A virtual world is a computer-based simulated environment which users 'inhabit' and interact within via avatars. The virtual world is usually represented in the form of 2-d or 3-d graphical humanoids (or other graphical or text-based avatars). Most virtual worlds allow for multiple users to interact each other. The computer-simulated world usually appears similar to the real world, with real world rules such as gravity, topography, movement, real-time action, and communication.
Virtual world and online community site Gaia Online has raised $11 million in Series C funding from Institutional Venture Partners. Gaia raised $12 million in 2007 from DAG Ventures, Benchmark Capital and Redpoint Ventures and its total funding to date is now $32 million. Tellingly, none of the older investors participated in the latest round, suggesting that the San Jose, California-based company is still burning cash.
Reiko Uchida, 25 July 2008
Bestofmedia Group, the French tech publisher that acquired tech sites Toms Hardware and related sites last year, has raised EUR 22.5 million ($35 million) from Index Ventures. The company claims to be the third biggest online tech publication in terms of traffic, ranking behind CNET and IDG.
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15 July 2008
Quattro, the Indian Business Process Outsourcing company has expanded its operations by acquiring Babel Media in the UK, in a deal estimated at around $100m.
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09 July 2008