Intel Capital, the corporate venturing unit of US-based chip maker Intel, has led a $7m series C round in Israel-based three-dimension (3D) technology company Omek Interactive, as well as a $2.6m round for US-based mobile content company Skyrockit.
The Intel-led funding is the first part of Omek’s series C round, and all other investors were undisclosed. Omek had previously closed $3.8m in series B investment, in January, from a group of undisclosed private investors. Data provider CrunchBase reports the series A round as raising $3m. This means Omek has raised at least $13.8m in its history.
Omek produces 3D technology. Its gesture recognition and body tracking software can be incorporated into a range of leisure and service devices, enabling users to operate the device using movement and positioning alone. Omek is planning to use the equity to develop new products and expand technical support in key regions.
Marcos Battisti, a managing director at Intel Capital for western Europe and Israel, said: "Omek’s gesture recognition and body tracking tools and technology will help transform the way people interact not only with their game systems, but computers, smart devices, television, signage, and much more."
Separately, the $2.6m round of funding for Skyrockit was also backed by Japan-based private equity firm Asuka DBJ Partners and private angel investor Mark Kingdon, former chief executive officer at both digital marketing company Organic and Linden Labs, the developer of the virtual online world Second Life.
Founded in 2001, Skyrockit, previously known as Faith West, then as Moderati until February last year, initially specialised in polyphonic ringtones for mobile phones, but has since expanded into producing applications (apps) for mobile devices.
In 2007, Skyrockit was acquired by Bellrock Media, a company formed to provide sponsored mobile and broadband content, which is also backed by Intel. Intel and Skyrockit had also previously collaborated on Postcards From the Future, a mobile e-card app allowing users to produce custom-made e-cards from photographs stored on their device.
Marc Yi, a managing director at Intel Capital, said: "In today’s world of pervasive connectivity, where anytime, anywhere content on multiple platforms is in high demand, we see a need for creative development that is currently unmet. Skyrockit is uniquely positioned to take advantage of these digital content opportunities to evolve into the mobile studio of the future."
Skyrockit is part of a widening base of mobile content producers in Intel Capital’s portfolio, including the China-based Phoenix New Media, and US-based companies Digital Chocolate and Sense Networks.