Thursday, February 7, 2008

AOL and Zed announced today that both companies will work together to promote their mobile products

What Company Is Offering:
Zed develops and markets entertainment and community products and services for mobile and the Internet. The company is the leading mobile value-added services (MVAS) player in the world in terms of revenue and geographical footprint. Zed operates in more than 50 countries, including Europe's largest markets, USA and China and holds agreements with more than 100 wireless carriers operators all over the world.

Recent Updates:
AOL and Zed announced today that both companies will work together to promote their mobile products on their respective European and U.S. mobile and Internet sites. Under the agreement, Zed’s products will be promoted within AOL’s WAP portal in the U.S. as well as within AOL’s desktop destinations in Europe. Zed will promote AOL’s mobile products through its marketing channels in Europe.

“This deal with Zed gives us a great pan-European partner,” said Chris Locke, Director of Mobile for AOL Europe. “2008 is going to be an exciting year for AOL Mobile in Europe, and we’re thrilled to have Zed working with us to distribute our products.”

Santiago Corredoira, Business Development Corporate Director of Zed, commented: “This agreement between the two pioneers of the Internet and mobile industries represents a significant step towards the future of mobile. The alliance will significantly increase the value of the two brands on both sides of the Atlantic, making it a win-win situation for each party involved. We are working hard to make this the first milestone of a wider partnership with one of the online services global leaders.”

More at:http://www.zed.com/
http://www.zed.biz/

iamota that helps brands, agencies and organizations of all sizes access, interact with and sell to mobile consumers got $1 million in funding

What Company Is Offering:
iamota is a Mobile Application Service Provider (MASP) that helps brands, agencies and organizations of all sizes access, interact with and sell to mobile consumers. iamota operates a proprietary end-to-end mobile marketing, messaging and payment platform providing access to over 243 million mobile consumers.

Consumers are demanding information and media whenever and wherever they need it and brands are looking for innovative ways to interact with, and sell to, this increasingly mobile consumer base. Reaching mobile customers is a time consuming and costly process that requires specific mobile industry expertise across all components of mobile marketing, messaging and payment standards.

How It Works:

The modular design of iamota's secure and robust mobile marketing, messaging and payment platform powers three key lines of business:
iamota impulse Enables online merchants to expand their reach and increase revenue opportunities by accepting instant and secure payments from mobile phone users. It allows mobile phone users to pay for digital content and services using their mobile phone, with payments showing up on their mobile phone bills.
iamota impact Enables brands and agencies to deliver mobile marketing campaigns, digital content and services while maximizing speed to market at lower costs. It is utilized by global brands, media companies, marketers and ad agencies.
Iamota iCast Helps bloggers and members of social networks mobilize and monetize any form of digital content. It allows consumers to deliver text, pictures, video and RSS feeds from their Web sites to visitors' mobile phones.
iamota eliminates the complexity involved in both the mobile content creation and delivery process, and the establishment of mobile payment options. iamota manages security, mobile device compatibility, specific carrier rules, content retrieval, device formatting and billing.

iamota Corporation is a privately-held company funded by seed investors and the management team.

How Much They Got From VCs:

It has completed a seed round of $1 million in funding from seed investors and the management team.
“In February 2007, the Mobile Marketing Association conducted a survey and discovered that approximately 89 percent of major brands are planning to market their products to mobile consumers by 2008. This is really exciting, as they have a unique solution set and understanding of the mobile channel.”

More at:http://www.iamota.com/

MyCityFaces.com --Connecting You With Local Business

What Company is Offering:

MyCityFaces.com was started out of the need for everyday people to advertise themselves in a personable and professional manner, and for others to find the right person for everyday needs. To help, they've built the premier Web service for bringing people together…Face to Face!

How It Works;
MyCityFaces.com combines service-specific targeted search with user-friendly profiles, to help our guests find the right person for the job. By creating and maintaining a profile, their members will be able to reach a broad audience that is looking specifically for their service.

MyCityFaces.com is currently in beta. They will be adding other cities, starting with San Diego CA, Orange County CA, Denver CO, Scottsdale AZ, Dallas TX and Las Vegas, NV. They will be going Nationwide later in the year. Look for them in a city near you.

More at:http://www.mycityfaces.com/

Fantasy Sports Matrix

What Company Is Offering:
FSM is a vibrant social networking site for sports enthusiasts that harness the wisdom of the fans to aggregate the best sports content from all over the web.

FSM focuses on delivering an experience that not only is fun, informative, and engaging, but also extracts the fanaticism, personality, and the voices of sports fans.

