Vivox Nets $7.8 Million In VC Funding

Online voice services provider Vivox has announced that it has secured $7.8 million in a second round of equity financing led by Benchmark Capital and supported by the company's existing investors, Canaan Partners and GrandBanks Capital. Benchmark Capital general partner Mitch Lasky, who also took a position on Vivox's board as part of the funding agreement, cited the proliferation of online games and virtual worlds as a clear draw, calling it a "tremendous opportunity" for Vivox. Lasky's background includes roles with Disney, Activision, Jamdat and Electronic Arts. Proceeds from the round will fund product development, sales support and marketing for the company's offering, which also includes an integrated platform and service management. It also builds custom-branded desktop communications clients for its partner games and worlds, allowing users of those products to IM, chat and stay connected even when not logged in to the online world. Vivox customers and partners include online game and virtual world companies 1GPN, Inc., Alpha Innovation, BigWorld Technology, CCP Games, The Electric Sheep Company, FWD International, IBM, Icarus Studios, Illusion Factory, K2 Network, LanguageLab.com, Linden Lab, Monumental Games, Pixel Mine and Wizards of the Coast. GrandBanks Capital general partner and Vivo board member Ryan Moore commented, "Vivox’s technology and operational expertise have established them as a unique service in the market. We see first-hand the positive impact Vivox has on online games and virtual worlds with operational excellence and innovative functionality and have no doubt they will continue to play a major role in shaping online communities.”