Network performance mapping company OpenSignal has raised $4m in Series A funding to expand their team and explore new types of sensor networks.
The London-based startup crowdsources data from users’ phones to build maps of network coverage so that consumers can make an educated decision when deciding on mobile contracts.
The investment has been led by telecoms company Qualcomm with whom OpenSignal have worked with over the past few years. O’Reilly AlphaTech Ventures and Passion Capital also participated in the round.
Growing the network
OpenSignal’s main goal is to increase transparency between consumers and the mobile industry.
Their network which shows exactly which areas have the best signal from various providers is also used by mobile operators so they can improve their service to users.
The app, initially on Android and now on iOS, has been downloaded over 9 million times.
They will be adding a number of staff, mainly in data science and marketing, to the current team of twelve.
Weather and beyond
Since their launch, the London startup has built on their inital idea and has launched WeatherSignal.
The new app uses sensors on Android phones such as barometers, hygrometers, thermometers, magnetometers and lux-meters to create real-time weather maps.
A blog post on the company’s website explains that they are excited to develop new ideas as the mobile technology develops with them. This will include air quality, radiation and 3D vision sensors.