Series B round affirms Blis’ position as the global industry leader in location-based advertising technology.
Singapore – Blis, the global pioneer in advanced location data technology, has announced that it has secured US$25 million in funding from major new investors Endeit Capital, Beringea US and Unilever Ventures, alongside additional credit facilities provided by Silicon Valley Bank.
The investment will help fund the continued expansion of Blis into new markets, including the US, and the scaling of international sales and marketing activities. It will also be used to enhance Blis’ core data engineering capabilities, as well as the development of new product features.
Since launching in London, Blis has grown rapidly to become one of the largest location technology companies in the world, operating a profitable, high-growth business in over 50 markets from eight offices throughout APAC and EMEA.
Greg Isbister, Founder and CEO of Blis, commented: “We firmly believe that location technology is the future of digital advertising and we’re delighted to have received significant funding to support our expansion. The investment recognises the unique value of location and Blis’ market-leading data platform.”
With US location-targeted mobile ad spend predicted to be worth $11.3 billion in 2016 and growing to $26.7 billion by 2020, Blis’ unique technology is already helping media agencies, publishers and brands unlock the power of location. The company provides award-winning location-based technology solutions to global brands, including Airbnb, Ford and Samsung.
Investors Martijn Hamann, Endeit Capital; Mark Donnelly, Beringea US; and Ian Lane, Unilever Ventures, will join Blis Founder and CEO Greg Isbister, President Harry Dewhirst, and Rob Hodgkinson of Beringea UK on the Blis Board of Directors.
Martijn Hamann, Partner at Endeit Capital, said: “Blis has created a leadership position in the global market through its pioneering use of location technology. At Endeit Capital, we’re always looking to support genuine innovation and so we’re excited to be working with Blis as the company enters the next phase of its development.”
Mooreland Partners acted as the financial adviser to Blis in the Series B financing round.
About Blis
Blis is a pioneer in advanced location data technology. Using our unique, patented technology, we provide the most accurate location data and rich contextualised consumer behavioural insights for advertisers. We believe that where people go defines who they are and that location and content behaviour provides deeper insights into their preferences. Established in 2004, the business has built and deployed a proprietary, industry-leading platform that serves digital content to audiences on the move. The company is headquartered in London with regional offices throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. The Blis platform serves highly targeted ads via Real Time Bidding to specific locations and demographic groups, cross-device. The company’s customers are media buying agencies acting on behalf of the world’s largest brands, including Samsung, McDonald’s, O2, HSBC, Asics, Peugeot and Mercedes Benz. For further information, visit www.blis.com
About Endeit Capital
Endeit Capital, founded in 2006, is a growth capital firm fueling internationalisation and innovation and recently has held a €125 million final close for its new fund. The firm has offices in Amsterdam (NL) and Hamburg (DE) and invests in pan-European “Connected Consumer” firms in digital media/marketing, ecommerce and enterprise services, supporting them to become leading international players in their industries. Some well-known exits are smartclip (RTL), Unruly (News Corp), Metrixlab (Macro Mill), Eyeworks (Warner Bros.) Improve Digital (PubliGroupe/Swisscom), AlbumPrinter (VistaPrint), Unamic / HCN (Xerox ) and Hyves (Telegraaf Media Groep). For further information, visitwww.endeit.com
About Beringea
Beringea, LLC provides equity and/or mezzanine debt to growth-oriented companies in the U.S. and UK. The Firm, which includes Michigan-based Beringea, LLC and its London, UK office Beringea LLP, invests in companies operating in a range of sectors, including healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, media and specialized consumer products. With flexible capital solutions, extensive investing experience and an international footprint, Beringea’s team offers its portfolio companies the resources to grow their businesses and create value for stakeholders. In the United States of America, Beringea operates as an SEC-registered investment advisor, Beringea, LLC. For further information, visit www.beringea.com
About Unilever Ventures
Unilever Ventures is the Venture Capital and Private Equity arm of Unilever. The fund invests in young and promising companies, accelerating growth by providing access to Unilever’s global ecosystem, assets and expertise. Managed for a financial return, the fund is focussed on investments in Digital (Marketing, Ecommerce and Enterprise Efficiency) and Personal Care. Set up in 2002, Unilever Ventures has established operations in Europe, North America and South Asia either directly or through partner funds. Unilever Ventures’ investments include: Percolate, Olapic, Clavis Insight, Gousto, Big Sync Music, Brainjuicer, Brandtone and Mirriad. For further information, visitwww.unileverventures.com
About Silicon Valley Bank UK
For more than 30 years, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has helped innovative businesses and their investors move bold ideas forward, fast. SVB provides a range of targeted financial services and expertise through its office in the UK. With commercial and international banking services, SVB helps address the unique needs of innovators. The UK’s leading technology and life science businesses, in all stages of development, look to SVB’s niche expertise, experience and unparalleled network, as they grow at home and tackle new markets abroad. Learn more atwww.svb.com/uk
