Open-Xchange, a Germany-based maker of web-based communication, collaboration and office productivity software, has secured $20m series C funding from United Internet Ventures, the corporate venturing subsidiary of Germany-based internet services company United Internet, from Hermann-Josef Lamberti, former COO of Deutsche Bank who also serves on the boards of EADS and ING Bank, and from existing shareholders including BayTech Venture Capital.
Previously, Open-Xchange raised $9m in series B funding in 2008, and $8.8m in series A funding in 2006.
The additional funds will support the company´s growth through investments into software development, professional services and international business development, as well as in marketing and sales.
Oliver Mauss, chief executive officer of United Internet Ventures, said: “Having been a customer of Open-Xchange for many years, we have seen the company evolve from a small vendor to a significant player in the cloud market. Open-Xchange´s vision of becoming the web desktop for cloud services makes this one of the most exciting software investment opportunities. The investment will enable Open-Xchange to expand software development, professional services and international business development, which will hugely benefit all customers and partners. We also understand that Open-Xchange’s customer-base includes other well-known cloud service providers from all across the globe, which stand to benefit from this investment.”
Hermann-Josef Lamberti said: “Open-Xchange is uniquely positioned in this market, enabling telcos, web hosters, mobile and cable operators alike to successfully compete with over-the-top giants like Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google and Microsoft.”
Paul-Josef Patt, chief executive officer of Ecapital Entrepreneurial Partners, who led the negotiations with the new investors, said: “As longstanding backers of Open-Xchange, we highly appreciate the investments by United Internet Ventures and Mr. Lamberti. The additional capital, board expertise and network will provide strong support to the Open-Xchange team as they strive to implement their vision of a superior cloud-based communication and productivity offering.”
Oliver Mauss joins the Open-Xchange supervisory board together with Hermann-Josef Lamberti.