Telescope Completes Management Buyout

Audience participation technologies have been used by 'American Idol,' VH1, MTV, MSNBC, BBC, CBS and others

By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/11/2012 6:11:22 PM

Telescope Inc., a provider of audience participation, mobile and social media technologies, has announced the completion of a management-led buyout.

The buyout was led by Telescope CEO Jason George, in partnership with H.I.G. Growth Partners and Moorgate Capital Partners. The funds did not disclose the size of their investment, which Telescope plans to use to expand its offerings and client base.

Telescope's technologies have been used on American Idol, and their platform is now widely used for TV and mass media live events involving such clients as VH1, MTV, MSNBC, BBC, CBS, Red Bull, Macy's and Nascar.

Recently, the company worked with Telemundo's social TV coverage of the 2012 presidential election. So far this year, its platform was responsible for over 1.5 billion audience interactions, the company reports.

"Our media and advertising clients know that an engaged consumer is a loyal consumer, and are increasingly aware of the need to build a one-to-one relationship with their fan base through connected devices and social media," said George. "With the backing of H.I.G. and Moorgate, Telescope will continue to innovate across multiple devices and platforms, pioneering the next generation of audience engagement. By leveraging the opportunity to connect in a more targeted and personal way, we can deliver more immersive experiences for our clients and their consumers."

As part of the investment, Fred Sturgis and Nik Shah from H.I.G. Growth Partners and John White and Chris Boyle from Moorgate Capital Partners will join Telescope's board of directors.