Open Source push email and synchronizing mobile service Funambol gained some attention for its alternative option to the somewhat pricey new MobileMe service that has replaced Apple's .Mac, and now announces a Series B round of funding of $12.5 million.
Led by Nexit Ventures, the round also included new investor Castile Ventures, and existing investors Walden International and HIG Ventures. That brings Funambol's total amount of funding to a good-sized $25 million. According to Funambol, the latest round will go towards continued growth in its current sector, as well as research and development and accelerated global expansion, to be focused on Europe and Asia. Nexit partner Michel Wendell will also join Funambol's board of directors, with Castile general partner Carl Stjernfeldt joining as an observer.
Supporting a number of phones from manufacturers like Apple, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, LG and Sony Ericsson, Funambol is yet another company looking to provide easy to use push mobile and sync services beyond the smartphone, for free (i.e. ad-supported), similar to BlueWhale. Funambol targets businesses for implementation of its synchronizing features within their companies. AOL is one such company that has taken Funambol up on its offer.
Along with the announcement of Funambol's funding, we also learned that AOL has selected Funambol to help with synchronization of its own online and mobile mail. With ad deals with companies like Amobee Media Systems and Smaato, Funambol is really looking to make the mobile push email experience quite similar to the experience we've all grown accustomed to online.