US-based driver entertainment provider DriveTime has received $11m in series A funding from investors including e-commerce firm Amazon’s Alexa Fund and internet technology provider Google’s Assistant Investments Program.
Interactive entertainment-focused venture capital vehicle Makers Fund led the round, which also featured Fuel Capital, Webb Investment Network and Access Ventures.
Founded in 2018, DriveTime has created a mobile app that provides interactive audio entertainment for drivers and passengers. It offers voice-based games, the newest of which is a tie-in with television quiz show Jeopardy.
Paul Bernard, director of Alexa Fund, which invests in startups developing technology compatible with Alexa voice recognition systems, said: “Gaming and entertainment are among customers’ favourite use cases for Alexa, and we think those categories will only grow in popularity as Alexa is integrated into more vehicles.
“Drivetime stands out for its focus on voice-first games in the car, and we are excited to work with them to broaden the Alexa Auto experience and help customers make the most of their time behind the wheel.”
Webb Investment Network, Fuel Capital and Access Ventures had already backed DriveTime’s $4m seed round in November 2018 with over-the-top media company The Chernin Group, Felicis Ventures, Steadfast Venture Capital, Sinai VC, Canaan Partners, Founders Fund and Index Ventures.
