GroupVox
Private Equity Round in 2013
Re-thinking voice communications for social networks. Building PTT/Walkie-Talkie apps for Facebook and VKontakte, Russia's most popular social network. iOS, Android and Web platforms are covered.
Federal Finance
Series A in 2012
The online service of internet users identification. Provider of identification services to companies.
SHAPE
Venture Round in 2012
SHAPE GmbH is a software development company based in Stuttgart, Germany, established in 1999. The company specializes in creating mobile applications that cater to various needs such as communication, productivity, and entertainment across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and BlackBerry. Its range of products includes IM+, an all-in-one messaging and social networking app; Sicher, a secure messaging application; and iDisplay, which allows mobile devices to serve as secondary screens. Additionally, SHAPE offers RDM+, a remote desktop application, and Mobiola Web Camera, a video converter and remote file manager. Other notable offerings include Secret Screen, which enhances display capabilities, and Business Card Reader, which utilizes advanced text recognition for data entry. With operations in Europe and the United States, SHAPE reaches a diverse customer base and has formed partnerships with various resellers, focusing on enhancing mobile experiences for both individual users and businesses.
Platiza is an online microfinance service based in Moscow, Russia, that specializes in providing instant short-term payday loans. The company offers a streamlined process for customers seeking financial assistance in emergencies, allowing them to access funds quickly after completing an online identification and scoring procedure. Once approved, funds can be transferred to the customer's debit card, Visa Qiwi Wallet, or any e-commerce partner account for immediate use, typically within 5 to 10 minutes. Through its services, Platiza aims to assist individuals in managing their short-term financial needs efficiently.
CreditCardsOnline
Series A in 2011
Selecting credit card options of leading Russian banks.
CreditCardsOnline is an online service that lists credit cards options of various banks. The project is the leader in the niche of lead generation. It cooperates with 40 major Russian banks. The monthly audience reaches 800k visitors.
Banki.ru is a leading financial information portal in Russia, established in 2005, that offers a comprehensive database covering various banking services, including deposits, mortgages, credit cards, and various types of loans. The platform aggregates essential information, allowing users to access details from multiple banks without needing to visit various websites. It features a Public Rating system where users can submit reviews, fostering transparency and enabling banks to address customer complaints efficiently. With over one million unique visitors each month, Banki.ru serves as a crucial resource for consumers seeking financial services in Russia. The site also supports advertising from approximately 150 to 200 banks annually. In 2011, Banki.ru expanded its reach by acquiring the Ukrainian site Banki.ua, while its original founders maintain majority ownership despite a past investment from an investment fund. The company's financial operations are audited by Grant Thornton Russia.
The company is presently one of leading Russian developers of real-time electronic systems for the financial markets.
The leading project is the system for broker-dealer services TRANSAQ which is now one of the leading programming applications for the Russian stock and derivatives market. It’s competitive edge is high productivity, safety and quality of technological support.
Alawar Entertainment
Series A in 2007
Alawar Entertainment Inc. specializes in the development, publication, and distribution of casual and midcore video games across various platforms, including PC, mobile devices, and consoles. Founded in 1999 and based in Lewes, Delaware, the company offers a diverse range of game genres, including arcade, puzzle, shooter, and hidden object games. Alawar's extensive portfolio has resulted in over 200 million game copies sold in more than 100 countries. In addition to game development, the company provides services such as game production, financing, marketing, and distribution, which includes both online and physical formats. Alawar Entertainment also engages in advertising within games, product placement, and advergaming, enhancing its offerings and reach in the gaming market.
MGID Inc. operates an audience development platform that connects a network of publishers with advertisers, enabling them to promote products, services, and website content effectively. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in New York, the company has expanded its operations to include offices in London, Hong Kong, and Kiev. MGID specializes in native advertising and targets a vast audience, reaching 850 million unique readers with 165 billion content recommendations each month. The platform empowers both publishers and advertisers by facilitating audience retention, traffic monetization, and improved brand awareness through data-driven strategies. By providing a comprehensive solution that covers planning, delivery, and reporting, MGID serves clients across more than 60 languages, enhancing their advertising experiences and driving performance in the digital advertising ecosystem.
