Next Generation Texting Company GOGII Raises $8.2 Million in New Financing

Marina del Rey, Calif. (PRWEB) December 10, 2009

GOGII, Inc., the creator of the next generation texting application textPlus, announced today that it has raised $ 8.2 million in a round of financing led by Matrix Partners, with existing investor Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers also participating in the round. The new funding is the second round of successful financing for the quickly growing mobile start-up, which raised a Series A round from Kleiner Perkins' iFund in December 2007.

GOGII's mobile application textPlus merges both old-style texting - one-to-one conversations - and next generation texting - rich, engaging environments and instant group text conversations. The company uses sponsorships and advertisements embedded in the textPlus app environment to make it free for users to download and use.

"Today, the number of cell phone users who use texting as their primary mode of communication is staggering; GOGII has learned how to tap this enormous market and help advertisers reach consumers on their mobile devices in a way that has never been done before," said Scott Lahman, CEO and co-founder of GOGII. "We are honored to receive this kind of validation from two of the world's most successful venture firms. The new financing will allow us to bring our rich texting environments and features to even more carriers, handsets and users."

"What impressed us most about GOGII was its ability to provide a simple, appealing environment on mobile phones where rich advertisements are sure to be seen: alongside SMS messages," said Matrix Partners General Partner Dana Stalder, who will join GOGII's board as of this round. "Customer response to the textPlus app is higher than that of any competitor in the market we have seen thanks to its unprecedented features - and advertisers eager to reach this market are catching on quickly."

Since launching the textPlus app in June 2009, GOGII has taken several major steps to bring texting to a new level. This November, textPlus debuted username "text addresses," which allow anyone in the U.S. with a mobile phone to start a text conversation with their friends using textPlus by simply texting a friend's username to 60611. textPlus with usernames also provides users worldwide the ability to send messages app-to-app anywhere in the world for free. textPlus will soon make it possible to create usernames for entire groups, or communities, of users.

textPlus has proven to be tremendously popular with consumers. To date, the textPlus app has been downloaded almost 3 million times, reaching over 9 million people, with over 300 million messages sent using the service since June. And while only the top 5% of applications in the Apple App Store reach 100,000 unique monthly visitors, textPlus exceeded that by over 7 times in its second month of release.

About GOGII (go-jee)

GOGII provides customers the next generation of text messaging through its flagship product, textPlus, a feature-rich, third-party text messaging application. The company was founded in 2008 by the three founders of JAMDAT Mobile, the leading mobile entertainment publisher that was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2006.

About Matrix Partners

Matrix Partners is a premier venture capital firm that has generated outstanding returns for over three decades. The firm has delivered several of the industry's top performing funds of all time. Matrix Partners operates in the United States, India and China. The firm has been fortunate to be a part of the creation of game-changing, industry-leading businesses such as Aruba Networks (Nasdaq: ARUN), JBoss (Red Hat), Netezza (NYSE: NZ), SanDisk (Nasdaq: SNDK), Starent Networks (Nasdaq: STAR), Sycamore Networks (Nasdaq: SCMR) and Veritas Software (Symantec).

About Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers

Since its founding in 1972, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers has backed entrepreneurs in over 500 ventures, including AOL, Amazon.com, Citrix, Compaq Computer, Electronic Arts, Genentech, Genomic Health, Google, Intuit, Juniper Networks, Netscape, Lotus, Sun Microsystems, Symantec, VeriSign and Xilinx. KPCB portfolio companies employ more than 250,000 people. More than 150 of the firm's portfolio companies have gone public. In 2008, the firm launched the iFund to invest in mobile applications on the iPhone platform in collaboration with Apple. The firm has offices in Menlo Park, California; Beijing, China; and Shanghai, China.

http://www.gogii.com

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Related Series B Round Press Releases

Livemocha Raises $8 Million in Series B Funding

Bellevue, WA (PRWEB) December 22, 2009

Livemocha (http://www.livemocha.com)], the worlds largest language learning community, today announced that the company has raised $ 8 million in a Series B financing round led by August Capital, with participation from existing investor Maveron.

