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Rock Builds A Productivity Platform for Distributed Teams

Company secures $1.2 million pre-seed funding to support further product development and market expansion

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Rock, a truly multimodal communication platform that combines both asynchronous and synchronous ways of communicating, today announced a $1.2 million pre-seed round. The round was led by Section 32, a venture capital firm founded by Bill Maris, and with participation from angel investors Manik Gupta (ex-Uber Chief Product Officer), Aadil Mamujee (Head of Product at Automattic/WordPress.com) and Marc Vanlerberghe (ex-Google VP and former CMO of Medallia). The capital will support the company’s global growth ambitions to deliver on its mission – to empower anyone to work from anywhere in times when many companies and individuals make longer-term decisions to shift to a more distributed way of working.

Rock is an intuitive and easy-to-use productivity platform that enables distributed teams to communicate and collaborate more effectively with each other. It integrates messaging, tasks, notes, and platforms such as Zoom and Google Drive into one tool so teamwork becomes more seamless and productive.

“We recognize that remote work is here to stay, and we support Rock’s long term vision to build a productivity platform that simplifies how we work, is accessible to anyone and increases productivity for every individual, project, or team irrespective of where they are,” said Bill Maris,  founder of Section 32 and founder & former CEO of Google Ventures – an early Slack investor.

Rock has created the first truly multimodal communication platform that combines both synchronous and asynchronous ways of communicating to boost productivity for distributed teams. As a result, there is no need to switch between different apps to get work done since all communication and collaboration can happen within Rock. With Rock, cross-organizational work happens more seamlessly as part-timers, freelancers, and other external partners who are now more commonly part of an extended team can have access to the same information as everyone else. 

Rock launched in November 2020, and as the workplace undergoes a major transformation due to an ongoing pandemic, it has experienced accelerated growth and demand for its services. Rock is currently being used by thousands of users and hundreds of teams across 26 countries, from the U.S. to India, through the U.K. and Kenya, serving startups, marketing teams, agencies, non-profits, and organizations that work with external partners.

“The challenges faced by distributed and remote teams today have been significantly accelerated by the ongoing pandemic. People are working longer hours, they have more meetings, and it’s more difficult to disconnect because communication still mostly happens in real-time using platforms, which were never intended to be used by distributed teams,” said Kenzo Fong, CEO and co-founder of Rock.

We believe that communication should be asynchronous by default, and synchronous when needed, allowing anyone to respond at their own pace while saving video calls and real-time conversations for more complex topics. This is why Rock brings both asynchronous and synchronous ways of communicating together. It removes the pressure to respond right away to instant messages and notifications and to always be online. With Rock, you can organize all your projects, keep things simple and keep your team productive.” 

Everyone has been affected by remote work, and Rock has huge potential in rethinking our daily workflow by offering technology that helps us be more productive. With companies shifting towards a distributed workforce my hope is that productivity tools like Rock will also open up new opportunities for people outside of the traditional Silicon Valley innovation hub,” said Manik Gupta, angel investor and ex-Chief Product Officer at Uber.

“As someone who leads a distributed product development team, I’m a believer in the need for reimagined tools that power distributed work. These tools should be more asynchronous, enable transparency and connect previously siloed workstreams. Rock fits the bill and I’m excited about the product vision shown by the team,” said Aadil Mamujee, angel investor and Head of Product at Automattic/WordPress.com – a fully distributed company.

Rock is a distributed-first company with a team spread across 10 countries and 7 time zones. The founding team of Rock consists of Kenzo Fong, CEO and co-founder at Rock  (ex-Google, ex-Android, ex-Uber Executive) and Ming Li, CTO and co-founder at Rock, (ex-Google and Bytedance). Further information at rock.so.

About Rock

Rock enables multimodal collaboration in a remote and distributed world of work. It helps organize and simplify any project across time zones and borders by combining messaging, tasks, files, video calls, and notes in one place. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Rock’s mission is to empower anyone to work from anywhere. Rock is available on the web, iOS and Android. For more information, visit rock.so

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440014/Rock_Logo.jpg

Press contacts

press@rock.so

 

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News Wire

Jameson Connects & Crepdog Crew Celebrate Subcultures with Limited-Edition Capsule

Celebrating community, creativity, and self-expression through a limited-edition drop inspired by India’s most vibrant subcultures.

