More cash is flowing in for social TV apps. Stealthy company Umami has raised $1.65 million in seed funding from Battery Ventures, NEA and other angels for the companion, social TV platform.
While details about Umami are limited, we know the startup’s free iPad app is currently in closed beta with TV networks and is set to launch with the Fall 2011 television season. Similar to apps like Miso and GetGlue, Umami provides TV viewers with a second screen experience to television content. Umami adds additional contextual content around the programs viewers are watching, and also offers a platform for networks to engage with consumers.
Umami was founded by Rovi’s former VP of Advanced Advertising Scott Rosenberg and Bryan Slavin, who has held technology and product roles at Lightningcast (acquired by AOL), Leap Wireless, and Broadsoft. At Lightningcast, he helped launch broadband video advertising products and solutions with TV networks and built the the startup’s online video ad network.
The startup faces competition from GetGlue, Miso, TV Tune-In and others.