ATLANTA, March 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile Tag, the leader in 1D and 2D mobile barcode and NFC-based marketing solutions, announced the successful closing of its Series B financing totalling approximately $8.2M. "We are convinced that this fundraising operation will affirm Mobile Tag's position as a leader and increase both its commercial and technical influence," concluded Domenico Surace, Founder and CEO Mobile Tag Group.
Mobile Tag, Inc., the Atlanta-based wholly owned US subsidiary of Mobile Tag Group, has entered into a definitive contract to partner with America's largest Wireless Carrier to make the use of Mobile Barcodes and NFC tagging as pervasive as text messaging. Mobiles equipped with team's high-performance readers, either pre-loaded out of the box or downloaded through app stores, will enable immediate interaction between brands and their consumers directly from traditional advertising, by-passing search engines and the competitive messages they display in the search results. This all happens immediately without the consumer waiting to get to a PC. This enables a one to one dialog between the consumer and advertiser immediately from the ad. As the largest provider of mobile devices to consumers, the partnership is uniquely positioned to provide this service to its millions of Consumers and Business Customers along with its partner Mobile Tag. Successful trials have already been conducted with key business customers.
Mobile Tag, Inc.'s CEO William Hoffman believes, "Our partner has a unique position giving it a clear advantage to help Brands connect to consumers in an easy and intuitive way. In my opinion, the partnership has "cracked the code" on how to connect businesses of all sizes DIRECTLY with consumers of all ages and tastes, using commonplace technology like barcodes or advanced technology like NFC tags combined with your ever-present cell phone".
To aid Mobile Tag's global growth strategy, $8.2 million of additional financing was obtained from existing investors XAnge Private Equity, Alven Capital, IDF Capital and new investment from Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken Venture Capital (SEB Venture Capital) who joined the Board of the Parent.
There is excellent potential for growth in mobile marketing - key advertisers are present in this buoyant market. Mobile Tag's solutions are adapted to businesses of all sizes, from top advertisers to independent retailers.
"We're delighted to make this investment in Mobile Tag and believe MobileTag's technology and above all, its management platform, will be very attractive for operators, advertisers and direct marketers. We're looking forward to helping this company achieve its international aspirations." Frank Kelcz, SEB's appointed board-member for MobileTag
"Since its inception, Mobile Tag, has innovated in the emerging field of Mobile marketing services. We look forward to seeing Mobile Tag's evolution as it continues to develop new ways for brands, retailers and consumers to interact using mobile technology," addsNicolas Rose, Partner at XAnge Private Equity.
Nicolas Celier, Partner at Alven Capital, states that: "In 2008 we had already backed this innovative concept. Given Mobile Tag's results and its development of Flashcodes, we had no hesitation in renewing our commitment".
About SEB Venture Capital
SEB Venture Capital was established in 1995 and is part of the SEB Group. With a multistage evergreen fund of approximately 240 million Euros, the fund has currently 37 investments in the technology and healthcare sectors, and has achieved 45 exits since inception. SEB is a North European financial group serving some 400,000 corporate customers and institutions and five million private individuals.
Read more about SEB at http://www.sebgroup.com
About Alven Capital
Alven Capital is a venture capital fund, managing EUR 150M, mostly for institutional investors. Alven Capital invests in high growth companies in the media, services, and information technology sectors. Alven Capital has already invested in 40 European companies, including Qosmos, E-Blink, Bi-Sam, Prowebce, MonShowroom.com, myfab.com, Aquarelle, Liligo, Wanimo, Splendia, SeLoger.com, Webhelp, Newsweb, Companeo, Metaboli, etc.
About XAnge Private Equity
Backed by leading European corporates and financial institutions, XAnge is a unique private equity firm, subsidiary of La Banque Postale, one of the largest retail banks in France and fully owned by La Poste. As of today, XAnge has 340 million in assets under management. With an international team of seasoned professionals based in Paris and Munich, XAnge actively supports leading venture and growth companies in Europe, with a strong focus on technology.
About Mobile Tag
Mobile Tag is the market leader in marketing solutions for 2D, 1D and NFC. In 2006, the company launched mobiletag, an embedded software application that allows phones to read 2D barcodes, otherwise known as tags, simply by using the phone's camera. Mobile Tag developed the software to create quick access to external content.
For further information please visit: http://www.mobiletag.com