MUMBAI, India, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jameson Connects joins forces with India’s largest sneaker and streetwear retailer, Crepdog Crew, to launch a one-of-a-kind limited-edition capsule that celebrates the spirit of counterculture in India. The collaboration is being launched under Jameson Connects – Jam Studio, a culture and community-driven collaborative space, which brings together creative minds to help explore a fresh artistic landscape.

Rooted in the dynamic street and creative scenes of India, Jameson Connects and Crepdog Crew have come together to spotlight authentic voices and celebrate self-expression from the ground up. Inspired by bomber jacket patch culture, the drop reinterprets the spirit of individuality and identity through a distinctive camo-style shacket with interchangeable patches, designed to be a canvas for personal storytelling. Complementing the shacket are a tote bag and mug, completing a bold and collectible capsule collection.

Ayush Kalra pays homage to the tattoo scene, Vijaya Aswani captures the dynamic energy of skateboarding, Jayesh Joshi channels the freedom of the biking community, and Siddhartha Iyer brings alive the rhythm and soul of music.

Anchit Kapil, Co-founder and CEO, Crepdog Crew, said, “Subcultures shape the streets long before trends catch up. At Crepdog Crew, we’ve always built spaces—physical and creative—for the community to thrive. This shacket is our way of putting that truth on fabric—a celebration of individuality, identity, and the scenes that give cities their soul. With Jameson Connects, we’ve created more than a drop—we’ve created a canvas for the culture.”

Mo Joshi, Co-founder of Azadi Records, Culture partner for Jameson Connects, said, “Real culture grows where community thrives. Jameson Connects has always been about championing grassroots voices and giving artists a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated. This collaboration with Crepdog Crew isn’t just about merch—it’s about movement.”

The drop celebrates the power of creative collaboration through art, music, and community-first experiences.

About Jameson Connects

Powered by Jameson Ginger Ale, Jameson Connects is a community-first platform for India’s creative voices. Through verticals like Jam Pad, Jam Stage, Jam Studio, and Jam Radio, it brings together culture-shaping individuals and subcultures to collaborate, co-create, and connect.

About Azadi Records

Azadi Records is a progressive Indian music label spotlighting thought-provoking hip-hop across regional languages and subcultures. Since 2017, it has given voice to the unheard, pushing the boundaries of what Indian music can be.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Shefali Bhatia, PR Pundit Havas Red | shefali.bhatia@prpundithavasred.com | +91 9821821032

Sanjana Jhawar, PR Pundit Havas Red | sanjana.jhawar@prpundithavasred.com | +91 7023080670

Photo: https://oyefilmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/jameson-connects-crepdog-crew-celebrate-subcultures-with-limited-edition-capsule-2.jpg

 

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News Wire

Jameson Connects & Crepdog Crew Celebrate Subcultures with Limited-Edition Capsule

Celebrating community, creativity, and self-expression through a limited-edition drop inspired by India’s most vibrant subcultures.

MUMBAI, India, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jameson Connects joins forces with India’s largest sneaker and streetwear retailer, Crepdog Crew, to launch a one-of-a-kind limited-edition capsule that celebrates the spirit of counterculture in India. The collaboration is being launched under Jameson Connects – Jam Studio, a culture and community-driven collaborative space, which brings together creative minds to help explore a fresh artistic landscape.

Rooted in the dynamic street and creative scenes of India, Jameson Connects and Crepdog Crew have come together to spotlight authentic voices and celebrate self-expression from the ground up. Inspired by bomber jacket patch culture, the drop reinterprets the spirit of individuality and identity through a distinctive camo-style shacket with interchangeable patches, designed to be a canvas for personal storytelling. Complementing the shacket are a tote bag and mug, completing a bold and collectible capsule collection.

Ayush Kalra pays homage to the tattoo scene, Vijaya Aswani captures the dynamic energy of skateboarding, Jayesh Joshi channels the freedom of the biking community, and Siddhartha Iyer brings alive the rhythm and soul of music.

