Livio Radio adds 3 jobs, more automotive work

Livio is leveraging its growth by connecting its signature Internet radio technology with your car.

The Ferndale-based tech firm is pressing forward with its Livio Connect, a software package that allows users to channel their favorite Internet radio stations through their cars. Livio Connect's technology allows the Internet radio controls to "show up on the dashboard" of the car, according to Livio founder & CEO Jake Sigal.

"It lets us produce software which is nice because it's a faster turnaround than the hardware business," Sigal says. "It also lets us work with auto companies and expand into licensing."

Sigal started Livio, it was Livio Radio until a few months ago, by making Internet radios so people could listen to websites like Pandora without draining their computer battery. It has steadily expanded its product lineup to include Internet radios. Western Technology Investment (a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm) invested in Livio last year along with Beringea, the largest VC in Michigan.

That has allowed the 4-year-old firm to hit a growth spike as of late. It has hired three people in the last year, leaving it with a staff of 12 employees and three independent contractors. It is looking to hire a couple of software engineers right now.

"We are looking to bring on more passionate people who are into tech and cars," Sigal says.

Source: Jake Sigal, founder & CEO of Livio Radio
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.