Broadly closes $10 million Series B round to boost product development, accelerate hiring and empower local businesses

Broadly, a startup that helps small businesses connect with modern consumers, has raised a $10 million Series B round to refine and expand new communications tools that enable local businesses to better connect with mobile-first consumers, who prefer real-time, responsive communications via text, email, and phone. The latest round was co-led by original investor Foundry Group and new partner Calibrate Ventures with participation from repeat investor, Team Builder Ventures.

The funding round reflects the demand for cloud-based communication tools that empower local businesses to connect with consumers. The new communications tools also mark an evolution in Broadly’s product suite, which began with helping local businesses gather social proof of their credibility through authentic online reviews on popular consumer review sites. The company also intends to hire a number of product and technical roles over the remainder of the year and into 2019.

The Oakland, California-based Broadly was founded in 2013 by engineers, Josh Melick and Assaf Arkin, while living in Oakland. After years of watching his father’s roofing business struggle to find an effective, simple and affordable solution to market itself, Josh recognized a need in the local business community. The duo set out to find an impactful way for businesses to engage with today’s consumers. Broadly is a mobile-first communications platform enabling local businesses to engage with customers at every stage of their journey. Thousands of business owners, managers, and team members depend on Broadly every day to run their businesses from anywhere, in real time.

“Consumers today expect the convenience and speed of Amazon, but also want to support the local businesses that are part of their own communities,” said Josh Melick, CEO and Co-founder of Broadly. “But most local business owners simply haven’t had the time and opportunity to integrate the tools that would fuel that responsive communication.

We’re developing web chat, mobile apps, and other tools that painters, roofers, pool and spa repair experts, veterinarians, and other local businesses can use to win business and connect with their customers.”

“Small businesses keep the American economic engine accelerating,” said Seth Levine, partner at Foundry Group. “To stay relevant and expand their revenue, local business leaders need simple, easy-to-use software that help them meet customers where they are: online, on mobile. Broadly’s ability to understand this often analog audience, and their actionable product roadmap, made it easy to see their vision translating to reality.”

“It’s easy to dismiss the SMB market as too broad,” said Kevin Dunlap, partner and founder of Calibrate Ventures. “But just like their big company counterparts, great local businesses embrace great tools that enable seamless operation and communication. Broadly is capable of delivering that innovation.”

In addition to this new investment, Broadly also earned the #107 spot on the 2018 Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in America. “We’re thrilled to make the Inc 500 list,” said Melick. “The small business market is one of tremendous range and diversity – and making 107 on the list is validation that others see it the way we do: filled with untapped potential.”