Omaze, the US-based operator of an online crowdfunding platform, has completed a $30m series B round featuring BDMI, a corporate venture capital vehicle for media group Bertelsmann.
FirstMark Capital led the round, which included fellow VC firms Causeway Media Partners and Tusk Ventures, investment and advisory firm Copper, family office Inherent Group, angel network Gaingels and entertainment executive Guy Oseary.
Founded in 2012, Omaze runs a crowdfunding platform for charities and non-profit organisations that offers donors the chance to win prizes such as homes, cars, travel or experiences with celebrities and public figures.
The company has been responsible for raising more than $130m through the service and will spend the series B funds on an international growth drive starting with Western Europe and Asia, in addition to expanding its cars and homes categories.
Omaze said its latest round came after a hitherto undisclosed $12m series A-plus round in 2018.
FirstMark had led the company’s $9m series A round three years earlier, participating with Vayner/RSE, Tornante Company, CrossCut Ventures, FF Venture Capital and angel investors Dave Gilboa, Dave Leyrer and Adam Press – all of which were described as existing backers.
Matt Pohlson, co-founder and chief executive of Omaze, said: “We are grateful to close this round during a challenging year and fundraising environment. It is a testament to the resiliency of our team and the generosity of our community.
“These funds come at a critical inflection point for the company. We are excited to accelerate our international expansion and scale our impact.”
