KPCB also announced iFund-supported companies have more than 20 applications in development for the soon-to-be-released iPad, with 11 available at first ship on April 3. KPCB noted the iPhone has created an inflection in mobile content consumption and the iPad will lead the next wave of innovation in mobile computing. The iFund is increasing its investment dollars to back entrepreneurs and build companies that focus on these areas. Particular areas of interest on iPad include entertainment, communication, social networking, commerce, health care, and education.
“Welcome to the brave new post-PC era where a swoosh of fluidity replaces the traditional mouse-bound GUI. A new, truly revolutionary platform is rare, and a prize for entrepreneurs,” said John Doerr, KPCB Partner, in the press release. “We expect all ventures to have an iPad strategy. We will fund many more ventures for iPad, and the iFund will accelerate their success.”
“Kleiner Perkins has done a terrific job at finding, funding and supporting great iPhone app developers,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, in the press release. “We are thrilled that they are doubling the size of their fund, along with expanding it to now include iPad developers too.”
Matt Murphy, Partner at KPCB and leader of the iFund, reported that KPCB’s iFund ventures have achieved significant success, including:
• More than $100 million of 2010 mobile revenue
• More than 100 million aggregate mobile downloads
• An amazing 18 titles reached the Top 10 on the App Store
“We’re ecstatic to be doubling down on the iFund after two short years,” said Murphy. “The success of the App Store and its impact on consumers has been 10 times faster and bigger than we expected. Kleiner Perkins and iFund companies have enjoyed an incredibly helpful and unwavering partner in Apple.”
Recent milestones for iFund companies include:
• GOGII’s 5.5 million users have sent 2 billion messages through textPlus
• ngmoco’s titles are installed on over one-third of iPhone OS devices and played 20 million minutes each day
• Pinger launched 10 apps into the App Store Top 100 in a single month
• Shazam’s 50 million worldwide users are tagging over 2 million songs per day
• Booyah’s MyTown has over 1.6 million users doing 4 million location check-ins per day
The 11 applications available this week from iFund companies include seven games from ngmoco including We Rule, GodFinger and WarpGate, as well as Doodle Buddy and Star Smash from Pinger, textPlus from GOGII, and Shazam from Shazam Entertainment.
About the iFund
KPCB’s iFund has invested in 14 companies developing games, entertainment, communications, social networking, advertising, and commerce applications. The first wave of iFund ventures are: Booyah, Cooliris, GOGII, iControl, InMobi, ngmoco, Pelago, Pinger, Shazam, Shopkick, Zynga mobile and three unannounced ventures. These ventures get expert help from KPCB partners and the Apple team. They frequently collaborate with each other and share insights through bi-annual iFund Summits and other networking events.
The iFund is led by KPCB partner Matt Murphy with significant involvement from partners Chi-Hua Chien, John Doerr, Bing Gordon, Randy Komisar, Aileen Lee, Ellen Pao, and Ted Schlein. The iFund seeks to fund entrepreneurs pursuing transformative ideas with the potential to become standalone, public companies. In addition to providing capital, KPCB assists with company-building expertise, business development relationships, and access to its vast network of talented entrepreneurs.
About Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
Since its founding in 1972, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers has backed entrepreneurs in over 500 ventures, including AOL, Amazon.com, Citrix, Compaq Computer, Electronic Arts, Genentech, Genomic Health, Google, Intuit, Juniper Networks, Netscape, Lotus, Sun Microsystems, Symantec, Verisign, and Xilinx. KPCB portfolio companies employ more than 250,000 people. More than 150 of the firm’s portfolio companies have gone public. Many other ventures have achieved success through mergers and acquisitions. KPCB has been an active investor in mobile ventures with over 25 portfolio companies in the sector.
Source: Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
Sounds impressive but they are not really interested in anything else than “the next big thing” in social networking. Waste of time and opportunities.
Than you for your support.
“A new, truly revolutionary platform is rare, and a prize for entrepreneurs,” said John Doerr, KPCB Partner.
Mr. Doerr had similar sentiments for the iPhone when the iFund was first created.
I tend to believe he’s right again with the iPad. .:.