About 4INFOPress ReleasesLeading Mobile Search Service 4INFO Secures $8.0 Million in FundingInvestment Led by U.S. Venture Partners with Participation from Draper Fisher JurvetsonSAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2005--4INFO Inc., the leading mobile search service, announced today that it has completed an $8.0 million round of equity funding led by U.S. Venture Partners with participation by Draper Fisher Jurvetson. Tim Connors, general partner of U.S. Venture Partners, has joined 4INFO's board of directors.4INFO will use the investment to accelerate the company's growth, enhance product development and expand sales and marketing efforts. The company's mobile search service allows consumers to find information -- local directory, movie times, sports scores, stock quotes, weather, flight information and more -- for free and quickly using their mobile phones. The service works with all major wireless carriers, including Verizon, Cingular and SprintPCS. "Having the endorsement of U.S. Venture Partners and Draper Fisher Jurvetson is a strong validation of 4INFO's mobile search business," said Pankaj Shah, founder and CEO of 4INFO Inc. "4INFO will continue to lead the market by launching new services and providing the fastest, most accurate results." "I tried the service once and immediately couldn't live without it. It is simple and compelling. I look forward to helping the team at 4INFO continue to build a great business around this fabulous product," said Connors, general partner of U.S. Venture Partners. "The mobile market continues to expand rapidly and the demand for information `on the go' is exploding," said Andreas Stavropoulos, managing director of Draper Fisher Jurvetson. "4INFO has an impressive search service that delivers on the promise of fast and accurate results to mobile phones everywhere." 4INFO offers something for every mobile user. The nation's most complete and comprehensive database of stores and businesses in every neighborhood is just a text message away. For example, a user can send "starbucks palo alto" to 44636 and the service will return the addresses and phone numbers for all of the locations in the city. Other sample queries include "movies 94303" for local show times or "weather nyc" for a free 5-day weather forecast. 4INFO's mobile search utilizes sophisticated and patented technology to deliver the most relevant results. The search engine leverages natural language processing and features user-specific intelligence. There are millions of words in the lexicon and no syntax is required. About 4INFO Inc. 4INFO Inc. (www.4Info.net), a leading mobile search service, allows users to quickly, easily and affordably find relevant information on their mobile devices. 4INFO provides local directory and real-time information services, including sports scores, weather, flight information, movie times and stock quotes. 4INFO is headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif. About U.S. Venture Partners U.S. Venture Partners (USVP) invests in a broad range of early-stage information technology companies, including those involved in wireless, IT infrastructure, semiconductors, and enterprise and technical software. Representative USVP public companies are: Sun Microsystems, SanDisk, AMCC, Verity, CheckPoint, MMC Networks, 3Dfx, Leadis, Nuance Communications, Centillium, Crescendo Communications (Cisco), Elantec (Intersil), StrataCom (Cisco), Xylan, Blue Coat Systems and Concur. About Draper Fisher Jurvetson Draper Fisher Jurvetson is the leader in seed stage and early stage venture capital. Since 1985, Draper Fisher Jurvetson has created a global network of affiliated venture funds with over $3 billion in capital commitments and offices in the major technology centers around the world. DFJ has proven expertise in identifying and helping extraordinary entrepreneurs who want to change the world. Back to All Articles |
