MOBIVOX just 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 makes it easy to make international calls from anywhere. Their free and low cost international calling service is different from others in that no hardware or software is needed. The application is also voice-driven so users can talk by simply dialing a local number and saying the name of the person he or she wants to call– eliminating the need for long authorization codes, passwords.

At the ITExpo in Los Angeles last month, I had the chance to chat briefly over dinner with MOBIVOX CEO Stéphane Marceau. We had a great time talking, but it was largely social conversation. Now I'm working to set up a podcast briefing chat sometime next week. I'll get that online as soon as I can get it all worked out.

MOBIVOX RINGS UP $11 MILLION IN FUNDING FROM TOP-TIER GLOBAL INVESTORS

Company That Makes Free International Calling Possible from Any Phone
Attracts Investment from Four Countries

MONTREAL, Oct. 11, 2007 -- 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 Stéphane 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 approximately $2.1 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 information 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. http://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
Established in 2004, 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® (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.