Trover Launches Mobile Discovery Network to Connect People with Remarkable Places and Things

SEATTLE, July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Trover LLC, a start-up company created for explorers worldwide, today formally launched Trover, a mobile discovery network where people share location-specific discoveries of remarkable places and things in a fun, visual way. Founded by experienced social, mobile and travel industry entrepreneurs, Trover's founding team includes: Jason Karas, CEO, who founded Carbonrally.com; Andrew Coldham, vice president of technology who directed software development at Expedia.com's corporate travel division and Rich Barton, chairman, who founded Expedia.com and co-founded Zillow.  

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During a limited spring trial, open to Facebook members only, the Trover community attracted more than 70,000 users in 150 countries. To set the stage for significant expansion, the company has now opened its network to Twitter and email users as well. Trover is available today as a free iPhone app in the Apple iTunes Store, with an Android version planned for fall. Non-mobile users can view Trover content at trover.com.

Sharing Discoveries

"Trovers are passionate about sharing the unique things they uncover while exploring their cities or far away places," said CEO Jason Karas.  "People find fulfillment in introducing something remarkable to another person. That, in turn, creates a social resource that's fun, entertaining and ultimately very useful. Whether it's a favorite boutique, a great bartender, a hidden piece of graffiti or a secret path to a deserted beach, with Trover in your pocket it's easy to find and share amazing discoveries."

Trover's defining feature is its location-based discovery mosaic, which allows explorers to visually browse through an eye-catching collection of thumbnail images featuring places to see and things to do nearby. As the user scrolls, a mileage indicator guides them to hidden gems located in nearby neighborhoods, towns, states and beyond, allowing users to explore new places or plan activities. To view a specific location, simply push the Jump To button for a virtual adventure.  Trover's search features also make it easy to find and follow people with common interests.

Adding new discoveries is simple and encouraged. Just snap a picture, create a quick description and Trover automatically tags it with location data and positions it where others can easily find it later. The Feed button provides an entertaining way to track the discoveries and adventures of friends and fellow explorers, and a Featured button showcases one great discovery from the community each day.

"I've always dreamed of having a personal guide to the world with me at all times, full of recommendations from my friends on where to go and what to see," said Rich Barton, chairman of Trover.  "Likewise, I have a strong urge to capture my own discoveries, so when my friends and followers come by in the future I can steer them to the good stuff.  This is why we built Trover."

Founding Trover

Trover was born as an idea among the management team at TravelPost, a community for travel enthusiasts that will continue to serve members worldwide. On April 1, Trover LLC was created as a new company wholly owned by TravelPost, with an investment earmarked from the $9.8 million Series A funds TravelPost received in March 2010. Investors include General Catalyst Partners, Ignition Partners and Benchmark Capital, each of which plays an active role in Trover's development.

About Trover

Founded in April 2011, Trover is a mobile discovery network designed to allow people to share location-specific discoveries of remarkable places and things in a fun, visual way. Its community of explorers worldwide is building a unique resource of amazing discoveries that's fun, entertaining and over time will grow increasingly useful. Trover is a private company funded by General Catalyst Partners, Ignition Partners and Benchmark Capital with offices located in Seattle, WA. For more information, visit www.trover.com.

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SOURCE Trover