Niche, a company that creates social media user ranks for marketers' use, has raised $550,000 in funding from an undisclosed investor.

According to published reports, the New York-based startup raised the funds in conjunction with the public release of its website.

Niche is a social media startup that helps marketers connect with the most powerful social media users. Nuanced and cross-platform analytics monitor users' followers, actions and activity, and help users stay connected with fans and friends. The company also helps users partner with the world's best brands, agencies, studios and start-ups to promote things users care about. Niche hopes to facilitate organic, transparent and lasting relationships between companies and creators.

The company is led by Rob Fishman, the former social media head for The Huffington Post and AOL, who also started a company, Kingfish Labs, that was acquired by BuzzFeed in 2012.