Outbound Engine has launched and announced that it has closed a $1.6 million first round of venture capital funding.
The Austin-based startup has created a platform for independent professionals to send automated, customized email and social media services to customers.
Outbound Engine’s investors include Floodgate, Austin Ventures, Silverton Partners and Capital Factory.
OutboundEngine plans to use its funds to invest in technology and expand into select markets in 2013.
“Small businesses want to look awesome to their clients any way they can, including the opportunity to harness digital innovations in marketing automation and social networking,” Mike Maples Jr., managing partner at Floodgate, said in a news release. “Outbound Engine provides a breakthrough approach for people who want to amplify their client relationships without requiring them to become IT experts. We think they are a great example of the trend toward empowering small business with powerful digital capabilities without requiring them to build IT departments.”
The company, originally founded in 2010 as Promo Labs, now focuses on software as a solution products for independent professionals who manage small-to-medium-sized businesses.