Livemocha is the leading language learning site worldwide, with over 4.8 million registered members from over 200 countries. Livemocha offers free and premium online learning courses for over 30 languages, led by the award-winning Livemocha Active English.

Livemocha offers a highly effective online learning experience that has quickly attracted a large and active global community. Social, interactive lessons include practice with native speakers for natural development of practical language skills. Specific revenues are undisclosed but growing rapidly, with customers in 97 countries paying for premium products and services.

This latest round brings the total funds raised to date by Livemocha to $ 14 million, and will be applied to accelerate platform innovation and new partnership launches planned for the next 6-12 months.

Closing a significant round of funding is acknowledgement of our progress and underscores the large, disruptive potential of Livemocha, said Shirish Nadkarni, CEO and co-founder of Livemocha. We are excited and well-positioned to realize a very ambitious vision for the future of language learning.

Howard Hartenbaum, General Partner from August Capital, has joined Amy Errett of Maveron on Livemochas Board of Directors. The company's Series A was led by Maveron in December 2007.

About Livemocha

Livemocha is a Seattle-based company that is redefining language learning by combining dynamic online courses in over 30 languages with the world's largest community of native language speakers. Since launching in September 2007, Livemocha has grown to over 4.8 million members, underscoring the strong demand for an engaging, collaborative approach to language learning. There are currently over 375 million people wanting to learn a language worldwide, and the market is currently estimated to be over $ 80 billion, fueled by rapid globalization, immigration and travel.

For more information about Livemocha, please visit http://www.livemocha.com.

About August Capital

Founded in 1995, August Capital has funded an extraordinary group of entrepreneurs who have built significant, long-term value across the full range of information technologies. These companies represent an aggregate market capitalization of well over $ 250 billion and generate in excess of $ 75 billion in annual revenue around the world. This success is a testament to the entrepreneurs themselves, as well as the fundamental technologies they have created. The partners at August Capital were the earliest investors in a number of ground breaking technology companies, including Microsoft, Intuit, Seagate, Sun, Skype, Compaq, Symantec, Sybase, Atheros, Grand Junction and many more. August Capital is located in Menlo Park, California. For more information, please visit: http://www.augustcap.com.

About Maveron

Maveron is a leading venture capital firm based in Seattle, Washington. Dan Levitan and Howard Schultz founded Maveron in January 1998 with the goal of building a firm that would be recognized as the premier financial and strategic partner to leading consumer-based businesses. Maveron's mission is to partner with entrepreneurs in the creation of extraordinary companies in order to generate outstanding financial returns. Current representative Maveron investments include fast-growing consumer companies, such as Potbelly Sandwich Works, Pinkberry, Altius Education, VideoEgg and Livemocha. Monetized investments include eBay, Capella Education Company, Shutterfly, Cranium (acquired by Hasbro), Qsent (acquired by TransUnion), Quellos (acquired by Blackrock), Good Technology (acquired by Motorola) and lucy activewear (acquired by VF Corporation). Maveron has approximately $ 750 million under management and 23 active portfolio companies nationwide. For more information, please visit: http://www.maveron.com.

Contact:

Livemocha

Clint Schmidt, 206-422-2693

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In October 2010, THE GYM of Armonk Raises Funds to Combat Breast Cancer

Armonk, NY (PRWEB) September 29, 2010

THE GYM of Armonk, a premier fitness center and health club in Westchester County, has long supported cancer-related causes. After the success of last Octobers Breast Cancer Awareness Month events, the Armonk-based fitness facility will again raise funds to help combat the devastating disease with the goal of exceeding last years total donation of $ 5,000. To help meet its target, THE GYM is partnering with Support Connection, a breast and ovarian cancer non-profit organization in Yorktown Heights, to sponsor a special month-long series of events to educate the community regarding breast cancer prevention, treatment and support options.

According to the Westchester County Health Department, breast cancer kills more Westchester women than any other type of cancer except for respiratory-related cancers. Annual incidence rates of cancer have increased during recent years in the United States, though mortality rates have decreased, due in part to the influence of awareness, education and improved treatment. In 2009, an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 62,280 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.

