RPM Communications Lands $4 Million from Morgenthaler to Bring a Voice to the Social Network

MAYNARD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RPM Communications announced today the closing of $4 million in Series A funding for the development and launch of the new Utterz instant mobile blogging service. In a separate release today, the company announced the beta release of its Utterz service (see “Utterz Lets Anyone Blog Instantly From Their Mobile Phone Using Voice, Video, Pictures and Text.”)

The round was led by Morgenthaler Ventures and includes additional investments from TD Fund and individual investors. The funding will support the development, marketing and customer acquisition activities surrounding the Utterz service, as well as continuing growth in the Company’s innovative foonz service which enables instant, free conference calls from cell phones without codes or pre-planning.

“While the mobile industry continues to focus on data applications, the human voice is still the most versatile and natural way to interact,” said Greg Blonder, partner, Morgenthaler Ventures. “RPM Communications’ expertise in voice-enabling social networks positions it as a key player in the rapidly growing market linking the mobile and online worlds together. RPM’s new Utterz service is an excellent example of how their expertise and rapid innovation can create new revenue streams for mobile carriers and exciting new applications for customers.”

“This funding validates our belief in the voice web and will speed the enhancement of the Utterz service, which brings mobile social networking to everyone with a cell phone,” said Michael Bayer, CEO and co-founder of RPM Communications.

About RPM Communications, Inc.

Founded in 2006, RPM Communications develops and operates innovative telecommunications services for consumers and small businesses. The company leverages the power of voice to enhance and expand the capabilities of wireless and Web social networking, communications and entertainment services. Its Utterz service voice-enables the social networking experience, allowing anyone with a cell phone to blog their life in real time in voice, text, pictures and video. Its foonz service lets anyone with a cell phone start an instant, free conference call, combining the benefits of mobile voice communication, group communication, and the instantaneous aspect of IM and SMS/TXT. For more information, visit www.utterz.com [1] or www.foonz.com [2].

About Morgenthaler Ventures

Morgenthaler is a leading U.S. venture-capital firm with offices in Menlo Park, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Princeton, New Jersey; Boulder, Colorado and Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1968, Morgenthaler has US$2.5 billion under management, including $450 million in its current fund. It has funded more than 250 companies over its 39-year history, including investments in Apple, Synopsys, Nextel, and Verifone. Some of its recent investments in social networking and digital media include imeem, Digital Railroad, NexTag, Rhythm New Media, and IGA.