DoubleDutch Receives $19M in Series D Funding

August 24, 2014
 
 
Mobile event app developer DoubleDutch announced the close of $19 million in Series D funding led by Mithril Capital Management. Previous investors Bessemer Venture Partners, Index Ventures and Bullpen Capital also participated, along with Singapore-based Enspire Capital. Ajay Royan, co-founder and managing general partner of Mithril, joins the DoubleDutch board.
 
In a press release announcing the funding, Lawrence Coburn, CEO of DoubleDutch is quoted as saying, “More than three years into our journey, we continue to see signs that the market for data driven event technology is massive, underserved, and ripe for a winner-take-all outcome." Coburn added "in Mithril, we have found a partner that matches our ambition and outlook. Our mutual goal is to build a durable, independent company that redefines the category."
 
DoubleDutch plans to use the $19 million in funding to expand its global presence, build out its technical teams to rapidly scale product deployment, and deliver new features to organizers.
 
Jennifer Hawkins, director of marketing for DoubleDutch, said they are hiring in all areas including engineering, sales and data science. “Company culture is very important to us at DoubleDutch. As we continue to expand - growing overseas as well as domestically - finding people who are passionate about our software and the problems we are tackling is crucial, said Hawkins. 
 
DoubleDutch is looking to apply a chunk of this funding to the data side of the app. Hawkins wants event organizers to get the same realtime benefits and insights from their app data that marketers get from digital marketing such as AdWords. The ability to see what aspects of the event are working and what is not, which all comes back to the attendee experience. 
 
The attendee experience is at the core of their product, and DoubleDutch intends to focus a large majority of their efforts into identifying and building ways to increase engagement and enhance overall attendee satisfaction.
 
Ajay Royan, Co-founder and Managing General Partner of Mithril is quoted as saying, "While legacy event companies focus on registration or logistics, DoubleDutch's platform uniquely preserves relationships that foster powerful, sustainable, long-term advantages. They are already working with some of the largest event organizers around the world, and this new investment will allow DoubleDutch to focus on identifying and pursuing enormous new opportunities."
 
What does the future of mobile event apps look like to DoubleDutch? In addition to the increase in demand for data, Hawkins said, “We believe that mobile, social functionality is going to dramatically improve the way people attend live events, not to mention how marketers execute, measure, and optimize them. The overarching goal is to produce mobile technology designed to maximize engagement, gather structured analytics, and unlock valuable insight in the same way that marketing automation and website analytics have done for the digital sphere.”
 
DoubleDutch is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in Amsterdam, London, and Hong Kong to serve EMEA and Asia. The new funding will help them expand in those regions, particularly in Asia where local expertise is a top priority. They plan to continue to expand the company and services into new regions.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.