Mtone Wireless filed for an IPO of up to $55M according to Private Equity Week:
Mtone Wireless Corp., a Santa Clara, Calif.-based provider of interactive entertainment and social networking services to mobile phone users in China, has filed to raise $55 million via an IPO of common stock on the Nasdaq under proposed ticker symbol MTWI. The company was founded in 1994 as General Wireless Communications Ltd., was renamed ByAir Corp. in 2002 and renamed Mtone last November. The company has raised over $85 million in VC funding from significant shareholders like Institutional Venture Partners, Alpine Technology Ventures and the iGlobe Partners Fund.
My curiousity piqued by this announcement I visited the Mtone website and found the US Mtone website to be extremely low-key dull some might say. But through it Igleaned that Mtone has an amazing array of social networking servicesfor China's mobile market. From virtual pals, to virtual gaming, to astrological dating and friend-making whileparticipating in their many services which include:
Virtual Pal mischievous boy who befriends you, sends you stuff to brighten your day Virtual Pal users can also chat amongstthemselves.
Legend of the Three Realms virtual world where users build 'social bonds.'
Cell Phone social networking dating game that revolves around a popular Chinese movie.
Constellation Dating chat anonymously with others who share your astrological sign.
Competitive Treasure Island SMS-based multi-user interactive active questions and answer game whereone can wager virtual chits and chat with other players.
Absolute Privacy a mobile-driven weblog service.
I then found the Mtone site in China not dull! (-:=
