Series A
In the modern digital age, increasing numbers of people are concerned about their web persona. Savvy internet users are wary of the long-term effects of their web activity, and worry that one off-color post or embarrassing photo may tarnish their image. Enter Traity, a Madrid-based reputation startup that looks to manage users’ web profiles to better filter and eliminate undesirable content. Founded in July 2012, 4.5 million people have already flocked to the service, allowing Traity to secure $4.7 million in a Series A venture round led by Active Venture Partners. Founders Jose Ignacio Fernandez, Borja Martin, and Juan Cartagena attribute Traity’s success to the website’s reputation confirmation process. By having others vouch for their profile, users are protected from occasional mistakes they may have made in the past. With only 10 employees, Traity remains a small service, yet today’s financial stimulus may help accelerate the company’s presence and traction among global users of the internet.Series D
Series D
Web-based menswear company Bonobos raised $55 million in a Series D venture round. Coppel Capital, Accel Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Nordstrom all participated, and the clothing company plans to use the funds to expand its storefront locations: 30 more Bonobos stores are in the works in the U.S. Founded in 2007, Bonobos has since become the largest clothing brand ever built solely through e-commerce. In 2012, Bonobos partnered with Nordstrom to offer products through its stores, and also opened flagship stores of its own, referred to as ‘Guideshops’ – places where consumers could try Bonobos’ clothing on, so as to confidently buy through their website in the future. The New York-based brand has raised a $127 million in total from venture rounds. As the young company continues to grow, the new $55 million capital infusion will surely help Bonobos establish a stronger brand presence in the future.
Series H
The Japanese Mobile App game developer Gumi secured $49 million from investor World Innovation Lab today in a Series H venture round. Founded in 2007 by Hironao Kunimitsu, the popular Japanese gaming company experienced cross-national success when its award-winning “Yakuza Wars” became a hit on Facebook. Now headquartered in Singapore (Gumi also has offices in Tokyo and Seoul), Gumi began as CEO Kunimitsu’s venture to make a career transition from television to video games. From the start, Gumi focused on creating social gaming platforms – games where social interaction is just as important as the gameplay itself. Since Yakuza Wars, Gumi has continued to stay true its formula, debuting their games on the Japanese social media platform Gree and allowing for dispersion to occur naturally. With total venture investments reaching $94 million, Gumi seems like its conservative method of development and growth will continue to be its strategy into the future.