One of the more popular instant messaging mobile apps is taking a $10 (£6.32) million investment from a Russian investor.
IM+, made by Stuttgart-based Shape, is taking the money from Finam, which has previously invested in the Badoo and Mamba liaisons/dating social networks.
With the deal, the pair are making a JV named FinamShape to exploit a web-based version at plus.im. It competes with services including the excellent imo.im.
Shape says IM+ has clocked 17.5 million users and serves up 800 million mobile ads each month.
The app handles multiple IM protocols and social networks and recently introduced its own social messenger, Beep, in to the app.
Finam says it wants to invest in “global players in the TMT sector worldwide”. Badoo does very well on mobile, and has solidified its business model of charging users to put themselves at the top of search lists.
IM+: Introducing Beep from SHAPE Services on Vimeo.