US-based mobile instant messaging cloud platform Hyphenate, backed by SIG China, a local subsidiary of technology and trading firm Susquehanna International Group, obtained $13.5m funding yesterday.
The round was led by venture capital firm Matrix Partners China. Other investors have not been named.
Hyphenate operates a cloud platform that enables app developers to embed instant messaging functionality into their products. The platform also supports file-sharing functionality.
The company is the US subsidiary of China-based embedded messaging platform provider Easemob Technologies, which established Hyphenate in 2015 thanks to a $22m series B round provided by SIG China, Sequoia Capital and Matrix.
Hyphenate will use the money to further expand its market share in the global app ecosystem. The cash will also go towards staff recruitment across the marketing, sales and customer support teams.
Han Dong, vice-president of marketing and general manager at Hyphenate, said: “We are very pleased to be working with our global investment leaders and look forward to leveraging their market expertise and guidance to help Hyphenate drive its next phase of growth.
“This is an exciting time at Hyphenate. Since our launch of the Hyphenate Mobile Instant Messaging platform earlier this year, we are now in a strong position to deliver on several company goals that we set out to accomplish – from new offerings to overall company staff growth. We look forward to what the new year will bring.”