The Draper Investment Company Portfolio: About C2Call GmbH and VoIP Technology

Focused on the information technology sector, the venture capital firm Draper Investment Company takes pride in providing financial capital for startup companies hard at work on developing groundbreaking and disruptive technologies. Of particular interest in recent years is VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, an Internet-based method of transmitting voice and like media over online networks. Draper Investment Company proudly supports Germany-based startup C2Call GmbH, whose FriendCaller service provides an accessible way to communicate between subscribers, as well as those with landlines and mobile devices.

The Draper Investment Company portfolio has followed VoIP since near its inception, demonstrating the company’s enthusiasm for IT ventures. More simply defined, VoIP refers to communication services streamed over the Internet rather than the rapidly fading public telephone network. Draper Investment Company invested in C2Call GmbH and various other VoIP-savvy companies due to the investor’s belief that VoIP will likely one day eclipse the more traditional telephony methods.

Even users who do not recognize the term “VoIP” have likely used software that incorporates the technology. Popular instant messaging clients such as AIM and Internet-calling software Skype have become nearly ubiquitous in online communication. SMS messages, more commonly known as text messages found on mobile phones, are also distributed via VoIP. Where C2Call’s FriendCaller service distinguishes itself from those and other competitors is in its straightforwardness. Users go to FriendCaller.com, sign up for an account, and receive a unique link that others can use to call them, thereby eliminating the need for memorizing phone numbers and user names to get in touch with others.

To foster growth of C2Call’s FriendCaller service, the company raised more than $2 million in funding during the early months of 2010. Draper Investment Company participated in the funding.

Groundbreaking Developments in Online Communication – C2Call GmbH’s FriendCaller.com (2/2)

After perfecting FriendCaller’s Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) platform, C2Call GmbH applied a great deal of time and resources toward constructing ensured network compatibility with a wide array of standard and mobile computing devices. Individuals who own Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch can enjoy the same connective perks built into FriendCaller’s browser-based version, as well as the service’s VoIP downloadable version. All information contained within a user’s browser-based FriendCaller account links directly to FriendCaller for iPhone, iPad, and iPod, protecting from lost contacts or call credit.

C2Call GmbH’s FriendCaller for Android operating systems allows users to experience the power of VoIP through Google’s Android OS. Manufactured by companies like Motorola and HTC, Google-supported Android smart phones can easily download FriendCaller in the form of a free application, facilitating cost-effective calling to contacts across the country and around the world. People who own a Nokia Series 40 device can make the most of FriendCaller as well. The Nokia Series 40 provides users with a set-up wizard for navigating the installation process, although C2Call gives users the choice of foregoing set-up wizard assistance prior to making calls with FriendCaller SIP.

C2Call GmbH’s FriendCaller is also compatible with Facebook, the world’s largest social networking site. FriendCaller.com’s Facebook VoIP app takes the hassle out of inviting friends to join C2Call’s VoIP network, offering a host of benefits beyond FriendCaller’s highly affordable communication solutions. Facebook users can go to the new “Offer Wall” on FriendCaller.com’s page to earn credit toward future calls. Simply “like” FriendCaller.com today to receive special offers exclusively available to Facebook members.

For those who place the bulk of their phone calls from home or work computers, C2Call GmbH’s WebPhone version complies with all browser-powered VoIP protocol, concurrently expanding modes of installation. FriendCaller’s WebPhone can be permanently saved on almost any desktop computer free of charge. For a full explanation of the benefits extended to FriendCaller VoIP system members, visit www.friendcaller.com today.

Groundbreaking Developments in Online Communication – C2Call GmbH’s FriendCaller.com (1/2)

A person-to-person Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service provider based in Germany, C2Call GmbH offers users a simple, affordable and effective alternative to existing VoIP communication tools. Available either free or at a cost of as low as only two cents per minute for overseas connections, C2Call’s VoIP platform allows users to place local and international phone calls from their homes or offices, saving 80 to 90 percent in comparison to fees charged by traditional phone companies. In February of 2009, C2Call introduced FriendCaller.com into the digital communications marketplace, earning instant recognition for its innovative contribution to the ever-changing social networking industry.

Rather than registering in a closed system online community, FriendCaller.com members gain the power to reach out to any person with access to the Internet. One of many innovations specific to FriendCaller.com, all Callme links perform at optimal capacity operations without necessitating FriendCaller membership on both ends.

Hosted by Amazon.com, C2Call GmbH’s FriendCaller operates based on a patent-pending, integrated module known as Callme links. Callme links establish an instantaneous connection between users and can be sent via instant message or email. In addition to these properties, a person can install Callme links on his or her social media profile or blog. Moreover, nearly every popular browser supports Callme links with no up-front set-up fees whatsoever. FriendCaller’s global Telephone Network comprises over 400 countries and territories spread across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Draper Investment Company – Dialcom Networks & BharatMatrimony.com

Since its early beginnings, Draper Investment Company has funded quality businesses in rapidly growing and emerging industries of the European and Asian technology marketplaces. Two of Draper Investment Company’s many successes are listed below:

Dialcom Networks: One of Draper Investment Company’s portfolio companies, Dialcom Networks, produces cutting-edge, multiuser communication tools, including software that enables instant messaging, multiparty IP videoconferencing, voice over IP and/or teleconference, interactive file sharing, and whiteboarding. Dialcom products, including the company’s popular Spontania collaboration suite, allow for greater corporate in-house and remote communication. Spontania, which is compatible with existing communication infrastructures, provides users with a contact center platform for web-based interaction via texting, voice, video, or remote desktop. Learn more about Dialcom Networks by visiting www.dialcom.com.