How It Works:
All members get personalized profiles, custom avatars, and a powerful Dashboard with quick tools to share and manage content, track conversations, make picks, edit profiles, and more. Users also earn points for community actions, such as posting a blog entry or video submission, and they can build their reputation with high accuracy on games and fantasy-based picks.

FSM features a community-powered sports front page to provide the ultimate coverage and to bring the hottest and latest stories, videos, blogs, and polls to the surface. The user interface is clean-cut, fat-free, and users can easily navigate through FSM by content type and sport. Sports content is delivered in a way that makes sense, is easy to find, and comes from the source that matters most – other passionate fans.

Not only are sports fans getting smarter, louder, and more passionate, but the traditional line that exists between fantasy sports and sports is getting thinner. Fantasy Sports Matrix is on a mission to blur that line even further, and provide a home and face for sports fans online.

More at:http://www.fantasysportsmatrix.com/

CarDomain operates the web's largest community for auto enthusiasts

What Company Is Offering:
CarDomain operates the web's largest community for auto enthusiasts.The CarDomain.com community offers auto enthusiasts a friendly home, tools to exchange ideas and information, and suggestions on how to modify and enhance their vehicles. Through a variety of advertising and sponsorship opportunities, marketers reach a highly targeted, hard-to-reach young male audience. Marketers also benefit from the unique insights that CarDomain research offers into the thoughts and behavior of the CarDomain user base.

How It Works:
Start by logging into your account. Once you.ve logged in, click on the "Personal Info & Password" link on the left. Then enter your current password and your new password in the boxes provided. You will have to confirm your new password. Then, click on "Save Changes" and your new password will take immediate effect.

To upload images, start by logging into the Member Lobby.
Each vehicle has its own set of pictures. Click on the vehicle to which you want to add pictures.
In the top center of the page is the image manager. Click on the browse button to open up a new window to search the local hard drive for the desired image file. After having found the image press the "Upload Image" button. This will begin the upload process of transferring the data from the local drive to the Internet server.

The CarDomain.com community offers a wide variety of tools that give auto enthusiasts the ability to customize their experience and share their passion with one another.

• Ride pages.
• Video.
• Groups.
• Blog.

More at:http://www.cardomain.com/

MarketerSuperstar.com---Entrepreneurs Helping Tools

What Company Is Offering:
MarketerSuperstar.com, its purpose is to build solid foundations on every Entrepreneur who wants to succeed with their online business and help them develop and prepare with the proper skills, tools, resources and knowledge to minimize their risks and increase the life rate of their online business.
It islooking to make a paradigm shift on how the Network Marketing Society has been developing, is preparing to hit the industry with a new eLearning and Training Program Model.

Recent Updates:
Officially, MarketerSuperstar.com went live this past Friday, February 1st at 12:00 PM CT, to start promoting a unique Pre-Launch Business Opportunity. This new online business is currently on ‘Alpha Phase’ mode, the earliest stage any development has ever started to promote which is unheard in the industry.

Although it is still too soon to tell what the final Product will finally look or be like, Peter Palatnik, the mind behind the Project, considers this is the best timing to start a personal relationship with future Marketer Superstars. He commented more about this:

“Whenever you have the chance to collaborate right from the beginning, with anyone looking to become a successful entrepreneur, and share the goals and vision I have set for this large scale project, you can always provide added benefits for everyone involved early on, including possible new ideas for improvement and the precise needs and feels that you might miss or had never thought about before.”

Rumors say this Unique Educational Program will feature 7 levels with very precise and specific how-to information. Each level may contain over 5 modules integrating a balanced mix of theory and practical implementation through guided training sessions. “Using a balanced mix of theory/practice will lead to better understating and speed of implementation, which in my humble opinion, is the best formula for success”. Mr. Palatnik added.

Company Info:
MarketerSuperstar.com
Peter Palatnik
(956) 9482021
press@marketersuperstar.com
www.marketersuperstar.com

myVRM & 3touch are multi-faceted tool that makes scheduling, managing and tracking meetings easier and more productive

What Company Is Offering:
myVRM is an intelligent, multi-faceted tool that makes scheduling, managing and tracking meetings easier and more productive. Whether you're using myVRM to schedule multi-site video or audio conferences, manage and track usage of multiple devices or simply to ensure that you never double-book a conference room again, myVRM is there to help.

Recent Updates:
myVRM & 3touch are making it easier for customers to schedule, manage, and track meetings while maintaining central control and security around presentation material and delivery.The two companies are offering this type of collaboration to customers who recognize this value proposition. While 3touch is making management, control and delivery of all your presentation material effortless, myVRM is providing an all-in-one scheduling and resource management tool. The integration of myVRM with 3Touch allows users of Polycom, LifeSize, Tandberg, Cisco and Radvision videoconferencing equipment to schedule multi-site audio or video conferences, meetings, conferences and lecture rooms, as well as manage sensitive content anywhere in the world—all within the same easy-to-use web interface.