Founded in 1996, Support Connection provides one-on-one peer counseling, workshops, wellness classes, public education outreach and referral services to women diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer along with friends and families in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. Their toll-free support and information line (1-800-532-4290) helps people across the United States. With Support Connection, no one living with breast or ovarian cancer has to face the condition alone.

Support Connection is so grateful that THE GYM has again decided to partner with our organization for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, said Katherine Quinn, Executive Director of Support Connection. These events play an important role in raising awareness among Westchester County residents and allow us to reach out to members of the community who might be in need of our support.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities held at THE GYM are open to members and non-members alike. All proceeds from the following events (except where noted) will directly benefit Support Connection:

Support Connection Spin-A-Thon

Wednesday, October 6

Spin classes throughout the day will be set at a suggested $ 25 donation per bike/per class. All ability levels are welcome.*

Sage Yoga Class

Sunday, October 17 10:30 a.m.

Susan Rubin, yoga specialist, will conduct this class in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The class will be set at a suggested $ 25 donation per person. All ability levels are welcome.*

Spa Day at the escape spa

Monday, October 18

The escape spa at THE GYM will offer discounts on a 50-minute massage and a 50-minute classic facial. A portion of the proceeds will be donated directly to Support Connection.

Youth Basketball Games

Saturday, October 23 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

Three 45-minute games will be offered. The 2:00 p.m. game will be held for kids age six and seven. The 3:00 p.m. game will be for eight and nine year olds. The 4:00 p.m. game is for participants ages 10 and 11. Suggested donation will be $ 25 per child/per game. All ability levels are welcome.*

Taste of the Towns

Tuesday, October 26 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Join us for this fundraising event as restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, and many other businesses from around the area team up to combat breast cancer. Experience the offerings from the areas finest merchants as they set up shop at THE GYM. Enjoy an adult night out filled with music, a silent auction, drinks, great food and more. Actor, Danny Aiello will be making a special appearance. $ 25 event ticket, go to http://www.firstgiving.com/thegym to purchase online; $ 35 at the door; Adults Only. *

Pink Hair Extensions

Wednesdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Building on the success of last years hair extensions promotion, THE GYMs escape spa will offer Pink Hair Extensions every Wednesday and Thursday throughout the month. The extensions are offered for a $ 10 donation.*

Pink Shake

Available everyday at the Juice Bar

The Juice Bar will offer a special "Breast Cancer Awareness Shake" - Strawberry Protein, Non-Fat Yogurt and Strawberries.

*All proceeds will be donated directly to Support Connection.

About Support Connection

Support Connection, Inc. is a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services and programs to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Founded in 1996, Support Connection is based in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., but through their toll-free hotline and website they serve people throughout the country. Services include: One-on-one peer counseling and support groups, offering women the opportunity to connect with other cancer survivors; ongoing wellness classes; Holistic health workshops; public educational programs; information; referral services and a toll-free cancer information and support hotline (1-800-532-4290.) Support groups and other programs are often offered outside of business hours at convenient locations in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties. To learn more, visit http://www.supportconnection.org or call (914) 962-6402.

About THE GYM of Armonk

THE GYM is a complete lifestyle and fitness center, designed to promote healthy living in a first class atmosphere. Its unique approach integrates specialized training programs with nutrition and weight management counseling for total body conditioning and optimal fitness. THE GYM is known for its superior quality equipment, expert staff and special amenities, including a clothing boutique, juice bar, spa and child play area. The staffs attentive service and the facilitys array of programs and services provide guests with a state-of-the-art experience. THE GYM is located on 99 Business Park Drive, Armonk, NY 10504. Please visit http://www.GetToTheGym.com/Armonk or call (914) 219-1601.

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Find More Series C Funding Press Releases

Flurry Raises $7 Million Series B to Accelerate Mobile Analytics Firm's Rapid Growth - InterWest Partners leads round of financing

San Francisco and New York (PRWEB) January 12, 2010

Flurry, Inc., a leading mobile application analytics provider, today announced it has closed a Series B financing round of $ 7 million. Led by top-tier venture capital firm InterWest Partners, the round included existing investors Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Union Square Ventures, First Round Capital and Draper Richards.

