3i, world leading venture capital and private equity company, today announces that it is leading a €5.5m round of financing in ScreenTonic SA, European pioneer of Mobile Internet Advertising, alongside existing early-stage investor, I-Source Gestion. (Tuesday 25 April 2006)

ScreenTonic has developed over the last 5 years a complete and turn-key Mobile Internet Advertising solution, enabling mobile portals to monetise their traffic by displaying ads such as sponsored links, banners and video ads on their mobile website. ScreenTonic offers new business models to mobile portals, especially with 3G technology which has the potential to reach mass-market scale.

Because the mobile phone has proven itself as the ultimate personal device, ScreenTonic’s advertising solution presents an outstanding opportunity for advertisers to reach a mass audience in a highly efficient and one-to-one manner.

ScreenTonic’s dedicated mobile advertising platform (STAMP) is geared to deliver the relevant ad to the right person by taking into account all the specifics of mobile phone: usage, ergonomy, handset types, location.

This financing round will allow ScreenTonic the opportunity to become the European leader of the Mobile Advertising market. ScreenTonic plans to extend its business in all major European countries, notably UK, Benelux, Germany and Spain. Its R&D team will also optimize the cutting-edge performance of STAMP, adding the capability to deliver ads based on individual user behaviour, and the ability to manage new products associated with the rapid uptake of 3G (video billboards amongst others).

Didier Kuhn, CEO of ScreenTonic, said ”We are very happy to team up with 3i which brings us their extensive international network and experience combined with a truly entrepreneur minded support. We have a great opportunity with a high potential market, a unique and extensive experience in France and now the means to expand”.

Jean-David Chamboredon, Partner at 3i, added ”We like the way ScreenTonic has partnered with the major mobile carriers in France offering them the dual opportunity to raise additional revenues and increase mobile internet traffic. We anticipate Mobile Internet Advertising accounting for a significant portion of mobile data business in the future. This is just the beginning for the industry.”

François-René Letourneur, Partner at I-Source Gestion, added: ”ScreenTonic has established a b footprint in the mobile advertising business over the last 5 years.

Now the market is booming with additional space and services on mobile handsets made available by the operators. Brands are also willing to extend awareness to mobile users. ScreenTonic’s management team has the potential to lead the company to international success”.
Subsequent to this financing, ScreenTonic announces the arrival of new recruits Jana Eisenstein (ex Gemini Consulting, 12snap) as the Managing Director of ScreenTonic in the UK and Philippe Huysmans (ex Mitchel Madison, Alpinvest, Cellectivity ) as VP International Development.

About ScreenTonic SA

ScreenTonic is the European leader in mobile advertising, selling and running the largest mobile advertising network available today. ScreenTonic offers a complete solution spanning from mobile media sales to ad management and ad serving technology.

ScreenTonic’s value proposition allows mobile portals to monetise their traffic in a new way and gives advertisers the means to communicate on mobile phones in a personalised and effective manner.
To deliver high-quality, cutting-edge solutions, ScreenTonic’s team created STAMP, the first ad management and ad server platform fully dedicated to mobile internet.
ScreenTonic’s first mover experience, its unique positioning and extensive expertise are reinforced by its b relationships with major mobile portals.

For more information, please visit www.screentonic.com

About 3i

3i is a world leader in private equity and venture capital. We focus on Buyouts, Growth Capital and Venture Capital and invest across Europe, in the United States and in Asia Pacific. Our competitive advantage comes from our international network and the strength and breadth of our relationships in business. These underpin the value that we deliver to our portfolio and to our shareholders.

3i’s Venture Capital business focuses on investing in scaleable start-up and earlystage businesses. The business currently manages over 200 investments across Europe, US, Asia and Israel, valued in excess of €1bn. 3i’s VC investments fall into four main industry sectors, including healthcare, telecommunications, software and electronics/semiconductors.

3i’s recent software investments include PriceMinister (online marketplace), Webpay (online payment), Redlynx (interactive TV), OmPrompt (messaging platform), Mindjet (mindmap visualization), NordNav (GNSS), BlueLithium (online advertising), Cachelogic (traffic management) with successful realisations for Interhyp (online mortgages), Searchspace, Pedestal, RedDot and Evant.

For more information, go to www.3i.com

About I-Source Gestion

I-Source Gestion is a venture capital firm dedicated to early-stage financing in high growth potential companies operating in the area of Information Technology stemming from public and private research centres.

With over 50 companies in its portfolio, 6 investment funds (of which T-source fund) totalling 108 million euros under management, I-Source covers the following sectors: Infrastructure and internet services, Corporate software, Contents and Media Technologies, Communication Systems and related services. The management team combines a wide experience in venture capital and a vast operational experience (Management, Technological Project Management, Marketing and Sales.)

For additional information: www.isourcegestion.fr

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