Astrostar
Series A in 2007
Astrostar.ru is an online astrology service based in Moscow, Russia, specializing in the creation, management, and distribution of astrological content. The company's primary focus is on providing personalized horoscopes tailored to individual users, which can be accessed through paid services via SMS or e-currency. In addition to these paid offerings, Astrostar.ru also provides a wealth of free content and additional services, including astrology consultations and dream interpretation. The company's content reaches a broad audience through a network of over 150 partners, such as Rambler, Mail.ru, and KM.ru, thereby enhancing its visibility and accessibility to users interested in astrology.
Mamba is the number one Russian online dating service, which cooperates with major portals including Mail.Ru, Rambler and MSN.com and over 30,000 others. The company’s database holds over 18.6 million registered users, over 40% of which are active. Mamba primarily targets customers in Russia and the CIS and is also going to launch dating services abroad. The business model is centered on the “pay as you go” principle: the users are more inclined to pay for additional instant low cost services, rather than bigger monthly subscription. Company’s billing system is one of the largest in the world with more than 40 possible ways to pay for Mamba’s services. According to various estimates, Mamba controls about 85% of the market.
BUKA is a Russian video game developer and publisher headquartered in Moscow. Established as a publisher, BUKA has released notable titles such as the Far Cry series, Half-Life series, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, and Hard Truck series. The company also publishes its own games including Pacific Storm and the upcoming "Collapse." BUKA was acquired by 1C Company in July 2008.
E-Generator
Series A in 2005
E-Generator is focused on the execution of remotely managed advertising and Web development projects. The company has attracted a number of well known Russian TV channels, newspapers and several international companies as returning customers. Projects, developed by the company have won prestigious internet awards.
BUKA is a Russian video game developer and publisher headquartered in Moscow. Established as a publisher, BUKA has released notable titles such as the Far Cry series, Half-Life series, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, and Hard Truck series. The company also publishes its own games including Pacific Storm and the upcoming "Collapse." BUKA was acquired by 1C Company in July 2008.
Search Technologies (RU)
Series A in 2004
Search Technologies is a developer of products for online advertisements and websites.
MoneyMail
Series A in 2004
CJSC MoneyMail, established in 2004 and headquartered in Moscow, Russia, operates an online electronic payment system that integrates settlement payment services with online banking functionality. The platform allows users to register and make legal, instant payments for various services, including online shopping, mobile phone services, and credit card transactions. Additionally, MoneyMail enables users to generate invoices and has expanded its network to include over 450 partners. The company is recognized for its contributions to the successful money@mail.ru project, a key initiative of the Mail.ru Internet holding.
Ashmanov & Partners
Series A in 2004
Ashmanov & Partners is a leading company in the Russian IT sector, founded by former top managers and programmers from Rambler Media. The company specializes in search engine optimization, website promotion, and context advertising management, offering a range of services that enhance online visibility and drive sales for clients. In addition to its core offerings, Ashmanov & Partners provides marketing audits, statistics solutions, and Internet consulting, as well as developing and supporting various internet projects. The firm is also known for organizing key industry events, hosting two annual conferences focused on Internet marketing, which are significant gatherings for professionals in the field. Through its comprehensive suite of services, Ashmanov & Partners aims to help organizations attract their target audience and improve their brand reputation in the digital landscape.
ZAO Begun
Series A in 2003
ZAO Begun is an advertising services company based in Moscow, Russia, founded in 2002. It specializes in contextual advertising and operates as an advertising network within the Russian internet segment. ZAO Begun provides a variety of advertising products, including commodity advertising, banner advertising, and mobile advertising. Additionally, the company offers media planning services to assist clients with budget calculations. As a subsidiary of Rambler Media Ltd, ZAO Begun plays a significant role in the distribution of advertisements to advertisers, websites, and advertising agencies across the region.