Earshot raises $1.7M to help brands discover more fans on social media

Chicago-based social CRM startup Earshot has closed $1.7 million Seed funding round. The company offers a location-based social media and intelligence platform that aims to help brands proactively discover and engage with new prospects that are in proximity of a specific retail location. Investors in the round are Mohr Davidow Ventures, TriplePoint Ventures, Birchmere Ventures, Serra Ventures, Point B Capital and Centerboard Group.

Earshot says its technology combines real-time location data, profile details of a specific user, and filters to inform clients which posts to engage to optimize chances of conversion. It was founded in 2012 by CEO David Rush and Erik Brown.