Ooyala, a US-based online video platform, has raised $35m from a consortium including Australia-based phone operator Telstra’s corporate venturing unit. Alongside Telstra Applications and Ventures Group, which led the round, were venture capital firms Sierra Ventures, Rembrandt Venture Partners and CID Group.
In September, US-based mobile devices manufacturer Motorola Mobility invested an undisclosed amount in Ooyala through its corporate venturing unit, Motorola Mobility Ventures.
Ooyala picked up $22m of series D funding from the Japan-based conglomerate Itochu, private equity firm CID, and venture capital firms Rembrandt Venture Partners and Sierra Ventures. Sierra and Rembrandt previously financed Ooyala’s series C round, which raised $10m in October 2009, while Sierra also contributed to Ooyala’s series A round in 2008.
Founded in 2007, Ooyala provides online video management, analysis and monetisation services for client businesses and currently has more than 1,000 customers.
Separately, Damian Smith, chief executive of financial comparison website RateCity.com.au, has joined Telstra’s Application Venture Group to develop a consumer health offering for the company.