InterWest general partner, Doug Pepper, also joins the Flurry board of directors. In addition to a decade of technology investment experience focused on digital marketing and advertising, Mr. Pepper brings board level experience with relevant companies including Marketo, INVIDI Technologies, Brand.net and Offerpal Media, as well as professional experience with Amazon.com.

Since launching its service in January 2009, Flurry has quickly emerged as one of the worlds largest mobile application analytics and monetization platforms. The company now tracks over one billion end user application sessions per month across iPhone, iPod Touch and Android devices. Over 15,000 developers have chosen to integrate Flurry Analytics within their applications, which have been downloaded to more than 80% of all iPhone, iPod Touch and Android devices.

Smartphone application download growth is skyrocketing like nothing in recent consumer tech history, dwarfing even early Internet adoption, said Flurry chief executive officer, Simon Khalaf. With its significant reach, Flurry is positioned to play a significant role in leveraging the measurement of consumer behavior to accelerate the sale of applications and virtual goods.

The financing will be used to aggressively build out new services that increase application developer revenue, hire new employees and scale its infrastructure. Flurry AppCircle, currently in private beta, is the first of a series of revenue generating services designed to use data to intelligently target consumers and increase sales in the App Store.

Flurry has built one of the industrys most widely deployed and powerful tools for measuring and monetizing mobile application usage, said Doug Pepper, general partner, InterWest Partners. "This is an exciting time of innovation and growth for the mobile industry and we're thrilled to be involved with the passionate and experienced team at Flurry.

With Apples announcement last week that more than three billion apps have been downloaded, the App Store is growing at a rate 15 times faster than the iTunes store over the same time period. Piper Jaffray senior analyst, Gene Munster forecasts that Apple will sell an additional 36 million iPhones in 2010, a 40 percent increase from 2009 estimates. Additionally, more than 50 Android handsets, including the recently launched Google Nexus One, are expected to ship in 2010. Looking forward, Frost & Sullivan forecasts that Android OS devices will hold the third largest market share of the smartphone market by 2014, among the fastest rates of growth for a mobile product in the history of the mobile industry.

To learn more about the Flurry Analytics and Flurry AppCircle, please visit http://www.flurry.com.

About Flurry

Recently merged with Pinch Media, Flurry is among the largest smartphone application analytics and monetization platforms in the world, now tracking more than 80% of all consumers across iPhone, iPod Touch and Android devices. Each month, Flurry tracks over one billion end user sessions per month across iPhone, Android, Blackberry and J2ME devices.

Flurry Analytics, its flagship service, is designed to help developers make better applications to increase retention and grow revenue. Flurry AppCircle, now in private beta, is designed to help developers acquire the most valuable users, faster and for less money. Flurry is venture backed with offices in San Francisco and New York. For more information, please visit http://www.flurry.com.

About InterWest Partners

For 30 years InterWest (http://www.interwest.com) has partnered with exceptional entrepreneurs to build winning technology and life sciences companies. With more than 200 years of combined operating and investing experience, InterWests team has raised $ 2.8B, completed more than 70 IPOs, and participated in nearly 60 upside acquisitions. As the firm invests InterWest X, a $ 650M fund, InterWest continues to believe that providing capital is just the beginning of a long-term collaboration with entrepreneurs to turn their vision into a thriving company.

The firm's past successful investments in information technology include: CIENA (CIEN), Copper Mountain Networks (CMTN), Crystal Semiconductor (acquired by Cirrus Logic, CRUS), Cyrix (CYRX; acquired by National Semiconductor (NSM), Lightera (acquired by CIENA), PlaceWare (acquired by Microsoft, MSFT), SiTera (acquired by Vitesse, VTSS), Silicon Graphics (SGI), Stratacom (STRM; acquired by Cisco, CSCO) and Xilinx (XLNX).

Note to Editors

iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and J2ME are trademarks of their respective companies. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the companies with which they are associated.

Media contact:

Peter Farago

VP Marketing

Flurry, Inc.

peter(at)flurry(dot)com

510-461-4450

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Find More Series B Round Press Releases