Qsic, the intelligent in-store audio platform redefining the retail experience, has announced the successful close of a $25 million Series B funding round led by Hedosophia. The funding will be used to accelerate the platform’s AI-driven capabilities, expand into new retail locations, and enhance its ability to boost in-store sales while unlocking new revenue streams for retailers.
With over 100 million shoppers reached monthly at the point of purchase, Qsic’s cutting-edge platform powers audio and retail media networks for industry giants such as 7-Eleven, McDonald’s, and Coles Express. The company’s proprietary AI-powered tools enable retailers to create dynamic, engaging audio content tailored to local conditions, helping brands connect with customers in meaningful ways.
Driving Innovation with AI-Driven Audio Solutions
Qsic’s generative AI model, Lucy, is a game-changer in retail audio advertising. Lucy leverages retailer data to dynamically generate localized audio ads that incorporate details like inventory, local pricing, and even weather conditions. By ensuring ads are relevant and engaging, retailers using Qsic have reported an average sales lift of up to 14%. Lucy also sets a new standard in retail media by automatically adjusting audio volume to ambient noise levels, ensuring clarity and impact, and timestamping ads to validate in-store compliance.
“Retailers that have deployed our tech are seeing transformative results,” said Matt Elsley, Co-Founder and CEO of Qsic. “This funding allows us to expand our network, enhance our AI capabilities, and help retailers globally achieve measurable outcomes through in-store media.”
Breaking Barriers in Retail Media
Despite the explosive growth of retail media online, approximately 85% of shopping still happens in physical stores. However, in-store retail media adoption has been hindered by high costs, scalability issues, and measurement challenges. Qsic addresses these barriers by offering an end-to-end solution that includes everything from music curation and custom audio ads to advanced analytics and automated campaign management tools.
Qsic’s recent partnership with 7-Eleven highlights its rapid growth trajectory. The rollout of Gulp Radio has already been completed across 5,000 stores in the U.S., with plans to expand to 12,000 locations by the end of 2025. This expansion includes 7-Eleven®, Speedway®, and Stripes® stores nationwide. Once fully deployed, Gulp Radio will rank among North America’s largest commercial radio networks, reaching 13 million daily shoppers and offering unparalleled opportunities for advertisers.
A Global Vision for Retail Media
Founded in 2012 by Matt Elsley and Nick Larkins, Qsic began as Australia’s first commercial music streaming platform. Today, the company powers audio networks for over 10,000 locations across North America and APAC, influencing 100+ million shoppers monthly. Its proprietary HQ platform enables real-time campaign performance insights and supports seamless management of retail audio networks, including intelligent volume adjustments and playlist scheduling.
“Our mission is to elevate the in-store experience while driving incremental revenue for retailers and brands,” said Nick Larkins, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer. “With AI-driven innovation, we’re creating a future where in-store audio is not just background noise but a powerful tool for engagement and growth.”
Building a Better Retail Experience
Qsic’s commitment to innovation extends beyond its technology. The company’s values—honesty, problem-solving, continuous learning, and teamwork—are the foundation of its culture. Its team of designers, problem solvers, and media creators is dedicated to bringing dynamic, data-driven in-store experiences to life.
As Qsic continues to expand its footprint, it is poised to lead the next wave of retail media innovation, helping brands and retailers connect with their audiences like never before.
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