Blyk creates SMS and MMS mobile messages that combine information, entertainment and exclusive offers for opt-in users aged 16–24. It works with mobile operators to deliver campaigns and already partners with Orange and Vodafone. The company reports average response rates of 25% in each market it operates in. Blyk plans to use the new funding to accelerate strategic partnering with mobile operators and to expand. In 2009 Blyk shifted away from a direct UK service in favor of an operator-partnering model. The €17 million equity investment is intended to further strengthen its position in the fast-growing mobile advertising field. Blyk is a mobile virtual network operator that offers a free mobile service for 16–24 year olds funded by targeted advertising. The service sends targeted adverts to users' handsets as its revenue model. Blyk launched in the UK late last year and plans to expand into the Netherlands and other European markets. The company piggybacks on Vodafone's network for service delivery. It was founded by Pekka Ala-Pietilä and Antti Ohrling. Investors in its latest undisclosed round include Goldman Sachs, the Industrial and Financial Investments Company (IFIC), Sofinnova Partners, and private backers.

Total raised

$22M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Sep 2010