US-based virtual computing conglomerate Citrix Systems has launched a strategic cooperation agreement with Israel-based cloud computing start-up Gizmox, while also investing in US-based cloud company Graymatics.
The agreement with Gizmox includes a $2.5m investment from Citrix, as part of a $3.5m convertible loan, according to news provider Globes Online. Gizmox develops web, cloud and mobile delivery platform Visual WebGui.
Martin Duursma, vice-president of Citrix Labs, said: “Our strategic investment in Gizmox is aimed at advancing technology to better address emerging enterprise HTML5-based web, cloud and mobile needs.
“With the proliferation of consumer devices, from tablets and Smartphones to unique web-optimised devices like Google ChromeBooks, users are demanding to bring these devices into the workplace. Our vision is to provide enterprises with the virtual computing infrastructure needed to provide anywhere, anytime access to corporate resources.”
Separately, Graymatics, which provides content-based analysis of video and other digital media, has also received investment from the Citrix Startup Accelerator. Citrix’s seed investment unit launched in December and its prior recipients were data interface service Primadesk, content delivery network Cotendo and cloud consultancy service Core Mobile Networks.
John McIntyre, managing director of Citrix Startup Accelerator, said: “Graymatics is on the verge of bringing something new and innovative to cloud computing, and they now have the opportunity to take it to market faster by leveraging key resources and expertise from Citrix that will help them achieve the market traction and customer validation they need.”
Citrix launched the Citrix Startup Accelerator Global Challenge, a programme intended to attract entrepreneurs, who will compete for up to $400,000 in seed funding in April. The division is looking to invest in up to 12 companies per year and more investments are expected later this month.