 2011 Accelerator contest.

An Interview With Roqbot CEO Garrett Dodge

Patrons at Roqbot locations use an iPhone or Android app to check in, learn what's playing, request a song and receive messages like specials at the venue. A new Roqbot Mix Machine playlist adjusts dynamically to both venue and customer preferences.

Just prior to today's announcement Roqbot CEO Garret Dodge answered a few questions.

HYEPBOT:  Do you have any specific plans for the new funds?

GARRETT: With the funding we plan to grow our sales and marketing efforts.  We've spent the last two years building and refining the platform.  Now we're ready to expose our brand to many more businesses.  We'll also have some new product announcements and partnerships in the coming months. 

Our goal is to make a services that offers all the customization and control a business needs while being as easy to use as the best consumer music services.  Additionally, there is a huge opportunity to drive engagement and music discovery among the tens of millions of consumers that are exposed to background music every day.

HYPEBOT: What is the typical per play charge?

DODGE:  We do not really have a "typical" per play charge.  Unlike traditional jukeboxes we serve a very wide range of venue types from barbers, to school student centers, retail stores, gyms, and bars.  In the majority of our venues it is free to request a song.  Our focus is on driving customer engagement through music and not replicating a jukebox model.  We're much more of a social background music service. 

HYPEBOT: Why the emphasis on connecting your app to tv screens in the venue? 

DODGE: The in-venue displays are an important part of our offering.  The Roqbot channel drives customer awareness and gives business owners a new digital sign.  Our businesses often use this space to promote their food & beverage specials, workout classes, or latest sale.

HYPEBOT: Is the venue repsonsible for ASCAP/BMI?

DODGE: Like most business music services, the ASCAP, BMI, & SESAC fees are built in to our monthly charge.