Anchit Kapil, Co-founder and CEO, Crepdog Crew, said, “Subcultures shape the streets long before trends catch up. At Crepdog Crew, we’ve always built spaces—physical and creative—for the community to thrive. This shacket is our way of putting that truth on fabric—a celebration of individuality, identity, and the scenes that give cities their soul. With Jameson Connects, we’ve created more than a drop—we’ve created a canvas for the culture.”

Mo Joshi, Co-founder of Azadi Records, Culture partner for Jameson Connects, said, “Real culture grows where community thrives. Jameson Connects has always been about championing grassroots voices and giving artists a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated. This collaboration with Crepdog Crew isn’t just about merch—it’s about movement.”

The drop celebrates the power of creative collaboration through art, music, and community-first experiences.

About Jameson Connects

Powered by Jameson Ginger Ale, Jameson Connects is a community-first platform for India’s creative voices. Through verticals like Jam Pad, Jam Stage, Jam Studio, and Jam Radio, it brings together culture-shaping individuals and subcultures to collaborate, co-create, and connect.

About Azadi Records

Azadi Records is a progressive Indian music label spotlighting thought-provoking hip-hop across regional languages and subcultures. Since 2017, it has given voice to the unheard, pushing the boundaries of what Indian music can be.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Shefali Bhatia, PR Pundit Havas Red | shefali.bhatia@prpundithavasred.com | +91 9821821032

Sanjana Jhawar, PR Pundit Havas Red | sanjana.jhawar@prpundithavasred.com | +91 7023080670

Photo: https://oyefilmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/jameson-connects-crepdog-crew-celebrate-subcultures-with-limited-edition-capsule-1.jpg

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jameson-connects–crepdog-crew-celebrate-subcultures-with-limited-edition-capsule-302472881.html

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Jameson Connects grooves to Grammy winner Anderson .Paak in Mumbai

An intimate celebration of music, culture, and community, also featured Seedhe Maut and Shekhinah

MUMBAI, India, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Music lovers in Mumbai were treated to an unforgettable evening as Jameson Connects brought its signature global experience, Distilled Sounds, to India’s cultural capital with an electrifying night of rhythm, soul, and connection. Headlining the showcase was none other than Grammy Award-winning artist Anderson .Paak as DJ Pee .Wee, who took over Famous Studios, Mumbai, for a high-voltage, electrifying up-close performance that brought unmatched energy to this thrilling chapter of Jameson Connects.

DJ Pee .Wee, the dynamic alter ego of Anderson .Paak, delivered a high-energy DJ set that showcased his impeccable taste and versatility behind the console. Known for his genre-blending sound that merges hip-hop, soul, funk, and R&B, Anderson .Paak additionally treated audiences to an intimate live performance towards the end, captivating them with his rich musicality and vibrant presence.

Adding to the evening’s vibrant soundscape was a duo who need little introduction — Seedhe Maut. Fresh off the release of their eighth project DL91 FM, the genre-defying Delhi-based icons brought their razor-sharp lyrics and explosive live energy. Joining them was South African powerhouse Shekhinah, celebrated for her soulful vocals and signature fusion of R&B and pop. Together, they formed a thrilling trifecta of artistry that embodies Jameson’s spirit of fearless creativity and community.

With each edition, Jameson Connects continues to raise the bar in crafting immersive cultural experiences that merge music, community, and creativity. Known for spotlighting boundary-breaking talent from around the world while championing local voices, the platform has become a space where global artistry meets homegrown expression. The upcoming Mumbai showcase is set to be no different-an intimate yet high-impact gathering that celebrates the spirit of connection, the power of live performance, and the magic that unfolds when diverse creative energies come together under one roof.

More than just a music event, Jameson Connects delivered a curated celebration of culture, community, and connection. From eclectic pop-ups by homegrown brands to vibrant F&B experiences and the thoughtfully curated zones, every element is designed to spark conversations and camaraderie.

Stay tuned for what’s next from Jameson Connects.

Link: https://www.instagram.com/jameson_alwaysintomixin?igsh=eGszaTBsNTV5N2Yx

Photo: https://oyefilmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/jameson-connects-grooves-to-grammy-winner-anderson-paak-in-mumbai-1.jpg

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jameson-connects-grooves-to-grammy-winner-anderson-paak-in-mumbai-302472876.html

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