Online computer help company CrossLoop gets $6M

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYiwfl3AHa4&hl=en&fs=1&w=425&h=344]

It can be hard to give somebody directions over the phone for how to use, say, a computer software program (example, via my mom: “Which button am I supposed to click on?”). CrossLoop offers a downloadable desktop-based application that lets you access and use another person’s computer interface, and let them watch what you do to help.

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This is peer-to-peer data transmission technology for business. The company’s web site includes profiles for help specialists, including rankings given by users they’ve helped. The software is a potential way to make money for people with some technical expertise. Helpers offer their services for a fee, typically for between $5 and $50 dollars an hour. Right now, CrossLoop just offers a Paypal payment feature so helpers can provide their services and keep all of the money, but eventually the company plans to take a cut of these fees.

So far, 11,500 specialists from more than 130 countries have created 2.8 million help sessions. CrossLoop has had a million unique users since it launched in 2006, for a total of 53 million “help” minutes served. It says it’s seeing “good growth”.

The Campbell, Calif. company just closed a $6 million round led by Venrock, with existing investor El Dorado Ventures participating. Andre Haddad, chief executive of Ebay’s Shopping.com, and Venrock’s Rich Moran have joined the company’s board.