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East London music technology company raises £18.6m in Series B funding

Music technology firm ROLI has announced the closure of a $27m (approx. £18.6m) Series B funding round.

The East London tech firm, famous for its innovative Seaboard RISE keyboard, is hoping to use the cash to accelerate its growth and expand into new markets, including North America and Europe.

Investors who joined the funding round include London-based BGF Ventures, San Francisco-based Founders Fund, as well as all the firm’s who backed ROLI in their $12.8m (approx. £8.8m) Series A funding round, which included Balderton Capital, FirstMark Capital, Index Ventures, Horizons Ventures, and Universal Music Group.

ROLI, who are based in Dalston, have garnered impressive column inches thanks to their Seaboard RISE keyboard which they launched in September 2015.

Featuring a silicon, touch-responsive surface, the reimagined keyboard allows musicians to manipulate sound using five dimensions of touch, and is now stocked in over 200 retailers in 15 countries.

Roland Lamb, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ROLI, said: “Music is a source of joy, and we want to make music creation more connected and accessible for everyone. The success of the Seaboard has shown that people want musical devices that are elegant, advanced and open to all — and as easy to use as a smartphone or tablet.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with some of the world’s most experienced investors as we revolutionize how people express themselves through music. And as we continue this journey, we are looking for everyone — from coders and makers to composers and musicians — to join the ROLI team as we change the shape of music.”

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