BharatMatrimony.com: BharatMatrimony.com is a trusted name in building harmonious relationships, which often result in marriage. The Limca Book of Records listed BharatMatrimony.com as a facilitator of a record number of marriages. Moreover, BharatMatrimony.com was recognized by PC World as the Best Matrimony Website of 2007. BharatMatrimony.com has established a network of marriage bureaus across 22 states in India, as well as over 100 cities in the country. Individuals seeking matchmaking assistance and expertise have access to 36 BharatMatrimony.com locations in India, as well as major operations in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and United Arab Emirates. At www.bharatmatrimony.com, individuals will find more than just matchmaking services – wedding directories, honeymoons specials, pre-marital and marital counseling services, and an insightful relationship blog are all available through the website. Learn why JuxtConsult.com, an online market research firm, rated BharatMatrimony.com as the preferred site for matrimonial searches.

The Draper Family

The Draper family’s involvement in the venture capital industry dates back to 1958 when General William H. Draper, Jr. founded the firm Draper, Gaither & Anderson. The first professional venture capital firm on the West Coast of the United States, Draper, Gaither & Anderson quickly benefited from William H. Draper Jr.’s economic acuity having worked on the reconstruction of Germany and Japan under the Marshall Plan. William H. Draper Jr.’s son, William H. Draper III (Bill Draper), entered the venture capital industry as an associate at his father’s firm shortly after it began operations. Bill Draper left Draper, Gaither & Anderson four years later to co-found Draper and Johnson Investment Company, which enjoyed considerable success. In 1965, Bill Draper partnered with Paul Wythes to found Sutter Hill Ventures. Throughout his career, Draper invested in many important technology companies including Apollo Computer, Activision, Integrated Genetics, Quantum, and Hybritech. In the early 1980s, Bill Draper left the venture capital industry when he was appointed Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Five years later, Bill Draper was chosen to head the United Nations Development Program.

Bill Draper returned to the venture capital industry in 1995 with the inception of Draper International, which was the first U.S. venture capital firm to single out innovative technology companies with ties in both India with a bridge to the West as its primary investment objective. A year later, Bill Draper refocused on American technology companies when he founded Draper Richards L.P. with Robin Richards Donohoe. Inspired by Draper International’s success in India, Bill Draper then launched Draper Investment Company. Draper Investment Company expanded Bill Draper’s international interests, targeting markets and emerging technologies around the globe while locating its management center in Zürich, Switzerland. Focusing on sustainable technical innovation, Draper Investment Company invests in early-stage technology entrepreneurs with motivated and experienced teams. Draper Investment Company’s portfolio includes companies like Plista, Dialcom Networks, and Imagini.

Tim Draper, Bill Draper’s son, embarked on his own venture capital career. In 1985, Tim Draper launched Draper Fisher Jurvetson, an early-stage Silicon Valley venture capital fund that is now a global venture firm with a global network program in several countries.

Draper Investment Company’s Blog

Draper Investment Company is the latest global investment endeavor in a lineage of prestigious investment firms that includes Draper Richards, LP and Draper International. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Draper Investment Company focuses investment efforts on early stage technology companies in an array of international markets.

Draper Investment Company joined the preliminary set of Skype funding. Skype was eventually sold for over a billion dollars, and investors like Draper enjoyed significant returns from their investment. Many businesses bolstered by Draper Investment Company funding and strategic business advisory have experienced successful mergers or acquisitions, including Plazes, which allows users to interact on a unique mobile phone-based social network. Nokia acquired Plazes in 2008.

Investment foresight relies on market experience, and Draper Investment Company draws on years of knowledge obtained by its track record to produce successful forays into early tech company ventures. Draper Investment Company Managing Director Donald Plaisted has served in pivotal management roles for over a decade. In his role as Senior Manager with the Enterprise Risk Services Group of Deloitte & Touche, Mr. Plaisted consulted technology companies that sought venture funding. At Deloitte & Touche, Mr. Plaisted also aided venture funds, conducting investment reviews that helped build important experience for his eventual work with Draper Investment Company.

Prior to joining Draper Investment Company, Don Plaisted developed and reviewed emerging technology solutions for the Information Technology Group of Northrop Grumman. While exploring tech solutions at Northrop Grumman, Mr. Plaisted worked closely on network design, systems integration, project management, and infrastructure management. Donald Plaisted’s collective background in early technology innovation and venture funding consultation provided him with the necessary skill set to manage daily operations for Draper Investment Company.