GoIP International accelerates global expansion supported by Via Venture Partners

Nordic venture fund, Via Venture Partners, invests EUR 2 million (DKK 15 million) in GoIP International ApS and joins the board of directors. Denmark-based GoIP International offers a turnkey Voice over IP (VoIP) system enabling Internet Service Providers, ITSPs and Mobile Virtual Network Operators very quickly to launch a palette of Voice over IP services to their customers.

After years of development GoIP International was founded in 2004 by Ivan Solvason and Stig Skaugvoll, who has held a number of executive positions in the international telecom industry. Ivan Solvason is furthermore the man behind the world’s first “phone in” Interactive Television Game Show “Hugo”, known to more than 400 million people in 43 countries. In 2002, Mr. Solvason sold his interactive game company to a Danish VC after having reached accumulated worldwide revenues of over EUR 100 million, preparing his next venture into the world of IP telephony.

After the investment, GoIP International is owned by its founders, employees and Via Venture Partners. The venture investment will mainly be spent on strengthening the international sales force and further software development of the VoIP system. GoIP already has implemented and supports VoIP systems in Denmark and the U.S. and with a strong pipeline across Europe, GoIP International expects to see significant revenue growth over the coming years.

"GoIP’s flexible VoIP system matches the market’s need for fast implementation, competitive pricing and limited upfront investments. GoIP operates in a growing market and is managed by a very experienced and skilled team, and we therefore expect a lot from this company. GoIP’s solution has great international potential which we would like to exploit" says Via Venture Partners Principal Jakob Rybak-Andersen, who will join the board of GoIP.
“GoIP fits very well into our strategy with focus on investments in software and communication, and we are ready to provide additional growth funds if GoIP and the industry develop as expected,” adds Rybak-Andersen.

Ivan Solvason, CEO, GoIP International says: "We are very glad that Via Venture Partners has joined the company. With a strong financial partner like VIA and the expertise it provide, we are convinced that we will meet our aggressive targets over the coming years.”

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GoIP International in brief:
GoIP International is a global groundbreaker in delivering complete Private Label VoIP systems and professional solutions for pre-paid and post-paid Voice over IP for the consumer and business market. GoIP International has successfully implemented VoIP systems for Global Carriers, ISP's, Internet Portals, Call Shops and Mobile phone companies, which are now operating 24/7/365 days of the year. “VoIP in a Box” solution includes full pre-paid, post-paid billing, web front and backend, customer handling and support modules, soft switch and offers A-Z routing to all international destinations on a hosted or non-hosted platform.

Via Venture Partners in brief:
Via Venture Partners, established early 2006, is a multistage venture investor in the Nordic market to software and communication growth companies. With DKK 1 billion under management Via Venture Partners is one of the biggest Nordic players in the software/communication segment. The main part of Via Venture Partners Fond I K/S's DKK 1 billion equity is contributed by ATP (Denmark’s largest pension scheme), while the remaining derives from issue of employee shares. Via Venture Partners has great focus and know how on all aspects of Nordic companies venturing into international business.