Qosmos, the industry leader in
information extraction solutions based on advanced Deep Packet
Inspection (DPI) technology, announced today that is has successfully
closed a third round of fundraising worth ?7
million (US$10.8 million). The funding, led by Sofinnova
Partners, Alven Capital, and GfK AG, will accelerate Qosmos´ delivery of the next generation of DPI technology and enable the company´s
international expansion.
Qosmos provides software modules and appliances that detect and extract
business-critical information from IP networks in real time. Qosmos´ patented ixDPI technology extends the capabilities of traditional Deep
Packet Inspection and enables customers to not only monitor "“ but monetize "“ the information traveling over
networks. Qosmos technology has already been deployed by network service
providers, systems integrators and software vendors who have created a
wide variety of value-added services and applications, such as digital
home audience measurement, carriers´ services
usage analysis, customer experience management, flow monitoring and
optimization, content-based billing and data leakage prevention.
The funding will fuel Qosmos´ product
development and accelerate the execution of its product and business
strategies. On the product side, Qosmos will further invest in
technologies that monitor the emergence of new protocols and new IP
applications on an ongoing basis, and capitalize on high-speed and
multi-core network processor technologies that match the scale of Qosmos´ solutions. On the business side, the company plans to expand operations
to the US and Asia and increase its staff.
"The continued investment from Sofinnova
Partners and the equity participation of Alven Capital and GfK
AG underscore the relevance of our strategy and the solid growth
potential of our solutions in the market of real-time extraction of
business-critical information from networks, which will create an
ever-increasing number of value-added applications for our customers," said Thibaut Bechetoille, CEO of Qosmos. "This
financing allows us to invest in the people and technologies that
strengthen our position as a leader in the European market, as well as
boost our presence worldwide,"
Sofinnova Partners, an independent venture capital firm focused on
technology and life sciences companies, was an initial investor in
Qosmos. Alain Rodermann, Partner at Sofinnova Partners stated, "There
is increasing importance in issues related to IP network monitoring and
surveillance, and this fundraising deal will allow Qosmos to corner a
large share of the Deep Packet Inspection market."
Nicolas Celier, Partner at Alven Capital, a private equity firm
explained, "Data analysis and protection have
become fundamental challenges with respect to the internet. Alven
Capital, which is very familiar with the web-based services industry
was impressed by the value of Qosmos´ offering, the talent of its management team, and its ability to achieve
its growth potential."
The GfK Group is one of the largest market research companies in the
world, delivering knowledge to clients in retail, media and services
sector "Qosmos technologies are making a
substantial contribution to the internet economy. The company´s
ixDPI solutions are a truly groundbreaking innovation that have provided
our industry with the key ability to deliver accurate, reliable, and
comprehensive statistics in real time," stated Gérard Hermet, Member of the
Management Board of GfK AG and President of the Retail and Technology
Division.
About Qosmos
Qosmos is the industry leader in
Information Extraction and Deep Packet Inspection (ixDPI) technologies.
The company´s products, composed of software
modules and appliances, enable real-time detection and extraction of
business-critical information traveling over IP networks. Based on
unique patented ixDPI technology, they recognize and classify IP
protocols and applications, and extract valuable content from
information flows with unrivalled accuracy and reliability, providing
in-depth network analysis and enabling the creation of higher value
business applications. Qosmos customers include network equipment
manufacturers, software and solution vendors, and system integrators
seeking to improve their product offering or create innovative solutions
and systems through Information Extraction and DPI features; market
research firms measuring digital content flows; and service providers
managing Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Established in 2000 by members of the prestigious LIP6 Computer Research
Laboratory in Paris, Qosmos is backed by Sofinnova Partners. In 2007
Qosmos received Deloitte Technology Fast50 France and Fast500 EMEA
awards, as well as the IEC InfoVision Award.
About Sofinnova Partners
Founded in Paris in 1972, Sofinnova
Partners is one of Europe´s leading
independent venture capital firms. With 900M? under management, Sofinnova Partners invests in early stage companies
and corporate spin-offs in the technology and life sciences sectors "“ companies that have the potential to become tomorrow´s
global leaders. We have supported entrepreneurs in over 460 ventures
throughout Europe and the United States, putting our expertise and
international experience to work on their behalf. The companies in our
portfolio also benefit from our collaborative relationships with an
international syndicate of co-investors, including Sofinnova Ventures
our sister firm in San Francisco.
About Alven Capital
Alven Capital is
an independent venture capital fund that manages ?150M
primarily on behalf of institutional investors. Alven Capital holds
interests in companies that have exhibited strong growth in the media
service, and IT industries. The company has already invested in more
than 30 companies in Europe, including Webhelp, SeLoger.com, Newsweb
Companeo, Wanimo, Metaboli, MyFab.com, Splendia and Prowebce.
About GfK Group
The GfK Group is the No.5 Market
research organization worldwide. Its activities cover the three business
sectors of custom research, retail and technology and media. The GfK
Group achieved ?1,162.1M in financial year
2007. The Group has 115 companies covering over 100 countries. Of a
total of 9,070 employees (as of December 31, 2007), 81.1% are based
outside Germany.