3touch:
3Touch develops innovative presentation solutions and secure content management. The technology platform developed to date is a comprehensive client/server-based solution that provides real time, integrated multimedia, streaming, control and interactive applications using a variety of wired and wireless media transport technologies. www.3touch.com

More at:www.myvrm.com

Sales Surge, gives every business’ bottom line that upward surge by deploying effective, efficient sales strategies that work

What Company Is Offering:
Sales Surge, gives every business’ bottom line that upward surge by deploying effective, efficient sales strategies that work. Sales Surge’s proprietary methodologies are built around one single goal: Profitable growth for your business.Sales Surge offers services that are ideal for companies needing help with making bigger and better B2B sales. Sales Surge helps companies with profitable growth rather than just revenue growth.

How It Works:

To inspire and energize sales teams about creative sales, playing a role as the enabler of business growth and customer retention. To expose client firms to people, processes and tools that will provide a framework for a customer-centered mindset and actions that follow from it. To provide a forum to discuss and identify the gaps that need to be closed for a successful sales operation.

"If sales is not your core competency, and you want more time to focus on developing your product and running your business, then outsource your sales to us. But we do understand that sales outsourcing is not for everybody. Sales Surge always offers other solutions to help drive bottom-line profits,” says Bautz. “We can show you exactly what needs to be done by offering coaching, consulting, and evaluation of your existing sales team.”

For more at: http://www.salessurge.com.

Flypaper Studio Is focused on revolutionizing the way people create and deliver rich, interactive content for the web got$3 million in Series A fund

What Company is Offering:
Flypaper Studio, Inc. is a Phoenix-based technology innovator focused on revolutionizing the way people create and deliver rich, interactive content for the web. Flypaper allows everyday users to produce high-impact stories that rival the interactivity and quality of custom Flash development without the cost and complexity.

How It Works:
From the Flypaper Web site, users can download the free application and access an endless variety of professionally designed, Web-ready pages ? called models. Users simply drag and drop a model into the tool, customize and immediately publish the new creation for live presentations or Web-based delivery. The Flypaper Web site hosts an ever-growing library of models and content, making it especially easy for users to download, customize and share new creations. For users who require additional help with customized presentations, interactive training content development, branded model templates or hosting, Flypaper offers advanced business services at a fraction of the costs typically associated with interactive development projects.

How Much They Got From Vcs:
Flypaper Studio, Inc., an innovator in rich media content software and services, today announces the company has closed $3 million in Series A funding. The venture capital round comes from Sierra Ventures of Menlo Park, California, and SCF Arizona of Phoenix, Arizona.

More at:http://www.flypaper.net/

Consim Info Pvt. Ltd is India's leading Internet Company has closed its second round of investment of USD $ 11.75 million led by Mayfield Fund

What Company Is Offering:
Consim Info Pvt. Ltd is India's leading Internet Company. The company, established in 1997, has developed expertise and successful business models to provide an array of world-class services including Matrimony, Property, Automobile, Jobs, Listings and SMS services. With over 15 million users worldwide, the group has established itself as an undisputed leader in the Indian Internet space.

How Much They Got From VCs:

Consim Info Pvt. Ltd, formerly known as BharatMatrimony Group, today announced that it has closed its second round of investment of USD $ 11.75 million led by Mayfield Fund and participation from existing investors, Yahoo! and Canaan Partners. Veda Corporate advisor acted as the strategic advisor for the transaction. The company had earlier raised an initial funding of USD $ 8.65 million in 2006 from Yahoo! and Canaan Partners.

About VCs:
Over the past 38 years, Mayfield Fund has been at the forefront of investing in emerging businesses that have grown into industry leaders. Mayfield Fund invests in the U.S., China and India and currently has $2.7 billion under management. It has invested in over 480 companies of which 105 have had initial public offerings and another 160 have been acquired. Some of Mayfield past impact investments include Compaq, Amgen, SGI, 3COM, Sandisk, Citrix, Cypress Semiconductor, Intuitive Surgical, Web Methods, Tibco, 3PAR and LSI Logic.

More at:http://www.consim.com/

Podango Productions announced the launch of “The Game Council,” a new 30-minute podcast for gamers featuring the latest video game news and reviews

What Company Is Offering:
Podango is an online video and audio network that enables publishers and companies to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences. Featuring such hits as The Apple Phone Show and Mommycast, Podango hosts over 1,000 video and audio episodic programs.

