Mobile Phone Insight Firm Gets $20m

In the US, mobile phone intelligence firm Carrier IQ has raised $20m in a third round of funding, which it plans to use to develop new IQ Insight products and expand its reach in both Europe and Asia Pacific.

Founded in 2005, Carrier IQ is headquartered in Mountain View, California with additional offices in Chicago, Boston, London and Kuala Lumpur. The firm's software already sits on some 35 million mobile handsets worldwide and collects accurate, real-time data on cell phone usage and performance from individual handsets, to enable mobile network operators and handset manufacturers to adapt their services and products. Data includes usage of voice and data services, music players, cameras and smartphone applications.

Announcing the investment, CEO Mark Quinlivan said: 'To raise $20m in the current financial climate is a solid endorsement of the company's success to date and the potential for future growth and expansion in the Mobile Service Intelligence market.'

The recent investment round came from Intel Capital, Presidio Ventures, Sumitomo Corp, and existing backers Accel Partners, Charles River Ventures and Mohr Davidow Ventures. Previously, Carrier IQ raised $23m in venture capital.

'In these challenging economic times, it will become increasingly critical for handset companies and operators alike to make precise investment decisions on rolling out new user services and features. The more you know about your customers' needs, the more able you are to retain these customers and grow their usage by delivering high quality targeted services,' added Quinlivan.

Web site: www.carrieriq.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.