3i, world leading venture capital and private equity company, today announces that it is leading a €5.5m round of financing in ScreenTonic SA, European pioneer of Mobile Internet Advertising, alongside existing early-stage investor, I-Source Gestion.

ScreenTonic has developed over the last 5 years a complete and turn-key Mobile Internet Advertising solution, enabling mobile portals to monetise their traffic by displaying ads such as sponsored links, banners and video ads on their mobile website. ScreenTonic offers new business models to mobile portals, especially with 3G technology which has the potential to reach mass-market scale.

Because the mobile phone has proven itself as the ultimate personal device, ScreenTonic''s advertising solution presents a outstanding opportunity for advertisers to reach a mass audience in a highly efficient and one-to-one manner. ScreenTonic''s dedicated mobile advertising platform (STAMP) is geared to deliver the relevant ad to the right person by taking into account all the specifics of mobile phone: usage, ergonomy, handset types, location.

This financing round will allow ScreenTonic the opportunity to become the European leader of the Mobile Advertising market. ScreenTonic plans to extend its business in all major European countries, notably UK, Benelux, Germany and Spain. Its R&D team will also optimize the cutting-edge performance of STAMP, adding the capability to deliver ads based on individual user behaviour, and the ability to manage new products associated with the rapid uptake of 3G (video billboards amongst others).

Didier Kuhn, CEO of ScreenTonic, said "We are very happy to team up with 3i which brings us their extensive international network and experience combined with a truly entrepreneur minded support. We have a great opportunity with a high potential market, a unique and extensive experience in France and now the means to expand".

Jean-David Chamboredon, Partner at 3i, added "We like the way ScreenTonic has partnered with the major mobile carriers in France offering them the dual opportunity to raise additional revenues and increase mobile internet traffic. We anticipate Mobile Internet Advertising accounting for a significant portion of mobile data business in the future. This is just the beginning for the industry."

François-René Letourneur, Partner at I-Source Gestion, added: "ScreenTonic has established a strong footprint in the mobile advertising business over the last 5 years. Now the market is booming with additional space and services on mobile handsets made available by the operators. Brands are also willing to extend awareness to mobile users. ScreenTonic''s management team has the potential to lead the company to international success".

Subsequent to this financing, ScreenTonic announces the arrival of new recruits Jana Eisenstein (ex Gemini Consulting, 12snap) as the Managing Director of ScreenTonic in the UK and Philippe Huysmans (ex Mitchel Madison, Alpinvest, Cellectivity ) as VP International Development.