Detroit-based Tech Startup, Detroit Labs, Develops Chevrolet's 'Chevy Game Time' App

DETROIT, Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Detroit Labs, a new tech company that creates web, iOS, and Android applications for businesses ranging from local startups to Fortune 500 companies, today announced it developed Chevrolet's "Chevy Game Time" app that will be used to give away thousands of prizes during this weekend's big game. The eight-month-old startup used its passion for Detroit, incredible technology talent, and ties to local companies to win the opportunity to build the app.

Chevrolet and its advertising agency, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners (GSP), pursued the idea for a large-scale mobile app that would engage consumers during the game and commercials through trivia, polls and drawings for 20 cars from Chevy and thousands of prizes from other game sponsors. When it came time to select a company to develop the app, GM and GSP chose Detroit Labs because of their experience and connection to Detroit, the city where the companies are located.

"It's been great to work with another Detroit-based company to bring this first-of-its-kind initiative to people across the country," said Joel Ewanick, vice president, Global Marketing, General Motors. "Detroit Labs has an experienced team that helped Chevy bring a great idea to life with the Chevy Game Time app."

GSP and Chevy representatives stopped by Detroit Labs' downtown offices multiple times a week to collaborate on the project. GSP created the look and feel of the app, while Detroit Labs was responsible for the development.

"It was exciting to partner with the talented teams at Goodby and Chevy. Their commitment to this project's success, and to keeping work in Detroit, made the end result possible," said Paul Glomski, CEO and co-founder of Detroit Labs.

GM and GSP also selected another Detroit-based company, ePrize, the largest interactive promotion agency in the world, to handle the instant win prize drawings.

In addition to the Chevy Game Time app, Detroit Labs has completed projects for a wide-range of companies including Caesars Entertainment, Stryker, Quicken Loans, Made in Detroit, and more, and has grown from four to 16 team members in just eight short months.

The company, one of many new tech startups calling downtown Detroit home, received an investment from Detroit Venture Partners (DVP), a venture capital firm that is rebuilding the city through entrepreneurial fire by funding early stage tech companies. Both companies are housed in Detroit's M@dison Building, a creative tech hub that opened in late 2011 and is home to a large assortment of promising local entrepreneurs and their budding projects and companies.

"Company co-founders Paul Glomski, Dan Ward, Henry Balanon and Nathan Hughes could have taken their startup to Silicon Valley, Chicago, or one of many other entrepreneurial hot-spots in the country," said Josh Linkner, CEO and Managing Partner of Detroit Venture Partners. "Instead the four were eager to stay in Detroit so they could do their part to help develop an innovative, tech-focused urban core where people want to live, work and play."

"In any other city we would have been one of thousands of startups just hoping to get noticed," said Ward. "Here, we're helping rebuild downtown and getting noticed by big companies that are also committed to Detroit."

The Chevy Game Time app is available in the Android Market, Apple's App Store and at chevy.com/gametime. For more information about Detroit Labs, visit detroitlabs.com.

About Detroit Labs:
Detroit Labs is a Detroit-based technology launch pad, specializing in the creation of iPhone, iPad, Android and Web applications. Born out of entrepreneurial spirit, and forged in the heart of Detroit, they are part of the technology boom driving the city's rebirth. Since its launch in the Spring of 2011, the company has completed projects for several large companies, including General Motors' Chevrolet, Quicken Loans, and Caesars Entertainment. The company is currently working on various augmented reality technologies, providing a new level of virtual realism to mobile devices. Detroit Labs also recently released its first iPad game - titled Finger Treadmill - which is currently available in the App Store. To learn more about Detroit Labs, visit detroitlabs.com.

About Detroit Venture Partners:
Detroit Venture Partners (www.detroitventurepartners.com) is a venture capital firm that invests in seed and early-stage technology companies with a strong emphasis on Detroit-based startups.  In addition to capital, the company provides hands-on coaching, mentorship, support, and resources to help drive growth and success.  The firm was founded in 2010 by Josh Linkner, Dan Gilbert and Brian Hermelin and joined in 2011 by Earvin "Magic" Johnson as its fourth partner. By backing the next generation of Detroit entrepreneurs, DVP aims to create jobs, urban density, and hope.

SOURCE Detroit Labs