By Tim Ryan
In a remarkable milestone for the Hampton Roads innovation ecosystem, Magazine Jukebox, Inc., headquartered in Hampton Roads, Virginia, has successfully closed its seed round, raising an impressive $2.7 million. This significant achievement underscores the company’s rapid growth and the widespread confidence in its innovative digital entertainment platform.
Magazine Jukebox, Inc., founded in August 2020 by the dynamic duo Scott and Lauren Janney, has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Initially conceptualized as a coffee shop with a magazine wall, the idea pivoted into a revolutionary digital entertainment solution during the pandemic. Today, Magazine Jukebox offers a unique platform that provides digital magazines, games, and trivia to enhance customer experiences in commercial spaces without the need for app downloads or personal information.
The closing of this seed round, bolstered by angel and institutional investors, marks a pivotal moment for the company. With six dedicated full-time employees, Magazine Jukebox has been focused on sustainable growth since it launched its services in January 2022. The platform is now available in over 5000 locations across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Philippines, offering an eco-friendly and germ-free entertainment option that improves customer experiences by reducing perceived wait times.
Scott T. Janney, CEO and Co-founder, expressed his gratitude and excitement, stating, “We are grateful for all of our investors, especially our early investors who had faith in our business strategy and funded the building of Magazine Jukebox from a vision sketched on a napkin to a digital entertainment company with customers across the globe. We are focused on expanding the company by adding new markets and entertainment services, which we believe will increase the company’s revenue and brand awareness.”
David Prendergast, a board member and investor and the former Eastern Region President of Allstate Inc., shared his enthusiasm, noting, “I invested in Magazine Jukebox not only because it is a fantastic concept that addresses very real customer experience issues but because Lauren and Scott Janney have a vision that they are pursuing relentlessly. They are hardworking, focused, and passionate about the product that they have developed.”
This infusion of capital positions Magazine Jukebox to scale its operations significantly, reaching new markets and introducing additional entertainment services. The company’s unique model, where businesses pay for the digital subscription, allowing customers to access the content for free, has proven to be a win-win for improving customer satisfaction and engagement.
Magazine Jukebox’s success is a testament to the innovative spirit thriving in Hampton Roads. As they continue to grow and innovate, they exemplify the region’s potential to foster groundbreaking solutions with a global impact. For more information about Magazine Jukebox and its services, visit magazinejukebox.com.
By highlighting Magazine Jukebox’s achievements, we celebrate their success and the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hampton Roads, poised to drive innovation and economic growth for years to come. Congratulations Team Magazine Jukebox!
