MOBIVOX, which makes it possible to connect with family and
friends around the world for free from any phone, today announced it
has received $11 million in Series A venture capital funding from
top-tier investment funds in the United States, China, Southeast Asia
and Canada. MOBIVOX will use the infusion of capital to expand its
global reach.
Led by IDG Ventures Boston, the Series A round included
participation from IDG Ventures China and IDG Ventures Vietnam, which
are part of the IDG Ventures global network of funds. In addition, two
previous investors, Brightspark Ventures of Toronto and Skypoint
Capital Corporation of Ottawa, participated in the round.
As part of the funding, David Aronoff, general partner of IDG
Ventures Boston, will join the company's Board of Directors.
"IDG Ventures Boston understands the power of connecting people
seamlessly on a global scale," said MOBIVOX CEO, Stephane Marceau. "We
envision a company that brings you closer to the services and people
you care about by extending the reach and power of the Internet to any
phone. Our service is designed for novice and tech-savvy consumers
alike and does not require the purchase of a new device or
installation of any software. We now have top investors from around
the world, with deep insights and relationships into the consumer
Internet space to help us achieve our vision."
MOBIVOX calls are free from anywhere in the world to over 40
countries and members save up to 98% on all other international calls.
After registering at www.mobivox.com, you simply dial a local access
number to connect with friends and family a world away. When you call,
you just say the name of who you want to talk to. No need for a
calling card, PIN numbers, computers, special software or complex
downloads. It works on any phone and membership is free.
"In the three months since its initial launch, MOBIVOX has
achieved incredible traction in the market," said David Aronoff of IDG
Ventures Boston. "MOBIVOX represents freedom to millions of consumers
who work hard to maintain long distance relationships. We look forward
to working with the company as they revolutionize the international
calling market."
IDG Ventures is a global network of independently managed venture
capital funds with $2+ billion under management. The IDG Ventures
network is comprised of five independent partnerships managing funds
in North America, China, Vietnam and India. MOBIVOX represents the
first investment where multiple funds from within the IDG Ventures
network have co-invested in a company.
To learn more visit: www.mobivox.com
About MOBIVOX
MOBIVOX makes it possible to call family and friends around the
world for free, from ANY phone. Just call a local MOBIVOX number and
say who you'd like to speak with. No calling cards and long numbers to
remember. No need for a computer, special software or complex
downloads. With global availability, MOBIVOX means more freedom to
share experiences with those you care about no matter where you or
they may be.
About IDG Ventures Boston
IDG Ventures Boston is an independent partnership that enables
entrepreneurs to grow innovative, global companies. With $280 million
under management, the firm is focused on investing in early stage
technology and life sciences companies and is affiliated with the IDG
Ventures network of funds, a global network of independently managed
funds spanning Asia and North America. www.idgvb.com
About IDG Venture Investment China
IDG Venture Investment China is a premier venture firm in
China focused on helping early to growth-stage companies become
significant players in the IT, consumer, media and life sciences
industries. The firm has demonstrated success with over 30 IPO's and
successful M&A transactions and a portfolio that includes Baidu,
CTrip, Sohu, Tencents, HomeInns, and KingDee. With a 14-year history
of investing in China and $1.3B under management, IDG Venture
Investment China is proud to have won the trust of entrepreneurs,
investors, business communities and government organizations.
www.idgvc.com
About IDG Ventures Vietnam
IDG Ventures Vietnam is the first technology venture capital fund
in Vietnam. With $100M under management, the fund invests in
market-leading companies in the technology, media and
telecommunications sectors in Vietnam as well as select parts of
Southeast Asia. As part of the network of IDG Ventures funds
worldwide, IDGVV has been at the forefront in the development of the
venture capital industry in the region as well as promoting technology
entrepreneurship. www.idgvv.com
About Brightspark
Brightspark Ventures is a leading early-stage venture fund.
Brightspark works closely with entrepreneurs to develop and build
market-leading software companies. With offices in Toronto and
Montreal, Brightspark is backed by leading institutional investors who
share its approach to early-stage software investing.
www.brightspark.com
About Skypoint
Skypoint Capital(R) (www.skypointcorp.com) forms and manages
venture capital funds that stimulate and leverage the ever-changing
telecommunications and information technology sector. We begin by
investing time with the entrepreneur long before we commit capital.
Once we invest, we bring our vast operating experience and passion for
growing businesses to our portfolio companies. The members of the
Skypoint Capital team have participated in more than 80 technology
start-ups in the Ottawa and Montreal regions.
