UK mobile operator Vodafone has invested E3.5m in reviews website Qype.
Qype announced on Tuesday that it was raising E6.5m from investors in order to develop its mobile business.
Of this amount, E3.5m is from Vodafone Ventures, the investment arm of…
UK mobile operator Vodafone has invested E3.5m in reviews website Qype.
Qype announced on Tuesday that it was raising E6.5m from investors in order to develop its mobile business.
Of this amount, E3.5m is from Vodafone Ventures, the investment arm of Vodafone, and another E3m from Qype’s existing investors: Advent Venture Partners, Partech International and Wellington Partners.
Over the past two years, Qype has produced mobile apps for Android, Blackberry and iPhone customers wishing to post reviews and ratings of leisure services such as hotels, restaurants and accommodation.
Under a new agreement, a Vodafone and Qype co-branded app will be pre-loaded on supported Vodafone phones, including the Android and Blackberry in the UK and continental Europe.
Vodafone said that it was making the investment in order to further its goal of providing data services that make life easier. A Vodafone spokesperson said there was no plan to acquire Qype outright.
The head of Vodafone Ventures, Peter Barry, said: “We are delighted to back a key player in the location-based services and user reviews arena and we are looking forward to help Qype accelerate its mobile business further and ultimately adding value to our customer.”
