Australian technology platform ECAL has launched its US headquarters in New York, signalling the first major step in its plans to expand the business globally.

ECAL is an event-driven communications platform; the company recently re-signed lead client Major League Soccer (MLS) on a multi-year deal, complementing a growing US-based client roster that includes NFL teams the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins, NBA’s Boston Celtics, and Duke University athletics, as well as local entities in the AFL, NRL, Football Federation Australia, Cricket Australia, Australian Rugby Union and Formula One Australian Grand Prix.

ECAL, which recently closed a $2 million ‘Series A’ funding round from Melbourne-based Oxygen Ventures, also announced the appointment of John Lambrides as the Vice President of ECAL Americas.

Lambrides is an experienced business development executive with a track record for delivering revenues and establishing relationships with top-flight companies. He will be the point person for ECAL in the US, overseeing the company’s push into new markets such as financial services, retail and media.

Rich Event Content

ECAL delivers rich event content from sporting events to concerts to business appointments directly into any personal calendar on mobile, desktop or social. Over half a million people rely on ECAL-based communication to stay connected to the teams, people, brands and organizations they care about.

According to Patrick Barrett, founder and CEO of ECAL, the personal electronic calendar is “the last untapped marketing channel” available to brands.

“Marketers are getting shut out as consumers choose to bypass them on email, advertising and even social media,” said Barrett.

“We’ve found a way to reach them on new ground—their calendars — and it’s become valuable marketing real estate.

“We work with well-recognised US-based sports and entertainment brands including most of the major sporting leagues; they’re using ECAL to communicate with their fans and customers in ways they never imagined. By opening an office in New York, we’re at the epicentre of companies willing to innovate, including media publishers, sports leagues and the financial industry,” said Barrett.