By YOKE HAR LEE
Zeacom, formerly Voice Technology, has just raised $2 million from two venture capitalists, allowing it to speed up entry into United States, Australian and Asian markets.
The money came in equal shares from Hontung Venture Capital Fund of Taiwan and the New Zealand-based Caltech Development Fund.
Hontung is the venture capital arm of Acer, the world's sixth-largest computer firm. The investment will give Hontung 11 per cent of Zeacom.
Zeacom managing director Miles Valentine said the company planned to set up a distribution company in the US.
Zeacom develops telecommunications solutions. Its two key products are Paradigm and Q-Master. Paradigm links a telephone mailbox to a computer, allowing calls to be managed from the computer. Q-Master is a call-centre manager.
Douglas Paul, director at Caltech Capital Partners, the company managing the Caltech Development Fund, said: "We look for investment growth of 50-100 per cent per annum, and we are confident this company can provide it."
Caltech has also recently announced a co-investment with Nomura Jaffco, an international venture fund, in an Australian software developer.
Mr Miles said Caltech and Hontung would add value by their involvement in Zeacom's international growth. Zeacom would also be able to use the two venture capital companies' networks for future capital funding.
Zeacom has three permanent staff in California, but Mr Valentine, who will move to America in February to set up operations, said the company would be expanding its US presence.
It has also rebranded itself.
"We know in many respects we are ahead of the US market. Our product range is constantly developing - particularly in areas such as integration with the internet - and we need an image to fit this competitive advantage."
Zeacom gains funds to expand
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