Long-suffering computer users frustrated by shoddy tech support have a friend in CrossLoop Inc. Actually, more than 11,000 friends.
CrossLoop has developed screen-sharing software that lets its network of "helpers" remotely tap into an individual's computer to provide support. The company on Monday announced it has raised $6 million in Series B financing The round was led by Venrock, the venture capital firm started by the Rockefeller family. El Dorado Ventures, which led the company's $3 million Series A financing round last December, also participated. CrossLoop said it will use the funds to for product development and for sales and marketing.
"We're creating a help marketplace that we think is innovative, novel and fills an important role," says Lisa Alderson, CEO of CrossLoop. "Now anytime in the day or night around the world you can get help for your computer."
Tom Peterson, general partner with El Dorado Ventures, says CrossLoop provides a low-cost model for online help. "It's not cost-competitive for a single online computer support provider to hire the experts necessary to solve the majority of problems that consumers encounter daily," he says. "However, by being the company that matches those seeking solutions to their problems with the experts and tools capable of fixing them, CrossLoop can provide the largest solution set in the market with competitive pricing guaranteed by built-in market forces. -- David Shabelman