How it Works:
Podango lets podcasters host and manage their own shows or stations using the company’s hosting, syndication, audience measurement and Web site creation tools. The company also offers publishers an embeddable podcast player for use in websites. Hosting their programs at Podango for free, station owners earn income by sharing advertising revenue from the aggregate of Podango-hosted stations. Podango also owns and operates a state-of-the-art production studio in the Bay Area.

Whom It Will Help Most:
Publishers: The Podango Network offers a robust suite of services spanning production, hosting, distribution and monetization through a 50/50 revenue share on advertising.

Advertisers/Marketers: Podango stations enable advertisers to access today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences and align their marketing messages with highly relevant content. The network’s 1,000+ shows give advertisers a tool for identifying and targeting enthusiasts to build awareness and foster brand evangelism.

Listeners/Viewers: Podango’s wide-ranging content stations afford listeners a wide choice of episodic video and audio programs mapped to individual tastes and interests, no matter how specific or diverse.

PLATFORM TOOLS Podango’s exclusive “P2 Platform” tools enable publishers to deliver a fully integrated experience to their audiences. Publishers can seamlessly embed media across Web sites. Advertising and performance measurement tools help publishers monitor the effectiveness of their stations.

Recent Updates:
Podango Productions announced the launch of “The Game Council,” a new 30-minute podcast for gamers featuring the latest video game news and reviews.

More at:http://www.podango.com/

Habbo, the largest virtual world for teens, has announced it has partnered with William Morris Agency, a talent and literary agency

What Company Is Offering:
Habbo, the largest virtual world for teens. Habbo is the first online virtual world the agency will represent in the rapidly growing digital entertainment industry.There are currently Habbo communities in 31 countries on five continents. To date, over 86 million Habbo characters have been created and more than 8 million unique user’s worldwide visit Habbo each month .

Recent Updates:

Habbo, the largest virtual world for teens, has announced it has partnered with William Morris Agency, a talent and literary agency.
To expand the virtual world’s reach into the entertainment industry, the William Morris Agency will help Habbo facilitate new strategic partnerships to generate cross-marketing and promotional opportunities.

Additionally, William Morris will provide popular Hollywood and music celebrities for in-game interview appearances within the Habbo community.

“The William Morris Agency is the preeminent talent agency in the business,” said Teemu Huuhtanen, EVP, Habbo business and President, North America. “They will play a crucial role in expanding the Habbo brand across North America by initiating for us new relationships with advertisers in the entertainment industry and developing high-profile promotional opportunities.”

Working together, the William Morris Agency will leverage Habbo’s presence as the leading teen virtual world to develop new revenue-generating business opportunities with major studios, television and cable nets, record labels, and professional sports leagues, to name a few.

“As the Habbo community continues to increase, their audience will demand a mainstream in-game entertainment presence,” said Jim A. Wiatt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, William Morris Agency. “William Morris’ Digital Group will be a key partner helping Habbo develop ideal business and marketing opportunities with the leaders of the entertainment industry.”

More at:http://www.habbo.com/

Kobalt is a leading independent music publisher offering global copyright administration Got VCs Funding

What Company Is Offering:
Kobalt is a leading independent music publisher offering global copyright administration, creative and synch/licensing services, and advances to writers, publishers and other publishing rights holders. With offices in London, New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, Berlin and Stockholm, as well as agents in over 20 major territories, Kobalt administers more than 100,000 copyrights worldwide on behalf of over 500 clients.
Kobalt's state-of-the art administration system is designed to collect more royalties, speed up payments and avoid errors on a global basis.

How Much They Got From VCs:
Kobalt Music Group Ltd has signed a deal with Balderton Capital under which Balderton will invest equity in Kobalt.

The company said the deal will increase Spark’s investment in Kobalt to £7.0million from £4.4 million.

Spark originally provided significant seed investment to Kobalt in 2001.


More at:http://www.kobaltmusic.com/

PickupPal---On Your Way

What Company Is Offering:
PickupPal allows a private vehicle engaged in a transportation event (a one-way trip from A to B) to be matched intelligently and dynamically over the Internet to a pickup location (someone or something) along its planned route anywhere in the world.

How it Works:
PickupPal's core service is providing a venue for either passengers or packages to find or be matched to a driver—typically already travelling in a certain direction or destination—for a small commission. This intelligent matching is performed via our own proprietary set of software algorithms that dynamically and in real time compare routing, frequency, locational, and driver/passenger preferences against a pool of registered users.

At the core of PickupPal's technology is a high-performance Geographic Information System (GIS) software application that sorts and matches based on a series of pre-engineered criteria.

More at:http://www.pickuppal.com/