Shorthand Raises $8M for No-Code Publishing Platform

Shorthand Secures $10 Million AUD in Funding

Shorthand, an Australian startup specializing in a no-code platform for multimedia storytelling, has successfully raised $10 million Australian dollars – equivalent to approximately $8 million U.S. – through investment from Fortitude Investment Partners.

First Institutional Funding Round

According to CEO Ricky Robinson, communicated via email, this marks Shorthand’s inaugural institutional funding round. Notably, the company has maintained profitability over the preceding two years.

Organic Growth and Future Expansion

Robinson explained that Shorthand’s growth has been driven by an inbound, organic model. This leverages the compelling content created by its users to attract new leads.

The newly acquired funding will be allocated to scaling other marketing channels, which have already shown promising results. Significant investment will also be directed towards ongoing product development, ensuring Shorthand remains a leader in web-based storytelling innovation.

Notable Clients

Shorthand’s client base includes prominent organizations such as the BBC, Dow Jones, the University of Cambridge, Nature, Manchester City FC, and Peloton.

As an example, BBC News utilized Shorthand to develop an interactive story focused on the search for dinosaur fossils.

The Power of Scrollytelling

The Shorthand website emphasizes the benefits of “scrollytelling,” a technique where scrolling through a story activates visual transitions and effects.

Robinson highlights that this approach fosters interactivity and engagement without requiring audiences to learn new interaction methods.

Designed for Editors and Writers

Shorthand provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface for incorporating text, media, and effects, as demonstrated in the demo video.

Unlike platforms like Webflow and Ceros, Shorthand is specifically designed for use by editors and writers, not designers.

Focus on Story Design

While Shorthand supports themes and templates, Robinson stresses the importance of providing flexibility without overwhelming writers with complex web design tasks.

“The primary focus should be on story design, rather than web design,” he stated. “This distinction is what truly differentiates Shorthand and enables our customers to consistently produce engaging, award-winning content.”