The News

Sofinnova Partners invests in InfraWorlds, a startup destined for a bright future in the wireless entertainment market

29/01/2004

1,350 million euros will enable InfraWorlds to accelerate its international development and roll out new products

Paris, France – 29 janvier 2004 – Sofinnova Partners today announced that it has concluded the first round of fundraising for InfraWorlds, a recognized leader in the wireless gaming segment, with the support of Lafayette International. This first round of seed capital, totaling 1,350 million euros, will enable the startup to consolidate its technological lead in this fast-expanding market.

A French company established in 1999, InfraWorlds not only boasts a significant technological lead in Java code optimization and data compression techniques, but also offers unmatched graphic and narrative creativity. Code optimization makes it possible to play 3D games on entry-level terminals with exceptional rendering quality. InfraWorlds designs highly unique content and is committed to non-violent games, allowing it to reach a very broad audience. Indeed, for the first time since the advent of video games, players now include women as well as men. InfraWorlds delivers solutions for terminal manufacturers and carriers, and counts a number of industry-leading players among its customer base.

Jean Schmitt, Partner at Sofinnova, has joined InfraWorlds’ supervisory board, bringing to it extensive expertise in the global wireless communications market."Sofinnova Partners has a long history of investments in early stage companies. Infra Worlds is an early stage company positionned on a fragmented high growth market (Java Mobile Gaming) managed by high potential entrepreneurs. We believe that in this type of business timing is critical; I'm convinced that timing is right for this unique full java small footprint and functionality rich 3D engine",  declare Jean Schmitt.

Alain Le Diberder, acknowledged as one of France’s leading gaming specialists, has also joined the supervisory board, which is chaired by Gilles Granier, chairman of Lafayette and formerly head of M&A at Intel Europe. The board also includes Bénédicte Brouard, a managing director at Lafayette.

Commenting, Camille Guermonprez, InfraWorlds founder of the compagny and chairman of the executive board, said: “This investment by Sofinnova Partners brings us additional financial resources and invaluable business support. Thanks to this commitment, we can confidently pursue our ambitious development program at the heart of the global market, which is estimated to grow to 7 billion euros by 2007!”
 
About Sofinnova Partners
Created in 1972 in Paris, where it is still headquartered, Sofinnova Partners is one of the leading independent venture capital firms in Europe. With key operations in the information technology and life science sectors, its investment strategy is based on two principles : “Invest in projects with a high potential in their early stages of development » and « Act as lead or co-lead investor ». Its investment team comprises 12 investment partners who are all experts in their field and can assist companies in which Sofinnova chooses to invest. Sofinnova Partners has more than 500 million euros under management, a loyal based of international investors, and plans to strongly reinforce its European development in the coming years.

About Lafayette International
Lafayette International is a venture capital company, composed of French and American business angels, that provides seed funding for French and North American startups. As well as making capital investments, Lafayette also supports startups by allowing them to leverage its extensive network of business contacts and proactive sponsorship by its members — an experienced team of highly successful entrepreneurs.

About InfraWorlds
Established in 1999, InfraWorlds is an innovative French startup specializing in embedded Java technologies and solutions for wireless phones. Its technological competencies, coupled with unrivalled graphic creativity, have earned the company a solid reputation among the main players in this booming sector. Built around a team of dedicated professionals, which is soon to be expanded, InfraWorlds is today consolidating its lead in the fast-growing global wireless entertainment market. 

Press Contacts

Trimedia CommunicationEmmanuelle Mestre, Samantha GarnierPhone : +33 1 55 30 70 mailto:83emmanuelle.mestre@trimedia.fr  
Sofinnova Partners Jean Schmitt, PartnerPhone : +33 1 53 05 41 00
Camille GuermonprezPhone : +33 1 58 62 53 00cguermonprez@infraworlds.com