AZ tech startup expanding in-car entertainment platform on Lyft, Uber vehicles

PHOENIX - Aug. 6, 2018 - PRLog -- Today Surf, a Phoenix-based startup that adds entertainment tablets to rideshare vehicles, launched Surf Local, a new feature to help local businesses get discovered.

Surf is a media distribution platform that places tablets in rideshare vehicles for the entertainment of passengers and the promotion of businesses and brands. Surf Local features a business directory that will integrate with the high-quality, curated content, entertaining videos, movie trailers, music and games already found on Surf tablets. In addition to having a featured profile in the business directory, local businesses will have the opportunity to create video campaigns and brand experiences to gain exposure.

Surf seeks to revolutionize the digital advertising and entertainment space by bringing choice back to the hands of media consumers in the place where they are spending an increasing amount of time: in rideshare vehicles. In March of this year, Recode reported that rideshare apps book over 15 million rides each month among 75 million active monthly users.

"Not all small businesses can afford traditional advertising methods," said Eli Chmouni, Surf Founder and CEO. "Those businesses that normally couldn't afford billboards now have access to digital billboards in front of millions of engaged passengers. Surf Local will bridge the gap between low distraction, high engagement advertising and affordability."

Surf Local is not only affordable, but it allows businesses to track the real results and impact of their advertisements. Businesses will receive detailed metrics on ad performance and advanced targeting options based on location and time of day. Chmouni hopes that this will combat the frustration that many small businesses feel with their current advertising options.

"Small businesses, including restaurants and the service industry, currently spend more than $500 per month on mailers and print ads that end up in the trash before anyone sees them," said Chmouni. "With Surf, businesses only pay less than a dime per impression."

Surf Local will be available on tablets in Phoenix and Los Angeles. Phoenix companies including Second Nature Clinic, Experience Scottsdale and Arizona State University have already taken advantage of the new platform. Surf plans to expand to several cities in Texas, including Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio later this year. This expansion comes as Surf continues to grow its team, recently announcing the appointment of Scott Kelly of Black Dog Venture Partners as a business consultant.

Connect with Surf: Website  |  Facebook |  Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ridewithsurf/)  |  LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridewithsurf/)